Lackington, where he was forced into the unwelcome company of his
future brother-in-law, to meet with courteous, deferential treatment
from that imperturbable gentleman.

Wilding, indeed, seemed to have forgotten that any quarrel had ever
existed between them. For the rest, he came and went, supremely calm,
as if he were, and knew himself to be, most welcome at Lupton House.
Thrice in the course of that week of waiting he rode over from Zoyland
Chase to pay his duty to Mistress Westmacott, and Ruth was persuaded
on each occasion by her aunt and cousin to receive him. Indeed, how
could she well refuse?

His manner was ever all that could be desired. Gallant, affectionate,
deferential. He was in word and look and tone Ruth's most obedient
servant. Had she been less prejudiced she must have admired the
admirable restraint with which he kept all exultation from his manner,
for, after all, it is difficult to force a victory as he had forced
his, and not to triumph.

It is to be feared that during that week he neglected a good deal
of his duty to the Duke, leaving Trenchard to supply his place and
undertake tasks of a seditious nature that should have been his own.

At heart, however, in spite of the stories current and the militia at
Taunton, Wilding remained convinced - as did most of the other leading
partisans of the Protestant Cause - that no such madness as this
premature landing could be in contemplation by the Duke. Besides,
were it so, they must unfailingly have definite word of it; and they
had none.