There was no outward expression of rebellion in his speech, yet he enlarged on the grievances of the time.

That speech was an ominous indication of coming events.
"Who is that man ?" Robert asked.
"Nathaniel Bacon," was the answer.
This was the first time he had ever seen the man so noted in history as the great Virginia rebel, yet from the very first Robert was strangely impressed with the earnestness of the stranger.
Bacon had been chosen as commander of the Virginians, and had sent to Berkeley for his commission.

The governor did not refuse the commission; but he did what practically amounted to the same, failed to send it.

It was to this that Bacon was referring when Robert Stevens and his friends joined the group.
"Instead of sending the commission which I desired, he hath politely notified me that the times are troubled," Bacon said, "that the issue of my business might be dangerous, that, unhappily, my character and fortunes might become imperiled if I proceed.

The commission is refused; his complimentary expressions amount to nothing; the veil is too thin to impose on us; the Indians are still ravaging the frontier.