Also, I think when the morning comes, you'll be ashamed of this foolery." He spoke with studied coldness.

He knew the value of a firm front when facing odds.

But he did not know the fiery soul of the man before him, or realize that contempt poured upon outraged pride is as spirit poured upon flame.
He saw the devil in Piers' eyes too late to change his tactics.

Almost in the same moment the last shred of Piers' self-control vanished like smoke in a gale.

He uttered a fearful oath and sprang upon Tudor like an animal freed from a leash.
The struggle that followed was furious if brief.