'Of course,' she said and, with sudden surprising firmness in her step, she moved towards the ballroom.

Maxwell gripped my arm with surprising firmness, as if to say, hold on.

There was a surprising firmness in his grasp.

"Then you stay with the twins," he said with surprising firmness.

For a man long accustomed to a pompous indolence the Governor moved with surprising firmness and determination.

Before the marshal could answer, frail old Lothian leaned forward at his side to speak with surprising firmness and resonance.

Frail old Lothian straightened in his seat, speaking up with surprising firmness.

"Thanks, Gloria, there's really no need," he cut in with surprising firmness.

But Calazar, speaking with surprising firmness, vetoed such a possibility.

"I'm not certain of all she had in mind, Sir," he said with surprising firmness.