Read the excerpt from The Jester's Sword by Annie Fellows Johnston. Then answer the question that follows.
And as he journeyed on he pictured often to himself the day of his returning, the day on which his vow should find fulfillment. How wide the gates would be thrown open for his welcome! How loud would swell the cheers of those who thronged to do him honor! His dreams were always of that triumphal entrance, and of Vesta's approving smile. Never once the shadow of a thought stole through his mind that it might be far otherwise. Was not he born for conquest? Did not the very stars foretell success?
The connotation of the bolded words and phrases creates a certain mood in this passage. Which word best represents that mood?
confidence
Despair
Impossibility
Uneasiness
