There was, however, so much
of the comedienne in her, so much coquetry, that only one who knew her
well could have seen the things that troubled her behind all. As though
to punish herself, she began to speak of Tarboe, and Mrs. Grier's face
clouded; she spoke more of Tarboe, and the gloom deepened. Then, with the
mask of coquetry still upon her she left Carnac's mother abashed,
sorrowful and alone.
Tarboe had called in her absence. Entering the garden, he saw Denzil at
work. At the click of the gate Denzil turned, and came forward.
"She ain't home," he said bluntly. "She's out. She ain't here. She's up
at Mr. Grier's house, bien sur."
To Tarboe Denzil's words were offensive. It was none of Denzil's business
whether he came or went in this house, or what his relations with Junia
were. Democrat though he was, he did not let democracy transgress his
personal associations. He knew that the Frenchman was less likely to say
and do the crude thing than the Britisher.
Tarboe knew of the position held by Denzil in the Shale household; and
that long years of service had given him authority. All this, however,
could not atone for the insolence of Denzil's words, but he had
controlled men too long to act rashly.
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