He did not "enthuse," and he did not
despair; he kept his head.
Presently there were fluctuations in favour of Carnac, and the six
hundred by which Barouche led were steadily swallowed up; he saw that
among the places which gave Carnac a majority were the Island and the
Mill. He was also nonplussed by Carnac's coolness. For a man with an
artist's temperament, he was well controlled. When he came into the room,
he went straight to Barouche and shook hands with him, saying they'd soon
offer congratulations to the winner. As the meeting took place the agent
did not fail to note how alike in build and manner were the two men, how
similar were their gestures.
When at last the Returning Officer announced the result, the agent dared
not glance at his defeated chief. Yet he saw him go to Carnac and offer a
hand.
"We've had a straight fight, Grier, and I hope you'll have luck in
Parliament. This is no place for me. It's your game, and I'll eat my sour
bread alone."
He motioned to the window with a balcony, beyond which were the shouting
thousands. Then he smiled at Carnac, and in his heart he was glad he had
not used the facts about Luzanne before the public. The boy's face was so
glowing that his own youth came back, and a better spirit took residence
in him.
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