It annoyed and alarmed her. While giving her full attention to the
management of the sleigh, she was beginning to dread the first words of
this man, who was merely wielding a cheap power acquired in the shady
course of his career. There is nothing so disarming as the assumed air
of intimate knowledge of one's private thoughts and actions. De
Chauxville assumed this air with a skill against which Catrina's dogged
strength of character was incapable of battling. His manner conveyed the
impression that he knew more of Catrina's inward thoughts than any other
living being, and she was simple enough to be frightened into the
conclusion that she had betrayed herself to him. There is no simpler
method of discovering a secret than to ignore its existence.
It is possible that De Chauxville became aware of Catrina's sidelong
glances of anxiety in his direction. He may have divined that silence
was more effective than speech.
He sat looking straight in front of him, as if too deeply absorbed in
his own thoughts to take even a passing interest in the scenery.
"Why did you come here?" asked Catrina suddenly.
De Chauxville seemed to awake from a revery. He turned and looked at her
in assumed surprise. They were on the high-road now, where the snow was
beaten down, so conversation was easy.
"But--to see you, mademoiselle.
Pages:
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281