The woman did not know what to say, except to praise her boy, and the girl asked questions cheerfully, unimportantly as to sound, but with every nerve tingling.

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.