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.