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.