He told himself in a moment that it was not her usual laugh. He could not for his life have defined the difference, but there it was. Before he saw her he knew that Roland Tresham was with her, and in a moment or two they came suddenly within his vision. Denas was walking a little straighter than usual, and Roland was bending toward her. He was gay, laughing, finely dressed; he was doing his best to attract the girl who walked so proudly, so apart, and yet so happily beside him. Penelles went forward to meet them. As they approached Denas smiled, and the young man called out:
"Hello, Penelles! How do you do? And what's the news? And how is the fishing? I was just bringing Denas home--and hoping to see you."
"Aw, then, sir, you can see for yourself how I be, and the news be none, and the fishing be plenty."
"St. Penfer harbour is not much of a place, Penelles. I was just telling Denas about London."
"St. Penfer be a hard little place, but it do give us a living, sir; a honest living, thank God! Come, Denas, my dear."
As he spoke he gently took the girl's hand, and with a perfectly civil "Good-evening, sir," turned with her homeward.
"Too fast, Penelles; I am going with you."
"Much obliged; not to-night, sir. It be getting late. Say good-evening, Denas."
There was something so final about the man's manner that Roland was compelled to accept the dismissal, but it deeply offended him, and the unreasonable anger opened the door for evil thoughts; and evil thoughts--having a cursed and powerful vitality--immediately began to take form and to make plans for their active gratification. Denas walked silently down the narrow path before her father. He could see by the way she carried herself and by the swing of the little basket in her hand that she was vexed, and he had a sense of injustice in her attitude which he could not define, but which wounded his great loving heart deeply. At last they reached the shingle, and he strode to her side.
"You be in a great hurry now, Denas," he said.
"What is it, dear? Father will do as well."
"No, he won't. Father is cruel cross to-night, and thinking wrong of his girl and wrong of others who meant no wrong."
"Then I be sorry enough, Denas. Come, my dear, we won't quarrel for a bad man like Roland Tresham."