I can only assume that the "professional tint" of the
Duchess' cheeks refers to her profession as a prostitute and the amount of makeup that
she regularly used to attract her customers. The fact that her cheeks were visibly
reddened through the thick makeup suggests that she was highly embarrassed. The remark
that reddened her cheeks was an innocent one made by Piney (who did not know the
Duchess' true profession), concerning her tasteful arrangement of the dilapidated
cabin.
“I
reckon now you're used to fine things at Poker Flat,” said
Piney.
An unintentionally
ironic statement, Piney meant it as a compliment, thinking the Duchess was a classy
woman used the finer things of life. Although Mother Shipton (the Duchess' madam) told
Piney to stop her "chatter" for fear of starting trouble, the three women were soon
filled with "happy laughter."
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