He wondered what in the world San Benavides was saying that his chatter should be so interesting, and he acknowledged with a pang that Iris was deliberately avoiding his own occasional glances in her direction.
There is no saying what would have happened had he known that the Brazilian was relating the scene that took place on the bridge, suppressing its prime motive, and twisting it greatly to Hozier's detriment, though with an adroit touch that deprived Iris of any power to resent his words.

Indeed, she read her own meaning into Philip's anxiety to reach Pernambuco, whereas San Benavides was striving to instill the belief that she would find excellent friends at Maceio.
She was far too loyal-hearted to suspect Philip of a hidden purpose in urging that the voyage should end in one port rather than another.

But she could not forget that he said repeatedly they would be married in Pernambuco.

Indeed, the promise had a glamour of its own, even though it could never be fulfilled.

More than once her cheeks glowed with a rush of color that San Benavides attributed to his own delightful personality, and, when she paled again, his voice sank to a deeply sympathetic note.
And here came Watts, rejuvenated, having imbibed many pints of the despised lager, and humming gaily: Beware, Beware! Trust her not! She is foo-oo-ooling thee! Confound the fellow.