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. Why could he not chant the piratical doggerel
that Coke abhorred? That, at least, would have been more appropriate
to present surroundings? But would it? Ah, Philip felt a twinge then.
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