noon
Strange and sad and eventful had been that young life thus far . What strange new thing had Fate in store for her now ? The Idaho dropped anchor at San Lucas and put off a passenger and took on the mails -- two bags with flanks as flat as the sandy strand on which the long white line of breakers beat in ceaseless , soothing melody . The broad blue ocean glistened under the sunshine of another day , and late in the afternoon one or two pallid and attenuated shapes were aided to the deck , where Pancha had been reclining ever since noon , and the captain had come and rallied her upon her big , pathetic eyes and hollow cheeks , and coaxed her to promise to play her guitar that evening , and the purser had been polite and the stewardess had brought up an appetizing lunch , and Colonel Turnbull put in an appearance toward sundown -LRB- a grewsome face was his -RRB- and all this time Mr. Loring was either briskly pacing the deck or reading in a sheltered nook back of the purser 's cabin , but never once did he address her or intrude upon her meditations , and Pancha 's spirits and courage -- or was it innate coquetry ? -- began to ferment . That evening no less than five passengers appeared at table , though all five did not remain through the several courses . That evening Pancha was again tucked in her chair , and Cousin Inez was aided from her room and placed beside her , and very attentive was Mr. Traynor , the purser , though fair Inez was but languid and unresponsive still , and kept her veil about her face , and Colonel Turnbull came and poured champagne for both with lavish hand , and vowed it was specific against further assaults of the salty seas , and still Mr. Loring never spoke a word .