At first he favored Iris with a deprecatingly admiring glance, as one who would say, "Dear lady, accept my profound regret and respectful homage." But that phase quickly passed.

His leader was not a man to waste words, and the gallant captain's expressive face soon showed that he had grasped the essential facts.

They did not please him.

In fact, he was distinctly cowed, almost stunned, by his companion's revelations.
It fell to De Sylva to explain matters to his unexpected guests.
"My friend agrees with me that it is only fair that the exact position should be revealed to you," he said, addressing Coke, though a dignified gesture invited the others to share his confidence.
"It don't take much tellin'," began Coke.

De Sylva silenced him with an emphatic hand.
"Please attend.