It might be expected that Iris would show some sign of dismay, owing to this unlooked-for violence.

But she was now beyond the reach of merely feminine emotions.

She had protested against the kicking of Watts because it seemed to lack motive, because Watts was helpless, and because she herself was half-delirious at the time.

Olsen's attitude, on the other hand, hinted at mutiny, and mutiny must be repressed at any cost.
De Sylva's incisive accents helped to bridge a moment fraught with possibilities, for it would be idle to assume that this polyglot gathering was composed of Bayards.

Self-preservation is apt to prove stronger than chivalry under such circumstances.