Only Maruja and her mother knew that he was recalled to refute a repetition of the gossip already circulated regarding his sudden withdrawal; only Maruja alone knew the subtle words which made that call so potent yet so hopeless.
Maruja's quick eyes, observant of everything, even under the double fire of Captain Carroll and Garnier, instantly caught those of the erect figure on the bench in the veranda.

Surely that was the face of the tramp she had spoken to! and yet there was a change, not only in the dress but in the general resemblance.

After the first glance, Guest withdrew his eyes and gazed at the other figures in the char-a-bancs without moving a muscle.
Maruja's whims and caprices were many and original; and when, after a sudden little cry and a declaration that she could stand her cramped position no longer, she leaped from the box into the road, no one was surprised.

Garnier and Captain Carroll quickly followed.
"I should like to look into the fonda while the horses are being watered," she said, laughingly, "just to see what it is that attracts Pereo there so often." Before any one could restrain this new caprice, she was already upon the veranda.
To reach the open door, she had to pass so near Guest that her soft white flounces brushed his knees, and the flowers in her girdle left their perfume in his face.

But he neither moved nor raised his eyes.
When she had passed, he rose quietly and stepped into the road.
On her nearer survey, Maruja was convinced it was the same man.