His expression did not change when he saw her, and as he stood with his back to the light, his small eyes were quite invisible in his face.
"What news ?" he asked calmly, as he closed the door and came forward into the room.

"Is all going well ?" His breath, as he spoke, blew the clouds of smoke from his face in thin puffs.
"If you wish things to go well," answered Matilde, "leave everything to me.

Do not interfere.

You have an unlucky hand." She sat down in the corner of the sofa, taking a book from the table, but not yet opening it.

He smoked in silence for a moment.
"Yes," he said, presently.