They had adjoining tables, and after a coldly acknowledged greeting, Ferragut had a good look at the two ladies who were speaking very little and in a low tone, fearing to be overheard by their neighbor.
Upon looking at the older one without her veils, he found his original impression confirmed.

In other times, perhaps, she might have destroyed the peace of male admirers, but she could now continue her hostile and distant attitude with impunity.

The captain was not at all affected by it.
She must have been over forty.

Her excessive flesh still had a certain freshness, the result of hygienic care and gymnastic exercise.

On the other hand, her white complexion showed underneath it a yellowish subcutaneous, granular condition that looked as though made up of particles of bran.