[If anything, it's the smile and cheerful question that causes him pause, rather than her hiding her hands. A nice, innocent person would express their condolences or at least be surprised (he knows this because he knows some nice, innocent people). How mean, to not feel sorry for Sebastian.]
Yes, quite. I do apologise for allowing matters to remain like this in your presence. [A paying hotel guest, good grief. And he's apparently never going to know her name, not that he seems to mind that part.]