with this proclamation , the pores on the tip of her nose dilated excessively as the slabs of skin overhanging them flapped in trills and ruffled percussively like the music of sails in a harbor breeze ; at this , her hitherto stoic aide let out a snort of relief and mild contentment , as he could now see the futility of suffering any further the inner tumult of a disillusioned soul in the face of overwhelming hypocrisy .