*Ofelia, Malvina, Etelvina, Coralina*: heroines of the various books *de forro colorado* that Matilde has been reading.
*que conservo en polvo*: 'that I keep although there is nothing left of it but dust' (or ashes).
ESCENA CUARTA
*como quien dice*: 'as you might say.'
*Hace que se va*: 'pretends to go.'
ESCENA QUINTA
*el mismo que viste y calza*: 'fine and dandy'; 'as big as life.' The correct expression is *vestido y calzado*.
ESCENA SÉPTIMA
*A buena hora, mangas verdes*: 'nice time for that.' Cf. the similar expression *buenas son mangas después de pascua* 'it's high time, but better late than never.'