In this passage, Robert Childan observes Betty with admiration, captivated by her appearance and physique. He finds her slender form particularly attractive and notes the absence of conventional constraints like bras or girdles, which he associates with a sense of freedom and beauty. Despite his desire for her, he struggles to suppress his feelings, feeling inferior in comparison to her. Childan is struck by the contrast between their appearances, reflecting a deeper sense of inadequacy.

Childan's thoughts reveal his belief that he and his peers are imperfect, akin to unfinished pottery, while Betty and her kind seem complete and perfect. This comparison highlights his envy and longing, rooted in a cultural context that values certain ideals of beauty and existence. The mention of an "old aboriginal myth" suggests a connection to deeper truths about identity and self-worth, illuminating Childan's internal conflict between desire and societal expectations.