The character McCoo arrives at a hotel in Ramsdale, visibly distressed and wet, revealing that his home has just been destroyed by fire. This incident seems connected to the turmoil he has been experiencing internally, suggesting a deeper, more personal conflict. The vivid imagery of his emotional state contrasts sharply with the tragic news he brings.
The situation underscores a theme of chaos and destruction, both externally in the physical world and internally within McCoo. Nabokov skillfully intertwines McCoo's personal grief with the chaos surrounding him, reflecting the complex interplay between one's inner emotional landscape and external circumstances.