The protagonist reflects on his feelings of longing and regret, particularly regarding his daughter, Geraldine. He is distracted by a young hatcheck girl who reminds him of her age, but instead of feeling genuine desire, he experiences a sense of melancholy. The imagery of distant ringing evokes a feeling of lost opportunity and unreachable desires, highlighting the internal conflict between attraction and the responsibilities he feels towards his daughter.

This passage captures a poignant moment where the protagonist grapples with his emotions, suggesting that his longing is tinged with sadness. The contrast between the youthful allure of the hatcheck girl and the protagonist's somber realizations amplifies the theme of missed connections and the complexities of desire, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of his feelings and the choices that have led him to this point.