In fact, it seemed to him that he could almost hear the wedding bells ringing already. Then, coming out of his dreams, he realized that it was the telephone.
The protagonist appears to be lost in a daydream about love and marriage, picturing the joyous sound of wedding bells. This moment reflects his hopeful and romantic mindset, suggesting he is deeply invested in the idea of a wedding. However, the mood is suddenly interrupted by the real-world sound of a ringing telephone, pulling him back to reality.
This contrast between his dreamy fantasies and the mundane interruption highlights the tension between aspiration and reality. The telephone call signifies a shift away from his ideal thoughts, reminding him that life’s responsibilities and distractions can often disrupt our daydreams.