The narrator experiences a profound emotional response to a woman's smile, which brings light and warmth to his bleak surroundings. The attic room he describes is filled with despair, yet her smile feels like a rare gift, making him feel a deep connection and an overwhelming desire to keep her near. Despite the challenges he faces, including worries about money and his living situation, this moment of joy overshadows his anxieties.

In this moment, the narrator finds solace in the beauty of the woman's presence, which momentarily distracts him from his troubling circumstances. His feelings are complicated, as he grapples with fears of returning to a harsh environment if life doesn't improve. Nevertheless, the enchantment of the moment allows him to forget his worries and cherish the connection he feels with her, leading him to view her as angelic and worth the risk of vulnerability.