The narrator describes a scene where five old photographs of the Lisbon girls are displayed, seemingly forgotten yet still present. These images, pinned up with rusty tacks, have faded over time, obscuring the details and leaving only glowing outlines of the girls' bodies. This effect creates an eerie, almost mystical feeling, emphasizing the passage of time and memory.

The comparison of the girls' outlines to letters from an unknown alphabet suggests a deeper meaning, as their identities and stories remain elusive and unattainable. The photographs serve as a haunting reminder of their existence, representing both beauty and tragedy, which resonates throughout the novel.