Nor did he think of Celia any more, though he could sometimes remember having dreamt of her. If only he had been able to think of her, he would not have needed to dream of her.
The character reflects a sense of detachment from Celia, indicating that she has faded from his thoughts. He acknowledges that while he occasionally dreams of her, those dreams are not a substitute for real memories or feelings. This suggests a loss or absence that he cannot fully grasp.
If he were able to genuinely think about Celia, it implies that he would not need to rely on dreams to reconnect with her. The longing for a different reality highlights a deeper sense of regret or missed connection in their relationship, emphasizing the complexity of memory and emotional experience.