The quote humorously highlights a past incident where Mr. Shaughnessy's wife's jealousy led to an embarrassing situation. It suggests that his flirtatious behavior has consequences, as his wife reacted by substituting his denture cream with a rather inappropriate product. This exchange portrays a playful yet serious undercurrent about the challenges of trust in relationships.

The reference to denture cream and hemorrhoidal ointment serves to emphasize the absurdity and potential fallout of flirtation, suggesting that his actions could lead to more significant issues in their marriage. It illustrates the complexities of love, jealousy, and the need for open communication between partners.