The protagonist reflects on a passage from a biography of Anthony Trollope that he is reading. In this passage, Trollope critiques the somber sermons that encourage abandoning worldly pleasures for the sake of an imagined heavenly reward. He questions the reasoning behind such sacrifices by pointing out the beauty of women, suggesting that the allure of these earthly joys may contradict the sermons' messages.

This moment of introspection highlights the tension between religious teachings and the appreciation of life's pleasures. It invites readers to consider the value of enjoyment and beauty in life even amidst moralistic discouragements. The protagonist's memory of Trollope’s insightful question serves as a reminder that life's delights can coexist with spiritual beliefs.