In this passage, the narrator describes a moment of vulnerability experienced by a young woman after a conflict with her mother. Although she has been crying, she tries to hide her swollen eyes from the narrator, revealing a sense of shame about her appearance. This reaction highlights her sensitivity and the complex nature of their relationship.

The narrator expresses a deep appreciation for her emotional state, finding beauty in her flushed cheeks and tear-stained features. His regret about her desire to conceal her vulnerability suggests a longing for a more genuine connection where he could provide comfort. This internal conflict emphasizes the themes of desire and the intricacies of human emotions in Nabokov's work.