The discovery of some toy duck in the soap dish, presumably the property of some former juvenile visitor, contributed not a little to this new and happier frame of mind. What with one thing and another, I hadn't played with toy ducks in my bath for years, and I found the novel experience most invigorating. For the benefit of those interested, I may mention that if you shove the thing under the surface with the sponge and then let it go, it shoots out of the water in a manner calculated to divert the most careworn. Ten minutes of this and I was enabled to return to the bedchamber much more the merry old Bertram.
The narrator experiences a shift in mood after discovering a toy duck in a soap dish, likely left by a child. This unexpected find brings back memories of playful times and revives a sense of joy, as he reflects on how he hasn’t played with such toys in years. This whimsical moment serves as a reminder of innocence and fun, leading him to feel more lighthearted.
Diving into the experience of playing with the rubber duck, he describes how immersing it underwater and watching it burst back to the surface is an entertaining distraction. After spending just ten minutes indulging in this simple pleasure, he feels rejuvenated and more cheerful, ready to face his day with a lighter heart. This illustrates how small, seemingly trivial moments can significantly uplift one's spirit.