Waythorn felt himself yielding again to the joy of possessorship. They were his, those white hands with their flitting motions, his the light haze of hair, the lips and eyes.
-- Narration (N/A)

Importance: Although this line has an almost innocuous tone, it indicates some unnerving, unhealthy dynamics within Waythorn's view of Alice. Waythorn appears to view Alice more as a possession than as an equal. Throughout the story, this unhealthy viewpoint contributes to Waythorn's own feelings of jealousy and paranoia, and they ultimately harm his marital relationship.

Varick bore himself admirably. He was easy without being undignified, and Waythorn was conscious of cutting a much less impressive figure.
-- Narration (N/A)

Importance: When Mr. Sellers asks Waythorn to accept Varick as a client, Waythorn does so out of a sense of professional courtesy. However, as this line of narration reveals, his outward professionalism is at odds with his internal feelings of discomfort and insecurity. This moment is...