In recounting his relationship with Dora, David often adopts a gently self-deprecating tone. It's clear, for example, that in retrospect he views his instantaneous "love" for Dora with some amusement and skepticism; at least at this early stage of the relationship, his feelimgs have more to do with infatuation than with genuine love. However, there's also a strong element of nostalgia clouding these memories, and therefore a suggestion that David may partly regret the loss of this more innocent and enthusiastic self.