This passage shows that the novel is headed toward a happy ending. All of the novel’s protagonists are rewarded for their kindness and generosity with good fortune. That doesn’t happen because the universe rewards justice. Instead, the novel argues that acting with kindness and generosity will lead one to form meaningful relationships with both friends and family members. Those relationships then become the basis for a meaningfully fulfilling life. Nicholas represents that approach, while Ralph represents the opposite approach of prioritizing greed and selfishness over kindness and generosity.