Why is the following quote from chapter 4&5 important?

Why is the following quote from chapter 4&5 important?

“Through the wall there came to me a little wheezing sound, and I guessed that he was weeping. For some reason, I don’t know what, I began thinking of Mother. But I had to get up early next day; so, as I wasn’t feeling hungry, I did without supper, and went straight to bed.”