Answer:
You understand the person who's speaking this speech's feelings through their voice and their feelings through their voice. Hearing their passion inspires more in a person than reading up on thier passion on a page
Explanation:
The setting which begins to answer your question is the sentence that begins "Most conversations between husband and wife ... " this is near the beginning.
The real core of your question comes with "This aloofness ... " which shows how he handles the disputes with his wife. This is followed by "He attained this by ... " which tells exactly how the aloofness came about. Finally he surrounds himself with people that insulate him from the fights he has will his wife. His bridge games probably insure that he does not have to talk to her.
On hearing that you were leaving, the memories return to me speedily, as I remember the past and history, the experiences and the pleasures, the sadness and loneliness. However, even in my anguish, i still look forward to a new day, a new beginning.
hope this helps