While doing so, he pities the old woman and admires her for her persistence in a life of hardship. Alfred is jolted out of his daydreaming when the cakes fall and burn.
As Alfred continues to ponder the old woman's situation, he feels a sense of pity and admiration for her ability to thrive in a world marked by hardship. His daydreaming is abruptly halted when the cakes he was baking turn out to be burnt offerings.