The excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" reveals that the narrator is focused on helping his friend, Usher, who is experiencing melancholy. This shows that the narrator is compassionate and caring towards Usher. The narrator's actions of trying to alleviate Usher's sadness indicate a sense of loyalty and concern for his friend's well-being. Additionally, the fact that the narrator doesn't mention the lady's name during this time suggests that his primary concern is Usher's emotional state rather than any other distractions. This highlights the narrator's empathy and dedication to supporting his friend through difficult times.