* "What foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams..." This line suggests that Gatsby's parties, while glamorous and seemingly joyful, leave a residue of something unpleasant and even morally questionable. The "dust" symbolizes the emptiness and superficiality that surrounds Gatsby's pursuit of his lost love, Daisy.
* "...that temporarily closed out my interest in abortive sorrows and short-winded elations..." Nick's initial fascination with Gatsby's world is quickly overshadowed by the realization that these parties are a façade. The "abortive sorrows and short-winded elations" refer to the shallow emotions and fleeting pleasures that characterize the lives of Gatsby's guests.
* "...men..." The quote implies that the emptiness and moral ambiguity are not limited to Gatsby himself, but also extend to the people who attend his parties.
Overall, the quote highlights the disillusionment Nick experiences as he witnesses Gatsby's lavish parties and the ultimately hollow pursuit of the American Dream. It suggests that the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to a kind of moral decay, leaving a trail of emptiness and disappointment.