I haven't Mallard's detachment.

That seems to you a paltry confession of weakness." "No, indeed.

I am told that Mr.Mallard is quite exceptional in his power of disregarding everything but his work." "Exceptional in many things, no doubt.

I must seem very insignificant in comparison." "Why should you?
Mr.Mallard is so much older; he has long been fixed in his course." "Older, yes," assented Elgar, with satisfaction.

"Perhaps at his age I too may have done something worth doing." "Who could doubt it ?" "It does me good to hear you say that!" He moved from his distant place, and threw himself in one of his usual careless attitudes on a nearer chair.