Stevens

"I have been content to remain in my place."

"What could I possibly hope to achieve by venturing to such a place?"

"One doesn't establish a personal relationship with a car."

"The great houses of England are the backbone of our civilization."

"I can't even say I made my own mistakes, really."

"I have lived my life on the assumption that the professional duty comes first."

"I hope I am not too old to begin a new chapter."

"It is hardly likely that I will ever find myself in that position again."

"There's nothing to be done about it."

"I have long considered myself to have little interest in such matters."

"One cannot be forever looking back to the past."

"Miss Kenton and I conducted our professional relationship with great propriety."

"I don't believe I ever had much of a talent for improvisation."

"The true measure of a butler is his ability to remain composed."

"I have perhaps been over-cautious in my restraint."

"One simply carries on with one's duties."

"Such feelings are perhaps not compatible with a butler's role."

"I have dedicated myself to the pursuit of perfection in my profession."

"It was not appropriate for me to involve myself in such discussions."

"Perhaps it is just another of my mistakes to come here."

"I must say, the countryside is rather beautiful."

"One does not employ one's memory to indulge in wild speculation."

"I cannot see the slightest reason why I should abandon my position now."

"The question is whether one wishes to challenge the existing order."

"I have chosen to devote myself entirely to my work."

"It is not a simple matter to face one's choices."

"Perhaps that is what makes the situation so impossible."

"One must not become sentimental about the past."

"I have always believed that a butler must maintain certain standards."

"It hardly seems the moment for levity."