Obsession

Subject:  Obsession
Quote:  “Naomi is coming too,” said the Duchess…. That girl wants taking out of herself.  She’s very selfish.  Not exactly self-centered, but totally indifferent to everyone and everything.  Don’t you agree?”
            “I don’t think that’s possible,” said Mr. Satterthwaite slowly.  “I mean, everyone’s interest must go somewhere.  There are, of course, the people who revolve round themselves—but I agree with you, she’s not one of that kind.  She’s totally uninterested in herself.  And yet she’s got a strong character—there must be something.  I thought at first it was her art—but it isn’t.  I’ve never met anyone so detached from life.  That’s—dangerous.”
            “Dangerous?  What do you mean?”
            “[I]t must be an obsession of some kind, and obsessions are always dangerous.”
Character:  The Duchess of Leith and Mr. Satterthwaite
Chapter/Story:  “The World’s End”
Book Title/Copyright:  The Mysterious Mr. Quin, 1930