But indeed the interest was not all pretence.

These two men had something in common, as Sutch had pointed out at the moment of their meeting--the abrupt termination of a promising career.

One of the two was old, the other comparatively young, and the younger man was most curious to discover how his elder had managed to live through the dragging profitless years alone.

The same sort of lonely life lay stretched out before Durrance, and he was anxious to learn what alleviations could be practised, what small interests could be discovered, how best it could be got through.
"You don't live within sight of the sea," he said at last as they stood together, after making the round of the garden, at the door.
"No, I dare not," said Sutch, and Durrance nodded his head in complete sympathy and comprehension.
"I understand.

You care for it too much.