How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It is hardly my fault if his lordship's life and work have turned out today to look, at best, a sad waste—and it is quite illogical that I should feel any regret or shame on my own account. (6.346)
Again, Stevens rejects the possibility that he is guilty for his employer's faults. But is he really so blameless? And does he believe his own excuses? (See Quote #9 below.)
Quote #8
"But I suppose you wouldn't, Stevens, because you're not curious. You just let all this go on before you and you never think to look at it for what it is." (7.172)
Mr. Cardinal challenges Stevens here: just because Stevens turned a blind eye on Lord Darlington's activities does not mean he is innocent. Stevens, according to Mr. Cardinal, is guilty of another failing: of refusing to do anything about an injustice.
Quote #9
"[…] You see, I trusted. I trusted in his lordship's wisdom. All those years I served him, I trusted I was doing something worthwhile. I can't even say I made my own mistakes. Really—one has to ask oneself—what dignity is there in that?"
At this point, Stevens reevaluates his position and seems to have taken Mr. Cardinal's words to heart (see Quote #8).