Inactivity always leads to introspection, and I'm simply no good when I'm not doing something. It will be splendid to fall asleep utterly exhausted from a long, strenuous slog.

The Birthday Boys, p. 91

Self is surprised that Bainbridge chose to make Scott only the third chapter (aren't there two more to go?). Being the leader of the Antarctica expedition, self thought that Bainbridge would give Scott the last word. Apparently not!