Possible Clues:

• Philosophical disciple developing its small company
• Indifferent part of Dreiser's desire
• Epictetus, for one
• Not reacting to pain, say
• A lot of criticism about old patient
• Not moved much
• ... thus digests book about Zeno of Citium, perhaps
• Not overly emotional
• One involved in unusual cost was philosophical
• Having a stiff upper lip