He had consented rather unwillingly to let Rushton & Co.

submit him an estimate, because he thought they would not be able to do the work satisfactorily.
Owen examined the photograph closely.
'Could you do anything like that in that room ?' 'Yes, I think so,' replied Owen.
'Well, you know, I don't want you to start on the job and not be able to finish it.

Can you do it or not ?' Rushton felt sure that Owen could do it, and was very desirous that he should undertake it, but he did not want him to know that.

He wished to convey the impression that he was almost indifferent whether Owen did the work or not.

In fact, he wished to seem to be conferring a favour upon him by procuring him such a nice job as this.
'I'll tell you what I CAN do,' Owen replied.