There was no longer any sale at Jobson's for such works of art.
Swithin's answer came at last.

"You never knew anything about a statue.
You've got your pictures, and that's all!" Old Jolyon walked back to his seat, puffing his cigar.

It was not likely that he was going to be drawn into an argument with an obstinate beggar like Swithin, pig-headed as a mule, who had never known a statue from a---straw hat.
"Stucco!" was all he said.
It had long been physically impossible for Swithin to start; his fist came down on the table.
"Stucco! I should like to see anything you've got in your house half as good!" And behind his speech seemed to sound again that rumbling violence of primitive generations.
It was James who saved the situation.
"Now, what do you say, Mr.Bosinney?
You're an architect; you ought to know all about statues and things!" Every eye was turned upon Bosinney; all waited with a strange, suspicious look for his answer.
And Soames, speaking for the first time, asked: "Yes, Bosinney, what do you say ?" Bosinney replied coolly: "The work is a remarkable one." His words were addressed to Swithin, his eyes smiled slyly at old Jolyon; only Soames remained unsatisfied.
"Remarkable for what ?" "For its naivete" The answer was followed by an impressive silence; Swithin alone was not sure whether a compliment was intended..