'Mean! I mean that the majority of books published are neither good enough nor bad enough to provoke criticism, and that that book does provoke it.' 'By its goodness or its badness ?' Stephen said with some anxiety on poor little Elfride's score.
'Its badness.

It seems to be written by some girl in her teens.' Stephen said not another word.

He did not care to speak plainly of Elfride after that unfortunate slip his tongue had made in respect of her having committed herself; and, apart from that, Knight's severe--almost dogged and self-willed--honesty in criticizing was unassailable by the humble wish of a youthful friend like Stephen.
Knight was now ready.

Turning off the gas, and slamming together the door, they went downstairs and into the street..