Why," said John, in a tone rather of dreaming and tenderness than of argument, "that would be to tear the jewel from its setting--the noble central figure from the calm landscape, lit by the evening sun." There was a pause, during which Peter smoked energetically.
"Well," he said presently, "of course I can't follow all that highfalutin' style, you know--" "Of course not," said John, "I understand.

You're a plain Englishman." "Exactly," said Peter, relieved; "I am.

But one thing I will say--you've got the idea." "Thank you," said John.
"If you can put it like that to my mother," said Peter, still busy with his pipe, but speaking very emphatically, "why, all I can say is, that I believe it's the way to get round her.

I've often noticed how useless it seems to talk common-sense to her.

But a word of sentiment--and there you are.