‘Don’t be too curious,’ said Dare, laughing. ‘Rather thank me for getting rid of him.’
‘But it is all a vision!’ said Havill, ruefully regarding the pencilled towers of Stancy Castle. ‘If the competition were really the commission that you have represented it to be there might be something to laugh at.’
‘It must be made a commission, somehow,’ returned Dare carelessly. ‘I am come to lend you a little assistance. I must stay in the neighbourhood, and I have nothing else to do.’
A carriage slowly passed the window, and Havill recognized the Power liveries. ‘Hullo—she’s coming here!’ he said under his breath, as the carriage stopped by the kerb. ‘What does she want, I wonder? Dare, does she know you?’
‘I would just as soon be out of the way.’
‘Then go into the garden.’
Dare went out through the back office as Paula was shown in at the front. She wore a grey travelling costume, and seemed to be in some haste.
‘I am on my way to the railway-station,’ she said to Havill. ‘I shall be absent from home for several weeks, and since you requested it, I have called to inquire how you are getting on with the design.’
‘Please look it over,’ said Havill, placing a seat for her.
‘No,’ said Paula. ‘I think it would be unfair. I have not looked at Mr.—the other architect’s plans since he has begun to design seriously, and I will not look at yours. Are you getting on quite well, and do you want to know anything more? If so, go to the castle, and get anybody to assist you. Why would you not make use of the room at your disposal in the castle, as the other architect has done?’