‘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?’ In asking the question her face was towards the window, and suddenly her cheeks became a rosy red. She instantly looked another way. ‘Having my own office so near, it was not necessary, thank you,’ replied Havill, as, noting her countenance, he allowed his glance to stray into the street. Somerset was walking past on the opposite side. ‘The time is--the time fixed for sending in the drawings is the first of November, I believe,’ she said confusedly; ‘and the decision will be come to by three gentlemen who are prominent members of the Institute of Architects.’ Havill then accompanied her to the carriage, and she drove away. Havill went to the back window to tell Dare that he need not stay in the garden; but the garden was empty. The architect remained alone in his office for some time; at the end of a quarter of an hour, when the scream of a railway whistle had echoed down the still street, he beheld Somerset repassing the window in a direction from the railway, with somewhat of a sad gait. In another minute Dare entered, humming the latest air of Offenbach. ‘’Tis a mere piece of duplicity!’ said Havill. ‘What is?’ ‘Her pretending indifference as to which of us comes out successful in the competition, when she colours carmine the moment Somerset passes by.’ He described Paula’s visit, and the incident. ‘It may not mean Cupid’s Entire XXX after all,’ said Dare judicially. ‘The mere suspicion that a certain man loves her would make a girl blush at his unexpected appearance. Well, she’s gone from him for a time; the better for you.’ ‘He has been privileged to see her off at any rate.’ ‘Not privileged.’ ‘How do you know that?’