'But I gathered from his conversation with you to-day that his ignorance of styles might compromise me very seriously.

In short, though my father employed him in one or two little matters, it would not be right--even a morally culpable thing--to place such an historically valuable building in his hands.' 'Has Mr.Havill ever been led to expect the commission ?' he asked.
'He may have guessed that he would have it.

I have spoken of my intention to him more than once.' Somerset thought over his conversation with Havill.

Well, he did not like Havill personally; and he had strong reasons for suspecting that in the matter of architecture Havill was a quack.

But was it quite generous to step in thus, and take away what would be a golden opportunity to such a man of making both ends meet comfortably for some years to come, without giving him at least one chance?
He reflected a little longer, and then spoke out his feeling.
'I venture to propose a slightly modified arrangement,' he said.
'Instead of committing the whole undertaking to my hands without better proof of my ability to carry it out than you have at present, let there be a competition between Mr.Havill and myself--let our rival plans for the restoration and enlargement be submitted to a committee of the Royal Institute of British Architects--and let the choice rest with them, subject of course to your approval.' 'It is indeed generous of you to suggest it.' She looked thoughtfully at him; he appeared to strike her in a new light.