I have heard that you are assisting a gentleman in preparing a design in opposition to mine--a design--' '"That he is not competent to prepare himself," you were perhaps going to add ?' 'Not precisely that.' 'You could hardly be blamed for such words.

However, you are mistaken.
I did assist him to gain a little further insight into the working of architectural plans; but our views on art are antagonistic, and I assist him no more.

Mr.Havill, it must be very provoking to a well-established professional man to have a rival sprung at him in a grand undertaking which he had a right to expect as his own.' Professional sympathy is often accepted from those whose condolence on any domestic matter would be considered intrusive.

Havill walked up and down beside Dare for a few moments in silence, and at last showed that the words had told, by saying: 'Every one may have his opinion.

Had I been a stranger to the Power family, the case would have been different; but having been specially elected by the lady's father as a competent adviser in such matters, and then to be degraded to the position of a mere competitor, it wounds me to the quick--' 'Both in purse and in person, like the ill-used hostess of the Garter.' 'A lady to whom I have been a staunch friend,' continued Havill, not heeding the interruption.
At that moment sounds seemed to come from Dare which bore a remarkable resemblance to the words, 'Ho, ho, Havill!' It was hardly credible, and yet, could he be mistaken?
Havill turned.