'And is he not to have the work of the castle after expecting it ?' he asked.
Paula was lost in reflection.

'The other architect's design and Mr.
Havill's are exactly equal in merit, and we cannot decide how to give it to either,' explained Charlotte.
'That is our difficulty,' Paula murmured.

'A bankrupt, and his wife ill--dear me! I wonder what's the cause.' 'He has borrowed on the expectation of having to execute the castle works, and now he is unable to meet his liabilities.' 'It is very sad,' said Paula.
'Let me suggest a remedy for this dead-lock,' said De Stancy.
'Do,' said Paula.
'Do the work of building in two halves or sections.

Give Havill the first half, since he is in need; when that is finished the second half can be given to your London architect.

If, as I understand, the plans are identical, except in ornamental details, there will be no difficulty about it at all.' Paula sighed--just a little one; and yet the suggestion seemed to satisfy her by its reasonableness.