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Rh interests, and no matter how peremptory Binns may be you should have seen to it that he submitted his plans to the Council, as that happens to be the law."

"Really, Lord Stranleigh, I think you are a little unjust. I no more thought of teaching Binns his business in that than I should have ventured to ask him to change the proportions, or the style, or the materials he used in the construction of the cottages."

"Therefore you are entirely blameless in the matter?"

"I think so, my lord."

"But should Binns say it was your duty to do this, between the two stools I fall to the ground, or, rather, two fools, if Binns is not too great an architect for me to class him as one of the imbeciles." Wilson reddened slightly, but said nothing.

"You have been in constant communication with Mr. Binns, and, doubtless, know his telephone number. Ring him up, and learn if he has reached his office yet. Tell him I wish to speak with him."

Wilson disappeared and shortly after returned.

"Binns is on the 'phone, my lord," he said.

Stranleigh rose and went to the telephone.

"Is that you, Mr. Binns? This is Lord Stranleigh. It's about those cottages you built for me down in Muddleshire."