Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/82

 matter. If you allow him to go on with this scheme. I would see to it that the next proposal made by the villagers is submitted directly to you."

"I am quite sure Mr. Barnacle will take no offence if you write him a courteous and tactful letter. Everything depends on that, Wilson. Tell him that he has spurred me to action, and thank him on my behalf for doing so. It is the outsider who sees most of the game, and I am very grateful to him for pointing out a way, which apparently I should have taken long ago.

"Meanwhile, set about obtaining plans from some of our best architects, not neglecting to give the younger men a chance. I think I would rather not have a competition. I will suggest some names, and you can add others. Photographs of Stranleigh village might be taken, and sent out with your request for plans. Secure at first a series of sketches, for all of which you will pay. I shall make a selection from these sketches, and then you may ask the architects to visit Stranleigh village, at my expense, examine the site, and estimate its capabilities, afterwards supplying detailed plans and elevations, and naming their own fees for this work."

Wilson protested that such terms were unduly generous; quite unnecessarily so, he maintained, but