'Yes,' he said, 'I have a house.' 'What do you call it ?' 'Estcombe Hall.

It is in Wiltshire, not far from here.' She looked at her fan, and idly flapped it open, and again closed it in the air.

'Is it a fine place ?' she said carelessly.
'I suppose so,' he answered, wincing.
'With trees, and gardens, and woods ?' 'Yes.' 'And water ?' 'Yes.

There is a river.' 'You used to fish in it as a boy ?' 'Yes.' 'Estcombe! it is a pretty name.

And shall you lose it ?' But that was too much for Soane's equanimity.