the house question was participated by all around me, and the usual
enumeration of vacant mansions, and the several objections to each (for
where ever was a vacant mansion without its objection?) began with zeal
and rapidity.

"Cranley Hall," said one.

"Too large!"

"Hinton Park?"

"Too much land."

"The White House at Hannonby--the Belvidere, as the late people called
it?"

"What! is that flourishing establishment done up? But Hannonby is too
far off--ten miles at least."

"Queen's Bridge Cottage?"

"Ay, that sweet place would have suited exactly, but it's let. The
Browns took it only yesterday."

"Sydenham Court?"

"That might have done too, but it's not in the market. The Smiths intend
to stay."

"Lanton Abbey?"