Soames comes to the decision to build his country home when he turns his eyes upwards at St. Paul's and thinks he "must have room to hang my pictures." I find it curious that Soames buys paintings (which tend to symbolize a "revolt against London"), then hides them away; also old Jolyon buys his estranged son's paintings, then hides them away (they may be bad, but they *are* his son's, after all). I keep wanting to find some connection with the hiding of worthwhile artwork, the displaying of less sentimental pieces (i.e., the Italian statuary), and the removal of Irene to the country house away from London's influences.

I'm not far enough into the book to comprehend what this may signify, but was wondering if the house is a place Soames will feel freer in displaying his acquisitions (which apparently includes his wife).