"There is no one in Glendow able to bid successfully against Mr.
Farrington," Nora replied. "We have learned, however, that Mr. Turpin, a
real estate man, arrived from the city last night. He wishes to buy the
place merely as a speculation, hoping to turn it over to some rich people
who wish to come to Canada to settle. But there is the bell!" and she
half-started from her invalid's chair, but sank back with a little cry at
the pain caused by the sudden movement.

As the day was mild the auction took place in the open where the
auctioneer, surrounded by some two dozen men, was mounted on a large box.
At first the bidding was general and brisk. Gradually, however, it
dwindled down to three or four, and finally to Farrington and Turpin, the
real estate man. The former was standing a little apart from the rest,
with his eyes intent upon the auctioneer, and unable to repress the
eagerness which shone in his face. As the bidding advanced and drew near
the three thousand dollar mark, Turpin showed signs of weakening, while
his bids came slower and slower. Farrington, noticing this, could not
control his pleasure, and when he at length offered the round sum of three
thousand dollars Turpin gave up the struggle and, moving back a little,
perched himself upon a barrel, and seemed to take no interest in the
affair.

A triumphant light gleamed in Farrington's eyes as he observed his
vanquished opponent. He glanced towards the house, and, seeing Mrs.
Frenelle standing in the doorway, his lips parted in a cruel smile. It was
that smile more than anything else which revealed the real nature of the
man.

The breathless silence which for a time ensued at this crisis was broken