The men almost
held their breath in the excitement of the moment, and Mrs. Frenelle moved
a step nearer with her hands firmly clasped before her.
"Four thousand dollars," the auctioneer spoke slowly and impressively now.
"Any--advance--on four thousand dollars? Going at four thousand dollars--
Once--twice--third--and----last call----, and sold to Parson Westmore for
four thousand dollars."
As these words fell from the speaker's lips a deep sigh broke the tense
feeling of the little company. They had been stirred more than was their
wont by the scene that they had just witnessed. These men knew but little
of the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms, the strife of modern nations,
the deeds of statesmen, and the affairs of the financial world. And yet in
the sale of this farm in an obscure country place the secret springs of
life, even though on a small scale, were laid bare. The pathos of a happy
home on the verge of destruction, with a loving mother and an invalid
child in danger of being cast out upon the cold world, and to see this
tragedy so narrowly averted through one staunch champion successfully
beating back pride and greed as represented in the person of Silas
Farrington--truly it was a miniature of the world's history, which may be
found in every town, village or home.
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