"You have made as much evident," she said.
Alton turned towards her father.

"I'm afraid the suggestion I wished to make would be out of place just now," he said.

"Still, I had ridden over in the hope that you and Miss Townshead would stay with us at Somasco while you decided on your next step." "We have to thank you for your offer, but your surmise is correct," said Townshead.
Alton said nothing further, but went out into the clearing and stood apart from the rest while the auctioneer disposed of the household effects, until a little cabinet was offered, when he moved up to the table and bid savagely.

Hallam for some reason bid against him, and only stopped when he had quadrupled its value.

Alton flung down a roll of dollar bills and then turned to a man close by.