And Joe got his order to drive on towards Blackville.
Scarcely a word was spoken for the first mile. It was Sybil who broke the silence.
"Will my counsel meet me at the court, Mr. Fortescue?" she inquired.
"They are waiting for you, Madam. Mr. Worth has arrived, and is in earnest consultation with Mr. Sheridan," gently replied Mr. Fortescue.
"How long do you think the trial will last, Mr. Fortescue?" tremblingly inquired Sybil.
"It is quite impossible to form an opinion, madam," replied the Sheriff.
"My dear Sybil," said Lyon Berners, "let us hope and trust that the trial will be short, and the result acquittal. Keep up your courage."
But he who gave her this advice found his own heart fast failing him. He could fearlessly have met his fate in his own person; but in the person of his beloved wife—
Fortunately for our unhappy party, it was not generally known that the accused lady would be put on trial this day; so when they drove into Blackville, they found no more than the usual little crowd about the hotel and the court-house.
The carriage was drawn up before the last-named building.