Meanwhile Mr. Lyle and his young bride Laura did all that they possibly could to comfort and cheer their unfortunate brother and sister.
One or the other of them went every day to Blue Cliffs to carry to Emma the encouraging news of Alden's continued good health and spirits, and to bring back to him the glad tidings of Emma's heroic patience and cheerfulness.
And in this manner the tedious weeks passed slowly away and brought the day of the trial.
Chapter XLVIII.
THE TRIAL.
It was a glorious morning in June. All nature seemed exulting in the young summer's splendor.
And any stranger arriving at the town of Wendover that day would have supposed that the population of the whole surrounding country were taking advantage of the delightful weather to hold a gay festival there.
The whole town was full of visitors, come to the great trial.