"She gave it to me yesterday, with the request that I would hand it to you to-day."
Alden unfolded and read it.
It was only a brief note assuring him of her unwavering faith in Heaven and in himself, and her perfect confidence, notwithstanding the present dark aspect of affairs, in his speedy and honorable acquittal.
He pressed this little note to his lips and placed it near his heart.
And then Mr. Lyle told him that it wanted but a quarter to ten, the carriages were at the door, and it was time to start for the court-house.
Mr. Lytton nodded assent, and they all went out.
There were two carriages before the cottage gates.
Into the first went the Rev. Mr. Lyle, Mr. Alden Lytton, and his counsel, Messrs. Berners and Denham.
Into the second went Mr. John Lytton, his son Charley, and Mr. Joseph Brent.
The court-house was situated at the opposite end of the town from the parsonage, and was about a mile distant. The gentlemen of this party might easily have walked the distance, but preferred to ride, in order to avoid the curious gaze of strangers who had flocked into the town.