She was obliged to return to court on the second day, but Margaret did not go to Salisbury on that occasion. After the first day of the trial Margaret spent a sleepless night. She was on the eve of her own wedding, but she could think of nothing but Everett and Everett's mother. Mrs. Everett was present at the trial. She wore a widow's dress and her veil was down, but once or twice she raised it and looked at her son; the son also glanced at his mother. Margaret had seen these glances, and they wrung her heart to its depths. She felt that she could not be in court when the verdict was given. She was so excited with regard to the issue of the trial that she gave no attention to those minor matters which usually occupy the minds of young brides. "It doesn't matter," she said to her maid; "pack anything you fancy into my travelling trunk. Oh, yes, that dress will do; any dress will do. What hats did you say? Any hats, I don't care. I'm going to Grandcourt now, there may be news from Salisbury." "They say, Miss Douglas, that the Court won't rise until late to-night. The jury are sure to take a long time to consider the case." "Well, I'm going to Grandcourt now. Mr. Awdrey may have returned. I shall hear the latest news." Margaret arrived at the Court just before dinner. Her future sisters-in-law, Anne and Dorothy, ran out on the lawn to meet her. "Oh, how white and tired you look!" "I am not a bit tired; you know I am always pale. Dorothy, has any news come yet from Salisbury?" "Nothing special," replied Dorothy. "The groom has come back to tell us that we are not to wait dinner for either father or Robert. You will come into the house now, won't you, Margaret?" "No, I'd rather stay out here. I don't want any dinner." "Nor do I. I will stay with you," said Dorothy. "Isn't there a lovely view from here? I love this part of the grounds better than any other spot. You can just get a peep of the Cathedral to the right and the Plain to the left." "I hate the Plain," said Margaret, with a shiver. "I wish Grandcourt didn't lie so near it." Dorothy Awdrey raised her delicate brows in surprise. "Why, the Plain is the charm of Grandcourt," she exclaimed. "Surely, Margaret, you are not going to get nervous and fanciful, just because a murder was committed on the Plain." "Oh, no!" Margaret started to her feet. "Excuse me, Dorothy, I see Robert coming up the avenue." "So he is. Stay where you are, and I'll run and get the news." "No, please let me go." "Margaret, you are ill." "I am all right," replied Margaret. She ran swiftly down the avenue. Awdrey saw her, and stopped until she came up to him. "Well?" she asked breathlessly. He put both his hands on her shoulders, and looked steadily into her eyes. "The verdict," she said. "Quick, the verdict." "Guilty, Maggie; but they have strongly recommended him to mercy. Maggie, Maggie, my darling, what is it?" She flung her arms round his neck, and hid her trembling face against his breast.