noon
For a long time she knelt in that temple made without hands , till mountain and valley were bathed in glorious sunlight ; and when at last , she descended the rocky footpath , she felt , as she looked forth upon the new life opening before her , no fear , no shrinking , but strong to go forward and meet her destiny , whatever it might be . All were impressed that morning by Lyle 's manner , the added dignity of bearing , the new expression that looked forth from her soulful eyes , though none but Miss Gladden understood the cause . At the breakfast table , the final plans were made for the reception of the guests to arrive that day . Word had been received that they were already in Silver City , and would come out on the noon train . Houston had telegraphed to the Y for the best team there to be in readiness to bring them up to the camp , and an hour or so before noon , he and Van Dorn were to take two horses and ride to the Y to meet them , and accompany them on their ride up the canyon . A late dinner was to be served upon their arrival , when the two ladies would be present , as Lyle no longer acted in the capacity of waiter , Miss Gladden having some time before insisted that she should preside at the table , and the blushing Miss Bixby , after much painstaking effort , having been finally educated up to the point of performing that ceremony very creditably . `` Everard , '' said Miss Gladden after breakfast , as Houston stopped for his customary chat with her before starting out on his daily routine , `` did you observe Lyle this morning ?