Slowly the whole allegiance of her heart transferred itself to the dead man's memory; slowly her grief for his loss deepened, and yet with the deepened grief came a certain new and holy joy.

It surely could not be impossible for him to know in heaven that she was his on earth?
As confidently as if she had been wedded to him here, she looked forward to the reunion with him there, and found in her secret consciousness of this eternal bond a hidden rapture, such as has been the stay of many a widowed heart through long lifetimes of loneliness.

This secret bond was like an impalpable yet impenetrable veil between her soul and the souls of all men who came into relation with her.

Men loved her and sought her,--loved her warmly and sought her with long years of devotion.

The world often judged her uncharitably by reason of these friendships, which were only friendships, and yet pointed to a warmer regard than the world consents that friends may feel.