Ordinarily there was a certain reserve in Miriam's demonstrations of affection, in consonance with the delicacy of her friend.

To-day, she opened her arms to take Hilda in.
"Dearest, darling Hilda!" she exclaimed.

"It gives me new life to see you!" Hilda was standing in the middle of the room.

When her friend made a step or two from the door, she put forth her hands with an involuntary repellent gesture, so expressive that Miriam at once felt a great chasm opening itself between them two.

They might gaze at one another from the opposite side, but without the possibility of ever meeting more; or, at least, since the chasm could never be bridged over, they must tread the whole round of Eternity to meet on the other side.