she heard miriam pause, outside of the door.we have already seen what was the latter's resolve with respect to any kiss or pressure of the hand between hilda and herself.we know not what became of the resolution.as miriam was of a highly impulsive character, it may have vanished at the first sight of hilda; but, at all events, she appeared to have dressed herself up in a garb of sunshine, and was disclosed, as the door swung open, in all the glow of her remarkable beauty.the truth was, her heart leaped conclusively towards the only refuge that it had, or hoped.she forgot, just one instant, all cause for holding herself aloof.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 thewhole round of eternity to meet on the other side.there was even a terror in the thought of their meeting again.it was as if hilda or miriam were dead, and could no longer hold intercourse without violating a spiritual law.