The dim shape of that third one stood continually between them; they could not displace it; neither, on the other hand, could it effectually part them.

They were in close communion, yet not indissolubly united; lovers, yet never growing cured of love.

By the time that the fifth year of Nic's visiting had arrived, on about the five- hundredth occasion of his presence at her tea-table, he noticed that the bleaching process which had begun upon his own locks was also spreading to hers.

He told her so, and they laughed.

Yet she was in good health: a condition of suspense, which would have half-killed a man, had been endured by her without complaint, and even with composure.
One day, when these years of abeyance had numbered seven, they had strolled as usual as far as the waterfall, whose faint roar formed a sort of calling voice sufficient in the circumstances to direct their listlessness.