It was almost as if she had gained HERSELF, and stood now distinct and complete.

She had received her confirmation; but she never believed that her life belonged to Paul Morel, nor his to her.

They would separate in the end, and the rest of her life would be an ache after him.

But at any rate, she knew now, she was sure of herself.

And the same could almost be said of him.
Together they had received the baptism of life, each through the other; but now their missions were separate.