They stood, like giants, solemnly watching for the end of Earth and Time.

Here and there a black round shadow reminded Ruth of some "Cwm," or hollow, where she and her lover had rambled in sun and in gladness.

She then thought the land enchanted into everlasting brightness and happiness; she fancied, then, that into a region so lovely no bale or woe could enter, but would be charmed away and disappear before the sight of the glorious guardian mountains.

Now she knew the truth, that earth has no barrier which avails against agony.

It comes lightning-like down from heaven, into the mountain house and the town garret; into the palace and into the cottage.