Within about a yard's distance from the bed a SOMETHING opposed my approach! I could not move a foot forward--I tried vigorously, but in vain! I could step backward, and that was all.
Between me and Zara there seemed to be an invisible barrier, strong, and absolutely impregnable.

There was nothing to be seen--nothing but the softly-shaded room--the ever-smiling "Eros," and the exquisite reposeful figure of my sleeping friend.

Two steps, and I could have touched her; but those two steps I was forcibly prevented from making--as forcibly as though a deep ocean had rolled between her and me.

I did not stop long to consider this strange occurrence--I felt sure it had something to do with her spiritual life and sympathy, therefore it neither alarmed nor perplexed me.

Kissing my hand tenderly towards my darling, who lay so close to me, and who was yet so jealously and invisibly guarded during her slumbers, I softly and reverently withdrew.