We had to part, and we parted with tears of despair.

I was led away, and as I went I heard Almah's sobs.
I broke away, and tried to return for one more embrace; but in the darkness I could not find her, and could only hear her sobs at a greater distance, which showed that she too was being led away.

I called after her, "Farewell, Almah!" Her reply came back broken with sobs.
"Farewell forever, Atam-or!" I was once more led away, and again traversed the dark passages, and again came back to my den, which now seemed dark with the blackness of despair.
On my return I was formally and solemnly congratulated by all the paupers.

I should not have received their congratulations had I not expected that there would be something more.

I expected that something would be said about the result of this act of separation; for Almah had believed that it would be the means of saving my life, and I believed that it would be the means of saving her life, and for this reason each of us had performed our part; although, of course, the joy of meeting with one another would of itself have been sufficient, and more than sufficient, to make that ceremony an object of desire.