They begin to meet in secret, however they are discovered, and Selma is forbidden to leave her house, breaking their hopes and hearts.

[1] The book highlights many of the social issues of the time in the Eastern Mediterranean, including religious corruption, the rights of women (and lack thereof), and the weighing up of wealth and happiness.

[2] In his novel, Gibran talked about his first love story, and the extent of its impact on his life, so Faris Karama asked him to visit him at his home to tell him more about his past with his father, and to introduce him to his daughter.

Bishop invited Mr. Fares to talk to him about an important matter, which forced him to go on the same night, and this was an opportunity the writer used to confess his love for Salma, who shared the same feeling.

After this incident, the writer and Salma began to meet once a month in a small temple far from her home, potentially in the Beqaa Valley.