The poem itself was widely copied and claimed, and its title was sometimes changed to "Kismet", but not until 1893 was Spalding's right of authorship absolutely settled.

Her parents died, while she was a girl, after which, she removed to New York City to live in the family of an uncle, a clergyman,[2] and there had the advantages of refined and cultured surroundings.

And two shall walk some narrow way of life So nearly side by side that, should one turn Ever so little space to right or left, They needs must stand acknowledged face to face, And yet, with wistful eyes that never meet, With groping hands that never clasp, and lips Calling in vain to ears that never hear, They seek each other all their weary days And die unsatisfied – and that is Fate!

Edwin Milton Royle, who used it in his play of Friends, was inundated with letters from persons purporting to be its author, so that he placed Spalding's name upon all his programmes.

Its art was always sure, her methods of composition being invariably conscientious and painstaking, while its spirit –whether dealing with pathos or passion– is of rare grace and beauty.

"[6][5] According to Charles Wells Moulton (1890):—"There is in her poems an admirable grace and freedom, and an attractive reverence, delicacy of perception and beauty of expression.

Aside from the value of the artistic expression, workmanship and thought, a subtle poetic essence pervades them all; they are poems in every essential quality and of the highest sense.