Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835-1915) was a British Victorian-era novelist famous for her sensationalist writing.

"The Cold Embrace" is a ghost story about a pair of lovers who promise to be true to each other. The young man declares he will even return from beyond the grave to be with his lover, but she declares that only a suicide can do this, as they are denied entrance to heaven. Shortly after this, the young man travels away and after some time neglects to write anymore. He has forgotton his lover and his promises. Meanwhile the girl's father arranges a marriage for her with a wealthy suitor. There is only one solution...and it is one which will enable her to seek out her first love, even after death....