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Updated: July 27, 2025
"Good morning. Glad to see you," greeted Mr. Lamont, as he swung around on his chair. "Take a seat. What can I do for you?" As the question was asked abruptly, the answer came in like manner. "I want to know what you know about Carlia Duke." Mr. Lamont reddened, but he soon regained his self-possession. "What do you mean!" he asked. "You have heard of her disappearance?"
The visitors to the house were mostly those who came to talk about cattle and crops and irrigation. As a child, Carlia was naturally cheerful and loving; but her sordid environment seemed to be crushing her. At times she struggled to get out from under; but there seemed no way, so she gradually gave in to the inevitable. She became resentful and sarcastic.
He went back to his room, his thoughts in a whirl, his apprehensions sinking to gloomy depths. What if Carlia should be in such a place? A cold sweat of suffering broke over him before he could drive away the thought. But at last he did get rid of it. His mind cleared again, and he set out determined to continued the search.
What more did this fellow want of him? However, as Dorian could give no good reason why he should not ride home with them, he found no way of refusing to accompany them to a nearby ice-cream parlor. Mr. Lamont gave the order, and was very attentive to Carlia and Dorian. It was he who kept the flow of conversation going. The other two, plainly, were not adept at this.
Dorian talked freely to Carlia on how he might best fulfill the high destiny which seemed to lay before him; and Carlia entered enthusiastically into his plans. "Fine, fine," she would say. "Carry it out. You can do it." "With your help, Carlia." "I'll gladly help you all I can; but that is so little; what can I do?" "Trust me, have faith in me; and when the time comes, marry me."
Oh, it was a real Christmas Eve, made doubly joyful by the simple helpfulness and kindness of all who took part. At the close of the evening, Dorian escorted Mrs. Carlston and Carlia back to their house, and the older woman graciously retired, leaving the parlor and the glowing log to the young people. They sat in the big armchairs facing the grate.
I have never promised to marry you, have I?" She smiled. "No; I guess not; but that's understood." "Don't be so sure." "There are some things definitely fixed without the spoken word." "Good night, Dorian." She was smiling still. "Good night, Carlia." Their hands met and clasped, atoning the best they could for the forbidden kiss.
Trent always served her refreshments at the regular supper time and not near midnight, for she claimed that people of regular habits, which her guests were, are much better off by not having those habits broken into. "Are we all here?" she asked, scanning them as they passed in. "All but Carlia," she announced. "Where's Carlia?" No one knew.
Carlia listened with staring eyes and bated breath. And Dorian had actually risked his life in an attempt to save Jack Lamont! If Dorian only had known! But he would never know, never now.
"Well, I've no objections, but I don't like you to miss your meetin's." "We'll be good," laughed Dorian. "But " "Come, father," the mother prompted, "you know I can't walk fast in this hot weather." Carlia got another pail, and she and Dorian went back to the corral. "Let me milk," offered Dorian. "No; you're strange, and she'd kick you over the fence."
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