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Mildred, away from the entanglements of the world, was safe to him; but Carlia had her life to live and the trials and difficulties of mortality to encounter and to overcome; and that would not be easy, with her beauty and her impulsive nature. She needed a man's clear head and steady hand to help her, and who was more fitting to do that than he himself, Dorian thought without conscious egotism.
"Carlia, when shall we go home?" he asked. "How can I go home?" "A very simple matter. We ride on the stage to the railroad, and then " "O! I do not mean that. How can I face my folks, and everybody?" "Of course, people will be inquisitive, and there will be a lot of speculation; but never mind that.
Dorian delivered the invitation to the two women. Carlia would go immediately to help, and Mrs. Carlston would come later. Carlia was greeted by the children as a real addition to their company. "Did you bring an extra of stockings?" asked Mrs. Hickson of her. "An up-to-date Santa Claus is going to visit us tonight, I am sure."
"Why, Oh, why did you not tell me before before" she cried, then swayed as if to a fall. Dorian caught her and placed her back in the seat. He took her cold hands, but in a moment, she pulled them away. "Dorian, please sit down in this other chair, won't you?" Dorian did as she wanted him to do, but he turned the chair to face her. "I want you to believe me, Carlia." "I am trying to believe you."
"Come in" she said. He mechanically followed. He might as well act the fool to the end of the chapter, he thought. It was eleven by the parlor clock, but the mother seemed greatly relieved when she saw Dorian with her daughter. Carlia threw off her wraps. She appeared ill at ease. Her gaiety was forced. She seemed to be acting a part, but she was doing it poorly.
That I have failed with you is evidence that I am not so perfect as you say. But now, let's forget everything else but the fact that we love each other. Can't we be happy in that?" The roses faded from Carlia's cheeks, though coaxed to stay by the firelight. "My dear," he continued, "we'll go home, and I'll try to make up to you my failings. I think I can do that, Carlia, when you become my wife."
So do I. There's nothing better than a rattling good love story, eh, young lady?" Mildred hardly knew just how to take this remark, so she did not reply. "Here's the most wonderful love story ever written." He took from the shelf a very ordinary looking volume, called the "Doctrine and Covenants." Carlia and Mrs. Trent now joined the other three. They also were interested.
Let's see we are not rich, but we meet every call made on us by way of tithing and donations; we are not very wise, but we impart of what we have by service; we are not very strong I fear, mother, that's where I lack. Am I giving of my strength as fully as I can to help the weak. I don't know I don't know." "You mean Carlia?" "Yes; what am I doing besides thinking and praying for her?"
Goodnight Sister Duke, goodnight Carlia." Carlia stood in the doorway leading to the stairs. "Goodnight, Dorian," she said. "Forgive me for being so rude." He stepped toward her, but she motioned him back, and than ran up the carpetless stairs to her room. Dorian went out in the night. With a heavy heart he hurried down the road in the direction of Uncle Zed's home.
His mother had gone to bed, and he sat for a time by the dying fire, thinking of what he had just passed through. After that, Dorian kept away from Carlia. Although the longing to see her surged strongly through his heart from time to time, and he could not get away from the thought that she was in some trouble, yet his pride forbade him to intrude.
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