That winter he could be seen coming quite openly to the Duke home, and when the weather would permit, Carlia would be riding with him in his automobile.

The neighbors talked, but the father could only shake his head and explain that Carlia was a willful girl.
Now when it seemed that Carlia was to be won by this very gallant stranger, Dorian began to realize what a loss she would be to him.

He was sure he loved the girl, but what did that avail if she did not love him in return.

He held to the opinion that such attractions should be mutual.

He could see no sense in the old-time custom of the knight winning his lady love by force of arms or by the fleetness of horse's legs.
However, Dorian was not easy in his mind, and it came to the point when he suffered severe heartaches when he knew of Carlia's being with the stranger.