Carlia's ringing cry persisted with Dorian all the way home, but he hardened his heart and went steadily on.

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.

He busied himself with chores and his books, and he did not relax in his ward duties.

Once in a while he saw Carlia at the meeting house, but she absented herself more and more from public gatherings, giving as an excuse to all who inquired, that her work bound her more closely than ever at home.
Dorian and his mother frequently talked about Uncle Zed and the hopes the departed one had of the young man.