The gossips found other and newer themes.

Those directly affected began to think that all hopes of finding her were gone.
Dorian, however, did not give up.

In the strenuous labors of closing summer and fall he had difficulty in keeping his mind on his work.

His imagination ranged far and wide, and when it went into the evil places of the world, he suffered so that he had to throw off the suggestion by force.

He talked freely with his mother and with Carlia's parents on all possible phases of the matter, until, seemingly, there was nothing more to be said.