The sudden return of Carlia Duke to her home created as much talk as her disappearance had done.

Dorian was besieged with enquirers whom he smilingly told that he had just come across her taking a little vacation up in the hills.

What, in the hills in the depths of winter?
Why, yes; none but those who have tried it know the comfort and the real rest one may obtain shut out by the snow from the world, in the solitude of the hills.

He told as little as possible of the details of his search, even to Carlia's parents.

Any unpleasant disclosures would have to come from her to them, he reasoned.