Carlia listened attentively to his discussion of deep problems, and he was agreeably surprised to learn that she could readily follow him in the discussion of these themes; so that the long winter evenings spent with her either at her home or at his own became a source of great inspiration to the young man who had not lost sight or the mission assigned to him by the beloved Uncle Zed.

Dorian talked freely to Carlia on how he might best fulfill the high destiny which seemed to lay before him; and Carlia entered enthusiastically into his plans.
"Fine, fine," she would say.

"Carry it out.

You can do it." "With your help, Carlia." "I'll gladly help you all I can; but that is so little; what can I do ?" "Trust me, have faith in me; and when the time comes, marry me." This was usually the end of the conversation for Carlia; she became silent unless he changed the subject.
Dorian, naturally undemonstrative, was now more careful than ever in his love making.

The intimacy between them never quite returned to the earlier state.