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Chapter VIII

I

It was after that drive with Sheilah that John Sheldon advised Dora to send her away.

Dora demurred. 'It would mean leaving Sidney alone here, but of course it's best for Sheilah, I suppose we can go. How long should you want us to be gone?'

'Oh, I should advise Sheilah's going away alone, I think, and for an indefinite period. Toa girl's school or something of that sort.'

'She's wanted to go for two years. But I don't believe in boarding-schools for girls, John, who have good homes and good mothers. I can't bear to think of sending Sheilah away—the only child we've got, just when she's forming her life ideals. I want to be near by, and help form them. I think it's a mother's duty. Anyhow, there's no school of any standing that takes new girls in the spring term. Why, it seems to me a terribly radical thing for you to advise, just because Sheilah isn't sleeping very well and is a little run-down. Unless you think——Is it a nervous breakdown, John?'

'Not yet.'

'If it's a nervous breakdown, what's the cause of it?' demanded Dora.