Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/78

 ready nodded and smiled at Dora as she came in), he got up and went over to her, and shook hands.

'Hello, Dora,' he said. They'd known each other for years. 'Awfully nice to see you,' just as if her call was a pleasure to him. And he didn't say, 'What can I do for you?'

'I've come to talk to you about Sheilah. We're worried about her,' said Dora.

John Sheldon sat down.

'Tell me about it,' he replied, and leaned back in his chair, and folded his hands. He didn't even twiddle a pencil.

'Well, she isn't eating and she isn't sleeping,' Dora went on, 'and she is losing weight. And I've caught her crying several times. When I ask her what is the matter she just says, "Nothing. Please leave me alone." So unlike her. We've always been the closest mother and daughter in the world. But lately I feel as if—well, almost as if she didn't want me around sometimes. I thought it might be her school work. Two nights ago I caught her doing algebra at two o'clock in the morning, but Mr. Bond says she's doing excellent work in algebra. Last night I heard her crying and when I tried to open her door it was locked! And she wouldn't unlock it. Why, I was frightened. I woke up Sidney and told