"My poor Dora," said Mrs. Pratt soothingly. "My poor, dear Dora, what a terrible afternoon. I know how sensitive you are, and how you must suffer from such a scene." "Indeed I do. Nothing could be more unlike me. But what can I do? My son's been taken from me by his grandmother. I'm powerless against her." "It's shocking, really shocking, and especially when you've got nobody but him." "I've always been lonely; I've had very little happiness since I was a girl. When I look back to my old home and then think of what I've suffered since I left it, I often wonder I've lived so long." "You're wonderful, Dora; always so brave, always putting the best face on things." "I do try," said Dora beginning to brighten, "But oh how difficult it is when Edwin behaves to me like this." "I don't think you should worry. I'm sure it must be Mrs. Greene's influence. No boy of his age could possibly behave like that unless his mind was being poisoned." "Do you really think so?" asked Dora with interest. "I do," said Mrs. Pratt, dropping her voice to a mysterious note. "And I really think you ought to work out some scheme to prevent it." "But what can I do?" There was pause, and then Mrs. Pratt spoke triumphantly. "I know, Dora. I've thought of the very idea. You must let him go this visit, and then towards the end of next term you must write and say you're not at all well, and the doctor is very anxious about you and says that you must be spared all worries and troubles." "But I'm quite well," said Dora limply. "Yes, of course, I know you are, but don't you see? It's a real opportunity for you if you do that. He can't go and stay with the old woman if your heart is weak, and gradually you can get him away from her influence." "I'll do anything for Edwin. You know that, Violet. I'll make any sacrifice for him; anything to free him from this terrible effect his grannie is having on him." Dora spoke earnestly, beginning to believe under the spell of Mrs. Pratt's suggestion that Mrs. Greene was indeed exercising a malign influence on her son. The plot to rescue Edwin was gradually evolved in all its details, but it was never carried out. Early in November, Dora received a telegram that sent her straight to Waterloo, and thence--after a hideous hour of waiting for a train--down to Edwin's school, where she was greeted by his pale and anxious-looking headmaster. "I have very bad news for you," he said. "I find it utterly impossible to express my regrets and sympathy." "Is Edwin alive?" asked Dora Greene steadily. "Yes, he is alive," answered Mr. Foster. "But the doctor has seen him and the spine is severely injured. He is quite unconscious." "Will he live?" Dora Greene, to whom tears came so easily, was dry-eyed and stony as she asked the question and listened to the answer. "Only for a few hours. He may regain consciousness before the end." "Tell me exactly how it happened, please."