"You are right," Harry said, frowning.

"Well, I have been thinking over the number of pupils of both sexes
in the school who can be called degenerates, either in mind or
morals, and I must say I was alarmed."

"Well, what is to be done?" asked Harry, moodily. "Maria must go to
school, of course."

"Yes, of course, Maria must have a good education, as good as if her
own mother had lived."

"Well, what is to be done, then?"

Then Ida came straight to the point. "The only way I can see is to
remove her from doubtful associates."

"Remove her?" repeated Harry, blankly.

"Yes; send her away to school. Wellbridge Hall, in Emerson, where I
went myself, would be a very good school. It is not expensive."

Harry stared. "But, Ida, she is too young."

"Not at all."

"You were older when you went there."

"A little older."