Summary

Chapter 17

Esther is sent to Belsize the best house in the asylum. A patient is sent there when they are ready to prepare for matriculation back into society. Esther is puzzled by this move because she does not feel that she is ready for Belsize. Joan is there and Esther is not keen on seeing her again. She believes, however, that at Belsize she will not have to worry about shock treatments. Shock treatments are the one thing that she fears the most. She is happy that she will be leaving them behind.

The women at Belsize are fashionably dressed and several are married. They are allowed to shop downtown and visit friends. They also have private jokes. Joan seems at home with these women and treats Esther coolly like she is inferior.

Joan, DeeDee and Loubelle joke with Esther about seeing...