Tender is the Night Book 2, Chapter 7

Dick was thinking about what to do about Nicole. He and the other doctors decided that he must separate himself from her, yet still be kind to her. As they were talking, Nicole appeared suddenly in the rain. She told him that her sister, Beth is coming to take her away somewhere. Dick told her that she is going to be happy. The two were fascinated by one another and they constantly examined each other. Nicole said that she has learned a lot about language and music by being in the institution. Dick was envious at her accomplishments, and told her that all he is interested in is his work. Dick then told her that she was better and that she should go to America and fall in love and have a family. Nicole said that she did not think she would be ready to marry anyone for a long time.

Dick was visibly upset that Nicole was leaving, and she was unhappy as well. "Nicole's world had fallen to pieces, but it was only a flimsy and scarcely created world." Book 2, Chapter 7, pg. 143 The next day, Nicole kept her distance from Dick. Dick and Franz spoke about how Nicole has been upset and "in the clouds" after Dick and Nicole's discussion. Nicole apparently understood that Dick was trying to distance himself from her.