In your abhorrence of tattling, do not permit yourself to lose an opportunity to safeguard an inexperienced girl. Say to Portia, “How did the girls answer the question? Were any of them tempted to do such an unwise thing?” Lead Portia on in the conversation until you discover her own attitude toward the right or wrong of indulging herself in such forbidden pleasures. Leave her finally with a strong suggestion in favor of right conduct firmly lodged in her mind. You may say in closing, “You will do all you can do, won’t you, to prevent any of the girls from thoughtlessly entering into engagements which they may regret all their lives? Can’t you girls plan some way to make the boys understand that you have too much self-respect even to be amused at such proposals? It will be a good lesson for the boys as well. Apparently they have not a very high opinion of the girls.” COMMENTS Miss Anthony, by her own shortsightedness, robbed Portia of a teacher’s wisdom and counsel, and herself of a chance to gain insight into the social dangers of her pupils. Even if Portia does not specially need counsel at the present moment, she is liable at any time to have her scruples overruled by the stronger combined influence of the social group of which she is a member. Besides, Portia’s good influence with the group may be greater than your own. She reaches them directly, you only indirectly. ILLUSTRATION (HIGH SCHOOL) Miss Henderson in the same school made better use of her opportunities. [Sidenote: Vile Notes] Mary Macknet, who was in first year high school, told Miss Henderson of a scandalous note that had been dropped on the desk of a loud, forward girl by a daring boy. Miss Henderson said, “I’m too disturbed by what you say to go on with my work. Let’s sit down and talk about it. How shocking that such an insult should happen to a girl! I’m glad that you told me about it because now we can plan how to act in regard to it. “You say you have hardly ever spoken to the girl? Well, make no change in your treatment of her. Some foolish girls will encourage her through ignorance and sympathy. Do not follow their example. Refuse to discuss the note episode with any of the girls. If any of them begin to talk to you about it, say, ‘It’s too disgraceful even to talk about. Is the next algebra lesson hard?’” CASE 121 (SEVENTH GRADE) [Sidenote: Broken Show-case] Two boys in a wild chase dashed in at the front door, turned to the left and crashed into a show-case belonging to a historical exhibit. The ward school principal went to the seventh grade room and made inquiries. “Who smashed that show-case?” No one answered. Then roll call was ordered and each pupil questioned, “Did you break the show-case?” This brought no further light on the matter, so the principal tried a broadside: “Does anybody here know who broke the show-case?” Nellie Arbaugh’s hand went up. “What do you know?” “All about it.” “Tell me who it was.”