"
"If you have any reason, I wish you would tell me frankly, for I want
you to have such a seat as will be pleasant to you."
James does not know what to say. Encouraged, however, by the
good-humored tone and look which the master assumes, he says, timidly,
"Joseph and I thought we should like to sit together, if you are
willing."
"Oh! you and Joseph are particular friends, then, I suppose?"
"Why, yes, sir."
"I am not surprised, then, that you want to sit together, though, to
tell the truth, that is rather a reason why I should separate you."
"Why, sir?"
"Because I have observed that when two great friends are seated
together, they are always more apt to whisper and play. Have you not
observed it?"
"Why, yes, sir."
"You may go and ask Joseph to come here."
When the two boys make their appearance again, the teacher continues:
"Joseph, James tells me that you and he would like to sit together, and
says you are particular friends; but I tell him," he adds, smiling,
"that that is rather a reason for separating you. Now if I should put
you both into different parts of the school, next to boys that you are
not acquainted with, it would be a great deal easier for you to be still
and studious than it is now. Do you not think so yourselves?"
The boys look at one another and smile.
"However, there is one way you can do. You can guard against the extra
temptation by extra care; and, on the whole, as I believe you are pretty
good boys, I will let you have your choice.
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