In one instance, for example, he will see two boys together, James and Joseph we will call them, exhibiting a tendency to play, and after inquiring into their characters, he will find that they are good-natured, pleasant boys, and that he had better be frank with them on the subject.  He calls one of them to his desk, and perhaps the following dialogue ensues: 

“James, I am making some changes in the seats, and thought of removing you to another place.  Have you any particular preference for that seat?”

The question is unexpected, and James hesitates.  He wishes to sit next to Joseph, but doubts whether it is quite prudent to avow it; so he says, slowly and with hesitation,

“No, sir, I do not know that I have.”

“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.  You may stay as you are, and make extra exertion to be perfectly regular and studious, or I will find seats for you where it will be a great deal easier for you to be so.  Which do you think you should rather do?”

The boys hesitate, look at one another, and presently say that they had rather sit together.

“Well,” said the teacher, “it is immaterial to me whether you sit together or apart, if you are only good boys, so you may take your seats and try it a little while.  If you find it too hard work to be studious and orderly together, I can make a change hereafter.  I shall soon see.”