the girls shows man-like characteristics, either in physical type or in energy and decision of character; the other lets herself be loved, acting with all the obstinacy—­and one might almost say the shyness—­of a girl with her lover.  The beginning of these relationships is quite different from the usual beginnings of friendship.  It is not by being always together, talking and studying together, that two become ‘flames’; no, generally they do not even know each other; one sees the other on the stairs, in the garden, in the corridors, and the emotion that arises is nearly always called forth by beauty and physical grace.  Then the one who is first struck begins a regular courtship:  frequent walks in the garden when the other is likely to be at the window of her class-room, pauses on the stairs to see her pass; in short, a mute adoration made up of glances and sighs.  Later come presents of beautiful flowers, and little messages conveyed by complacent companions.  Finally, if the ‘flame’ shows signs of appreciating all these proofs of affection, comes the letter of declaration.  Letters of declaration are long and ardent, to such a degree that they equal or surpass real love-declarations.  The courted one nearly always accepts, sometimes with enthusiasm, oftenest with many objections and doubts as to the affection declared.  It is only after many entreaties that she yields and the relationship begins.”

Another collaborator who has herself always aroused very numerous “flames” gives a very similar description, together with other particulars.  Thus she states:  “It may be said that 60 per cent. of the girls in a college have ‘flame’ relationships, and that of the remaining 40 only half refuse from deliberate repulsion to such affections; the other 20 are excluded either because they are not sufficiently pleasing in appearance or because their characters do not inspire sympathy.”  And, regarding the method of beginning the relationship, she writes:  “Sometimes ‘flames’ arise before the two future friends have even seen each other, merely because one of them is considered as beautiful, sympathetic, nice, or elegant.  Elegance exerts an immense fascination, especially on the boarders, who are bound down by monotonous and simple habits.  As soon as a boarder hears of a day-pupil that she is charming and elegant she begins to feel a lively sympathy toward her, rapidly reaching anxiety to see her.  The longed-for morning at length arrives.  The beloved, unconscious of the tumult of passions she has aroused, goes into school, not knowing that her walk, her movements, her garments are being observed from stairs or dormitory corridor....  For the boarders these events constitute an important part of college-life, and often assume, for some, the aspect of a tragedy, which, fortunately, may be gradually resolved into a comedy or a farce.”