"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?"