“Yes,” I answered, “we all do it unconsciously; and that is why we are as many people as we know.”
She went on: “When I am with people who like to be serious, I talk seriously; and when I am with people who like to fool, why, then I am jolly and silly.”
“But how about your own taste and personality?” I asked. “Does that count?”
“When I am with some very proper people,” said Florence, “I love to shock them.”
“Yes,” I answered, “it is a temptation. But, please, Florence, make the people do what you choose sometimes. You remember that you want to be like a picture, and not only like a looking-glass.”
“I like to be the controlling person,” said Virginia, “and make people do what I choose.”
Ruth said: “I don’t believe people are ever their real self with me, and it is very annoying. They always try to seem better.”
“That is,” said Marian, “because they know you have such high ideals.”
“Yes,” Ruth went on, “I suppose you tell them. And then they show me only their good side.”
“Ruth,” I answered, “if that be true, it need not trouble you. If you can really make people always show you their good side, you should be glad to have the power. For people’s good side is a pleasanter side to see; and it is excellent practice for them to show it. I want you each to be a power and a purpose in life.”