In your abhorrence of tattling, do not permit yourself to lose an
opportunity to safeguard an inexperienced girl. Say to Portia, “How did
the girls answer the question? Were any of them tempted to do such an
unwise thing?” Lead Portia on in the conversation until you discover her
own attitude toward the right or wrong of indulging herself in such
forbidden pleasures. Leave her finally with a strong suggestion in favor
of right conduct firmly lodged in her mind. You may say in closing, “You
will do all you can do, won’t you, to prevent any of the girls from
thoughtlessly entering into engagements which they may regret all their
lives? Can’t you girls plan some way to make the boys understand that
you have too much self-respect even to be amused at such proposals? It
will be a good lesson for the boys as well. Apparently they have not a
very high opinion of the girls.”