A CHAPTER FOR GIRLS 449 



space to the subject here. We may, however, mention 

 a few of the special causes which seem to be most active 

 in leading to the formation of evil habits among girls. 



Vicious Companions.— Girls are remarkably sus- 

 ceptible to influence by those of their own age. A 

 vicious girl who makes herself agreeable to those with 

 ^wliom she associates, can exert more influence over 

 many of her companions than can any number of older 

 persons. Even a mother rarely has the influence over 

 her daughter that is maintained by the girl whom she 

 holds as her bosom friend. The close friendships which 

 are formed between girls of the same age are often 

 highly detrimental in character. Each makes a confi- 

 dant of the other, and thus becomes estranged from the 

 only one competent to give counsel and advice, and the 

 one who of all others is worthy of a young girl's con- 

 fidence, — her mother. 



From these unfortunate alliances often arise most 

 deplorable evils. Vicious companions not infrequently 

 sow the seeds of evil habits far and wide, contami- 

 nating all who come within their influence. 



Whom to Avoid.— A girl will always do well to 

 avoid a companion who is vain, idle, silly, or frivo- 

 lous. Girls who have these evil characteristics are 

 very likely to have others also which are worse. A 

 girl who is rude in her manners, careless in her habits, 

 irreverent and disobedient to parents and teachers, is 

 always an unsafe companion. No matter how pretty, 

 witty, stylish, or aristocratic she may be, she should 

 be shunned. Her influence will be withering, debasing, 

 wherever felt. A girl may be gay and thoughtless 

 without being vicious; but the chances are ten to one 

 that she will become sinful unless she changes her 

 ways. 



27 



