Perhaps at present the influence of a friend is greater than that of any power officially set over us, so jealous are we of control.

So much the better chance for those who have the gift even in mature age of winning the friendship of children, and those who have just outgrown childhood.

In these friendships the great power of influence is hopefulness, to believe in possibilities of good, and to expect the best.
2.

Vigilance, not the nervous vigilance, unquiet and anxious, which rouses to mischief the sporting instinct of children and stings the rebellious to revolt, but the vigilance which, open and confident itself, gives confidence, nurtures fearlessness, and brings a steady pressure to be at one's best.

Vigilance over children is no insult to their honour, it is rather the right of their royalty, for they are of the blood royal of Christianity, and deserve the guard of honour which for the sake of their royalty does not lose sight of them.
3.