It's Plain Thievery!

   One day when I was about eight, I was playing beside an open window while Mrs. Brown confided to my mother a serious problem concerning her son. when Mrs. Brown had gone, my mother, realizing I had heard everything, said: "If Mrs. Brown had left her purse here today, would we give it to anyone else?

"Of course not," I replied.

   Mother continued: "Mrs. Brown left something more precious than her purse today. she left a story that could make many people unhappy. It is still hers, even though she left it here. so we shall not give it to anyone. Do you understand?

   I did. And I have understood ever since that a confidence or a bit of careless gossip which a friend has left at my house is his-not mine to give anyone.

     - Constance Cameron