Final answer:
Miss Hopley's actions in paragraphs 7 and 8 help Ernesto determine whether the principal is a friend or a menace. Through her words and tone, Miss Hopley warns Ernesto about the principal's negative qualities, leading him to conclude that the principal is a menace.
Step-by-step explanation:
In paragraphs 7 and 8, Miss Hopley's actions help Ernesto determine whether the principal is a possible 'friend or a menace'. When Ernesto asks Miss Hopley about the principal, she responds by saying, 'Oh, Miss Hopley,' in a tone of pity. This reveals that Miss Hopley views the principal as a threat and someone to be pitied. She goes on to say, 'He’s a wicked old man, a confirmed alcoholic, and if one of them was my relation, I’d disown them, sure.' By sharing this information with Ernesto, Miss Hopley is warning him about the principal's negative qualities, which helps Ernesto decide that the principal is indeed a menace.