Final answer:
The reason why the senior girls were protective of Ted cannot be determined from the provided text excerpts, as there is no specific reference to these senior girls or their motivations regarding Ted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protective nature of the senior girls towards Ted is not explicitly outlined in the provided excerpts. Thus, it is not possible to determine an accurate reason for their behavior without additional context. However, the extracts suggest various dimensions to the relationships and interactions between genders and peers within these narratives. The concerns and perceptions within these interactions often revolve around social cues, respect, reputation, and the complexities of romantic or platonic feelings. Whether it is Trina’s comfort and candidness with McTeague, Bernice’s social struggles and longing for intimate confidences, or the complexities in Jane's interaction with Lassiter, each scenario presents a nuanced look at how individuals may feel compelled to protect or support others in their social circles.