Volume 5 — Handsome is that handsome does.

John. Mama, I want something to look at; what can I have?

Mother. Why, my dear, cannot you find something in the room to look at—some pretty story-book, or amusing puzzle?

J. No, mama, I don’t want to read, or be puzzled either; and I have looked at the shells and fossils on the mantelpiece, and the gold fishes in the globe, and counted the window-panes and the flowers on the carpet twenty times, and I’ve been looking into the looking-glass for the last half hour.

M. Into the looking-glass, John! for what purpose?

J. That I might know how handsome I am, mama.

M. Why, do you really think that you are handsome?

J. Yes, mama; do not you?

M. Only sometimes.

J. Why—only sometimes, mama?

M. Because, John, you are only handsome when you are good; when you are naughty, you are a very ugly little fellow!

J. Why, mama, my hair is always curled, and my hands always white, and I am sure that my clothes are always very pretty.

M. Yes, my dear, that may be; but does any one love you more on this account?

J. I should think they do, mama.

M. Then let me tell you, my dear, that if a child be ever so pretty, and dressed ever so fine, he cannot be loved unless he is good. No person is pleasing to look at, who is naughty. A person who is naughty has a bad heart, and a bad heart usually spoils the face.