Little Steady. Here it is—it will teach you to do as you are bid—I am never happy when I have been naughty—are you happy?
Boy. I cannot be happy; no person loves me.
Little Steady. Why?
Mr. Steady. I can tell you why; because he is not good.
Boy. I wish I was good.
Mr. Steady. Then try to be so; it is easy; you have only to do as your parents and friends desire you.
Boy. But why should I go to school?
Mr. Steady. Good children ask for no reasons; a wise child knows that his parents can best judge what is proper; and unless they choose to explain the reason of their orders, he trusts that they have a good one; and he obeys without inquiry.
Little Steady. I will not say why again, when I am told what to do; but will always do as I am bid immediately. Pray, sir, tell the story of Miss Wilful.
Mr. Steady. Miss Wilful came to stay a few days with me; now she knew that I always would have children obey me: so she did as I bade her; but she did not always do a thing as soon as she was spoken to; and would often whine out why?—that always seems to me like saying—I think I am as wise as you are; and I would disobey you if I durst.