O bless me, Mary, how is this?
Your hands are very dirty, Miss;
I don't expect such hands to see
When you come in to dine with me.
Mama, said little Mary, pray,
Shall we have company to-day
That I should be _so very_ clean?
By whom, pray, am I to be seen?
By whom, my girl? why, by Mama,
By Brothers, Sisters, and Papa;
Pray, do you not most love to see
Your parents, and your family?
Be cleanly and polite at home,
Then you're prepared if friends should come:
Make it your habit to be clean,
No matter then by whom you're seen.
[Illustration]