`` Then you know now . People continually say that to me : but I tell them , if you do n't know that fire burns , that is no reason that it should not burn you ; and if you do n't know that dirt breeds fever , that is no reason why the fevers should not kill you . The lobster did not know that there was any harm in getting into the lobster - pot ; but it caught him all the same . '' `` Dear me , '' thought Tom , `` she knows everything ! '' And so she did , indeed . `` And so , if you do not know that things are wrong that is no reason why you should not be punished for them ; though not as much , not as much , my little man '' -LRB- and the lady looked very kindly , after all -RRB- , `` as if you did know . '' `` Well , you are a little hard on a poor lad , '' said Tom . `` Not at all ; I am the best friend you ever had in all your life . But I will tell you ; I can not help punishing people when they do wrong . I like it no more than they do ; I am often very , very sorry for them , poor things : but I can not help it . If I tried not to do it , I should do it all the same . For I work by machinery , just like an engine ; and am full of wheels and springs inside ; and am wound up very carefully , so that I can not help going . '' `` Was it long ago since they wound you up ? '' asked Tom . For he thought , the cunning little fellow , `` She will run down some day : or they may forget to wind her up , as old Grimes used to forget to wind up his watch when he came in from the public-house ; and then I shall be safe . '' `` I was wound up once and for all , so long ago , that I forget all about it . '' `` Dear me , '' said Tom , `` you must have been made a long time ! '' `` I never was made , my child ; and I shall go for ever and ever ; for I am as old as Eternity , and yet as young as Time . '' And there came over the lady 's face a very curious expression -- very solemn , and very sad ; and yet very , very sweet . And she looked up and away , as if she were gazing through the sea , and through the sky , at something far , far off ; and as she did so , there came such a quiet , tender , patient , hopeful smile over her face that Tom thought for the moment that she did not look ugly at all .
And no more she did ; for she was like a great many people who have not a pretty feature XXXXX their faces , and yet are lovely to behold , and draw little children 's hearts to them at once because though the house is plain enough , yet from the windows a beautiful and good spirit is looking forth .
For If after by in like than that though to