There has been a long lawsuit about it , but it 's nearly settled , and there is n't much doubt that we shall get it . I am the last of our branch , and my share will be a large one . '' `` Oh , indeed ! I wish you joy , '' said Aunt Kipp , with sudden affability ; for she adored wealth , like a few other persons in the world . `` But suppose you do n't get it , how then ? '' `` Then I shall try to be contented with my salary of two thousand , and make Polly as happy as I can . Money does n't always make people happy or agreeable , I find . '' And Van looked at Aunt Kipp in a way that would have made her hair stand erect if she had possessed any . She stared at him a moment , then , obeying one of the odd whims that made an irascible weathercock of her , she said , abruptly , -- `` If you had capital should you go into business for yourself , Mr. Lambkin ? '' `` Yes , ma'am , at once , '' replied Van , promptly . `` Suppose you lost the Van Bahr money , and some one offered you a tidy little sum to start with , would you take it ? '' `` It would depend upon who made the offer , ma'am , '' said Van , looking more like a sheep than ever , as he stood staring in blank surprise . `` Suppose it was me , would n't you take it ? '' asked Aunt Kipp , blandly , for the new fancy pleased her . `` No , thank you , ma'am , '' said Van , decidedly . `` And why not , pray ? '' cried the old lady , with a shrillness that made him jump , and Toady back to the door precipitately . `` Because , if you 'll excuse my speaking plainly , I think you owe anything you may have to spare to your niece , Mrs. Snow ; '' and , having freed his mind , Van joined Toady , ready to fly if necessary . `` You 're an idiot , sir , '' began Aunt Kipp , in a rage again . `` Thank you , ma'am . ''
And XXXXX actually laughed and bowed in return for the compliment .
Bahr Kipp Lambkin Polly Toady Van affability share weathercock whims