I thank you for saving my life , and I wish you well with all my heart . You need n't say anything . I 'm far from strong , and all this agitation is shortening my life . '' Polly and Van shook her hand heartily , and beamed upon each other like a pair of infatuated turtle-doves with good prospects . `` Toady , you are as near an angel as a boy can be . Put a name to whatever you most wish for in the world , and it 's yours , '' said Aunt Kipp , dramatically waving the rest away . With his short legs wide apart , his hands behind him , and his rosy face as round and radiant as a rising sun , Toady stood before the fire surveying the scene with the air of a man who has successfully carried through a difficult and dangerous undertaking , and was n't proud . His face brightened , then fell , as he heaved a sigh , and answered , with a shake of his curly head , -- `` You ca n't give me what I want most . There are three things , and I 've got to wait for them all . '' `` Gracious me , what are they ? '' cried the old lady , good-naturedly , for she felt better already . `` A mustache , a beaver , and a sweetheart , '' answered Toady , with his eyes fixed wistfully on Baa-baa , who possessed all these blessings , and was particularly enjoying the latter at that moment . How Aunt Kipp did laugh at this early budding of romance in her pet ! And all the rest joined her , for Toady 's sentimental air was irresistible . `` You precocious chick ! I dare say you will have them all before we know where we are . Never mind , deary ; you shall have my little watch , and the silver-headed cane with a boar 's head on it , '' answered the old lady , in high good-humor . `` You need n't blush , dear ; I do n't bear malice ; so let 's forget and forgive . I shall settle things to-morrow , and have a free mind . You are welcome to my money , and I hope I shall live to see you all enjoy it . ''
So she did ; for she lived to see Sophy plump , cheery , and care-free ; XXXXX surrounded by a flock of Lambkins ; Van in possession of a generous slice of the Van Bahr fortune ; Toady revelling in the objects of his desire ; and , best of all , she lived to find that it is never too late to make oneself useful , happy , and beloved .
Baa-baa Kipp Polly Toady Van fire good-humor laugh sigh turtle-doves