Give it to Mrs. Snow ; she deserves it , poor lady , for she 's had a hard time , and done her duty faithfully . Do n't wait till you are -- that is , till you -- well , till you in point of fact die , ma'am . Give it now , and enjoy the happiness it will make . Give it kindly , let them see you 're glad to do it , and I am sure you 'll find them grateful ; I 'm sure you wo n't be lonely any more , or feel that you are not loved and thanked . Try it , ma'am , just try it , '' cried Van , getting excited by the picture he drew . `` And I give you my word I 'll do my best to respect and love you like a son , ma'am . '' He knew that he was promising a great deal , but for Polly 's sake he felt that he could make even that Herculean effort . Aunt Kipp was surprised and touched ; but the contrary old lady could n't make up her mind to yield so soon , and would n't have done it if Toady had n't taken her by storm . Having a truly masculine horror of tears , a very tender heart under his tailless jacket , and being much `` tumbled up and down in his own mind '' by the events of the week , the poor little lad felt nerved to attempt any novel enterprise , even that of voluntarily embracing Aunt Kipp . First a grimy little hand came on her shoulder , as she sat sniffing behind the handkerchief ; then , peeping out , she saw an apple-cheeked face very near her own , with eyes full of pity , penitence , and affection ; and then she heard a choky little voice say earnestly , -- `` Do n't cry , aunty ; I 'm sorry I was rude . Please be good to Mother and Polly , and I 'll love and take care of you , and stand by you all my life . Yes , I 'll -- I 'll kiss you , I will , by George ! '' And with one promiscuous plunge the Spartan boy cast himself into her arms . That finished Aunt Kipp ; she hugged him dose , and cried out with a salute that went off like a pistol-shot , -- `` Oh , my dear , my dear ! this is better than a dozen cherakins ! '' When Toady emerged , somewhat flushed and tumbled , Mrs. Snow , Polly , and Van were looking on with faces full of wonder , doubt , and satisfaction . To be an object of interest was agreeable to Aunt Kipp ; and , as her old heart was really softened , she met them with a gracious smile , and extended the olive-branch generally . `` Sophy , I shall give my money to you at once and entirely , only asking that you 'll let me stay with you when Polly 's gone . I 'll do my best to be agreeable , and you 'll bear with me because I 'm a cranky , solitary old woman , and I loved your husband . '' Mrs. Snow hugged her on the spot , and gushed , of course , murmuring thanks , welcomes , and promises in one grateful burst .
`` XXXXX , I forgive you ; I consent to your marriage , and will provide your wedding finery .
First Kipp Mother Polly Snow Sophy Spartan Toady cherakins storm