Mrs. Kipp was extricated and restored to consciousness ; for a more ludicrously deplorable spectacle was seldom seen . Quite unhurt , though much shaken , the old lady insisted on believing herself to be dying , and kept the town in a ferment till three doctors had pronounced her perfectly well able to go home . Then the perversity of her nature induced her to comply , that she might have the satisfaction of dying on the way , and proving herself in the right . Unfortunately she did not expire , but , having safely arrived , went to bed in high dudgeon , and led Polly and her mother a sad life of it for two weary days . Having heard of Toady 's gallant behavior , she solemnly ordered him up to receive her blessing . But the sight of Aunt Kipp 's rubicund visage , surrounded by the stiff frills of an immense nightcap , caused the irreverent boy to explode with laughter in his handkerchief , and to be hustled away by his mother before Aunt Kipp discovered the true cause of his convulsed appearance . `` Ah ! poor dear , his feelings are too much for him . He sees my doom in my face , and is overcome by what you refuse to believe . I sha n't forget that boy 's devotion . Now leave me to the meditations befitting these solemn hours . '' Mrs. Snow retired , and Aunt Kipp tried to sleep ; but the murmur of voices , and the sound of stifled laughter in the next room disturbed her repose . `` They are rejoicing over my approaching end , knowing that I have n't changed my will . Mercenary creatures , do n't exult too soon ! there 's time yet , '' she muttered ; and presently , unable to control her curiosity , she crept out of bed to listen and peep through the keyhole . Van Bahr Lamb did look rather like a sheep . He had a blond curly head , a long face , pale , mild eyes , a plaintive voice , and a general expression of innocent timidity strongly suggestive of animated mutton . But Baa-baa was a `` trump , '' as Toady emphatically declared , and though every one laughed at him , every one liked him , and that is more than can be said of many saints and sages . He adored Polly , was dutifully kind to her mother , and had stood by T. Snow , Jr. , in many an hour of tribulation with fraternal fidelity . Though he had long blushed , sighed , and cast sheep 's eyes at the idol of his affections , only till lately had he dared to bleat forth his passion .
XXXXX loved him because she could n't help it ; but she was proud , and would n't marry till Aunt Kipp 's money was hers , or at least a sure prospect of it ; and now even the prospect of a prospect was destroyed by that irrepressible Toady .
Baa-baa Kipp Lamb Polly Snow Toady days dudgeon hour perversity