I 'm afraid our last chance is gone , deary , and we must rub along as we have done . '' One sniff of emotion burst from Toady , and for a moment he laid his head in the knife-tray , overcome with disappointment and regret . But scorning to yield to unmanly tears , he was soon himself again . Thrusting his beloved jackknife , with three blades and a file , into Polly 's hand , he whispered , brokenly , -- `` Keep it forever 'n' ever ; I 'm awful sorry ! '' Then , feeling that the magnitude of this sacrifice atoned for everything , he went to watch for Van , -- the forlorn hope to which he now clung . II `` Sophy , I 'm surprised at your want of judgment . Do you really mean to let your girl marry this Lamb ? Why , the man 's a fool ! '' began Aunt Kipp , after dinner , by way of opening a pleasant conversation with her relatives . `` Dear me , aunt ! how can you know that , when you never saw him ? '' mildly returned Mrs. Snow . `` I 've heard of him , and that 's enough for me . I 've a deal of penetration in judging character , and I tell you Van Bahr Lamb is a fool . '' The amiable old lady thought this would rouse Polly , against whom her anger still burned hotly . But Polly also possessed penetration ; and , well knowing that contradiction would delight Aunt Kipp , she completely took the wind out of her sails , by coolly remarking , -- `` I like fools . '' `` Bless my heart ! what does the girl mean ? '' ejaculated Aunt Kipp . `` Just what I say .
If XXXXX is a fool , I prefer simpletons to wiseacres .
II Kipp Lamb Polly Sophy Toady Van deary jackknife knife-tray