`` Because I love her , ma'am , '' returned Van , with unexpected spirit . `` No , you do n't ; you want her money , or rather my money . She depends on it ; but you 'll both be disappointed , for she wo n't have a penny of it , '' cried Aunt Kipp , who , in spite of her good resolutions , found it impossible to be amiable all at once . `` I 'm glad of it ! '' burst out Van , indignant at her accusation . `` I did n't want Polly for the money ; I always doubted if she got it ; and I never wished her to make herself a slave to anybody . I 've got enough for all , if we 're careful ; and when my share of the Van Bahr property comes , we shall live in clover . '' `` What 's that ? What property are you talking of ? '' demanded Aunt Kipp , pricking up her ears . `` The great Van Bahr estate , ma'am . 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 XXXXX , promptly .
Bahr Kipp Lambkin Mr. Polly Van affability resolutions weathercock whims