Van was n't a dignified man at all , but as he said that with a sudden flash of his mild eyes , there was something in his face and manner that daunted Aunt Kipp more than the small fist belligerently shaken at her from behind the sofa . The poor old soul was cross , and worried , and ashamed of herself , and being as feeble-minded as Sophy in many respects , she suddenly burst into tears , and , covering her face with the gay handkerchief , cried as if bent on floating the red ship in a sea of salt water without delay . `` I 'm a poor , lonely , abused old woman , '' she moaned , with a green monkey at each eye . `` No one loves me , or minds me , or thanks me when I want to help 'em . My money 's only a worryment and a burden , and I do n't know what to do with it , for people I do n't want to leave it to ought to have it , and people I do like wo n't take it . Oh , deary me , what shall I do ! what shall I do ! '' `` Shall I tell you , ma'am ? '' asked Van , gently , for , though she was a very provoking old lady , he pitied and wished to help her . A nod and a gurgle seemed to give consent , and , boldly advancing , Van said , with blush and a stammer , but a very hearty voice , -- `` I think , ma'am , if you 'd do the right thing with your money you 'd be at ease and find it saved a deal of worry all round . 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 XXXXX , and I 'll love and take care of you , and stand by you all my life .
Kipp Polly Snow Sophy Toady choky penitence right storm worryment