he asked , after a moment 's meditation . `` Good gracious , Van , she has n't got any , '' cried Polly , who firmly believed it . `` It 's hossified , '' thoughtfully remarked Toady , quite unconscious of any approach to a joke till every one giggled . `` You 've had hossification enough for one while , my lad , '' laughed Van . `` Well , Polly , if the old lady has no heart you 'd better let her go , for people without hearts are not worth much . '' `` That 's a beautiful remark , Van , and a wise one . I just wish she could hear you make it , for she called you a fool , '' said Polly , irefully . `` Did she ? Well , I do n't mind , I 'm used to it , '' returned Van , placidly ; and so he was , for Polly called him a goose every day of her life , and he enjoyed it immensely . `` Then you think , dear , if we stopped worrying about aunt and her money , and worked instead of waiting , that we should n't be any poorer and might be a great deal happier than we are now ? '' asked Polly , making a pretty little tableau as she put her hand through Van 's arm and looked up at him with as much love , respect , and reliance as if he had been six feet tall , with the face of an Apollo and the manners of a Chesterfield . `` Yes , my dear , I do , for it has troubled me a good deal to see you so badgered by that very uncomfortable old lady . Independence is a very nice thing , and poverty is n't half as bad as this sort of slavery . But you are not going to be poor , nor worry about anything . We 'll just be married and take mother and Toady home and be as jolly as grigs , and never think of Mrs. K. again , -- unless she loses her fortune , or gets sick , or comes to grief in any way . We 'd lend her a hand then , would n't we , Polly ? '' and Van 's mild face was pleasant to behold as he made the kindly proposition . `` Well , we 'd think of it , '' said Polly , trying not to relent , but feeling that she was going very fast . `` Let 's do it ! '' cried Toady , fired with the thought of privy conspiracy and rebellion .
`` Mother would be so comfortable with Polly , and I 'd help XXXXX in the store , when I 've learned that confounded multiplication table , '' he added with a groan ; `` and if Aunt Kipp comes a visiting , we 'll just say ` Not at home , ' and let her trot off again . ''
Apollo Chesterfield Independence K. Polly Toady Van day grigs hossification