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 Van is a fool , I prefer simpletons to wiseacres . I know he is shy and awkward , and does absurd things now and then . But I also know that he has the kindest heart that ever was ; is unselfish , faithful and loving ; that he took good care of his old parents till they died , and never thought of himself while they needed him . He loves me dearly ; will wait for me a dozen years , if I say so , and work all his days to make me happy . He 's a help and comfort to mother , a good friend to Toady , and I love and respect and am proud of him , though you do say he is a fool , '' cried Polly heartily . `` And you insist on marrying him ? ''
demanded Aunt XXXXX .
Kipp Lamb Polly Toady Van anger days heart wiseacres years