`` We were just saying we were afraid you would n't '' -- began Mary , when a warning , `` Mind now , Polly , '' caused her to stop short and busy herself with the newcomer 's bag and umbrella . `` I changed my mind . Theodore , come and kiss me , '' answered Aunt Kipp , briefly . `` Yes 'm , '' was the plaintive reply , and , closing his eyes , Toady awaited his fate with fortitude . But the dreaded salute did not come , for Aunt Kipp exclaimed in alarm , -- `` Mercy on us ! has the boy got the plague ? '' `` No 'm , it 's paint , and dirt , and glue , and it wo n't come off , '' said Toady , stroking his variegated countenance with grateful admiration for the stains that saved him . `` Go and wash this moment , sir . Thank Heaven , I 've got no boys , '' cried Aunt Kipp . as if boys were some virulent disease which she had narrowly escaped . With a hasty peck at the lips of her two elder relatives , the old lady seated herself , and slowly removed the awful bonnet , which in shape and hue much resembled a hearse hung with black crape . `` I 'm glad you are better , '' said Mary , reverently receiving the funereal head-gear . `` I 'm not better , '' cut in Aunt Kipp . `` I 'm worse , much worse ; my days are numbered ; I stand on the brink of the tomb , and may drop at any moment . '' Toady 's face was a study , as he glanced up at the old lady 's florid countenance , down at the floor , as if in search of the above-mentioned `` brink , '' and looked unaffectedly anxious to see her drop . `` Why do n't you , then ? '' was on his lips ; but a frown from Polly restrained him , and he sat himself down on the rug to contemplate the corpulent victim . `` Have a cup of tea , aunt ? '' said Mrs. Snow . `` I will . ''
`` Lie down and rest a little , '' suggested XXXXX .
Kipp Mary Polly Snow Theodore Toady crape days disease head-gear