He had a blond curly head , a long face , pale , mild eyes , a plaintive voice , and a general expression of innocent timidity strongly suggestive of animated mutton . But Baa-baa was a `` trump , '' as Toady emphatically declared , and though every one laughed at him , every one liked him , and that is more than can be said of many saints and sages . He adored Polly , was dutifully kind to her mother , and had stood by T. Snow , Jr. , in many an hour of tribulation with fraternal fidelity . Though he had long blushed , sighed , and cast sheep 's eyes at the idol of his affections , only till lately had he dared to bleat forth his passion . Polly loved him because she could n't help it ; but she was proud , and would n't marry till Aunt Kipp 's money was hers , or at least a sure prospect of it ; and now even the prospect of a prospect was destroyed by that irrepressible Toady . They were talking of this as the old lady suspected , and of course the following conversation afforded her intense satisfaction . `` It 's a shame to torment us as she does , knowing how poor we are and how happy a little of her money would make us . I 'm tired of being a slave to a cruel old woman just because she 's rich . If it was not for mother , I declare I 'd wash my hands of her entirely , and do the best I could for myself . '' `` Hooray for Polly ! I always said let her money go and be jolly without it , '' cried Toady , who , in his character of wounded hero , reposed with a lordly air on the sofa , enjoying the fragrance of the opodeldoc with which his strained wrists were bandaged . `` It 's on your account , children , that I bear with aunt 's temper as I do . I do n't want anything for myself , but I really think she owes it to your dear father , who was devoted to her while he lived , to provide for his children when he could n't ; '' after which remarkably spirited speech for her , Mrs. Snow dropped a tear , and stitched away on a small trouser-leg which was suffering from a complicated compound fracture . `` Do n't you worry about me , mother ; I 'll take care of myself and you too , '' remarked Toady , with the cheery belief in impossibilities which makes youth so charming . `` Now , Van , tell us what to do , for things have come to such a pass that we must either break away altogether or be galley-slaves as long as Aunt Kipp lives , '' said Polly , who was a good deal excited about the matter . `` Well , really , my dear , I do n't know , '' hesitated Van , who did know what he wanted , but thought it might be selfish to urge it . `` Have you tried to soften your aunt 's heart ? '' 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 XXXXX .
Baa-baa Jr. Kipp Snow Toady Van galley-slaves hour impossibilities trouser-leg