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 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 XXXXX , 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 .
Kipp Polly Toady Van day galley-slaves hossification impossibilities opodeldoc trouser-leg