`` I know she 'll kiss me ; she never will let a fellow alone , '' growled Toady , scowling darkly . The garden gate clashed , dust flew from the door-mat , a heavy step echoed in the hall , an imperious voice called `` Sophy ! '' and Aunt Kipp entered with a flourish of trumpets , for Toady blew a blast through his fingers which made the bows totter on her bonnet . `` My dear aunt , I 'm very glad to see you , '' murmured Mrs. Snow , advancing with a smile of welcome ; for though as weak as water gruel , she was as kind-hearted a little woman as ever lived . `` What a fib that was ! '' said Toady , sotto voce . `` 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 XXXXX her drop .
Go advancing awaited caused closing countenance escaped saying see stroking