`` Then I shall try to be contented with my salary of two thousand , and make Polly as happy as I can . Money does n't always make people happy or agreeable , I find . '' And Van looked at Aunt Kipp in a way that would have made her hair stand erect if she had possessed any . She stared at him a moment , then , obeying one of the odd whims that made an irascible weathercock of her , she said , abruptly , -- `` If you had capital should you go into business for yourself , Mr. Lambkin ? '' `` Yes , ma'am , at once , '' replied Van , promptly . `` Suppose you lost the Van Bahr money , and some one offered you a tidy little sum to start with , would you take it ? '' `` It would depend upon who made the offer , ma'am , '' said Van , looking more like a sheep than ever , as he stood staring in blank surprise . `` Suppose it was me , would n't you take it ? '' asked Aunt Kipp , blandly , for the new fancy pleased her . `` No , thank you , ma'am , '' said Van , decidedly . `` And why not , pray ? '' cried the old lady , with a shrillness that made him jump , and Toady back to the door precipitately . `` Because , if you 'll excuse my speaking plainly , I think you owe anything you may have to spare to your niece , Mrs. Snow ; '' and , having freed his mind , Van joined Toady , ready to fly if necessary . `` You 're an idiot , sir , '' began Aunt Kipp , in a rage again . `` Thank you , ma'am . '' And Van actually laughed and bowed in return for the compliment . `` Hold your tongue , sir , '' snapped the old lady . `` You 're a fool and Sophy is another . She 's no strength of mind , no sense about anything ; and would make ducks and drakes of my money in less than no time if I gave it to her , as I 've thought of doing . '' `` Mrs. Kipp , you forget who you are speaking to .
Mrs. Snow 's sons love and respect her if you do n't , and they wo n't hear anything untrue or unkind XXXXX of a good woman , a devoted mother , and an almost friendless widow . ''
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