Page:Arthur Stringer-The Loom of Destiny.djvu/69

The King who Lost His Crown With these two pennies she invaded the sacred realms of Tommie Doyle's candy shop. After much debate it had been decided that she should be accompanied by Lou Birkins, her bosom friend. The little bell rang with an awe-inspiring clatter as the two fortunate ones entered the sacred portal. Once inside they gazed with wide eyes and open mouth on the strange treasures that lay before them.

In a way, the sight was disappointing. Mrs. Doyle was scrubbing the floor when they stumbled and shuffled in, but she wiped her hands and arms on her mat apron, and got up from her knees when she saw they were customers. She was a thin, gaunt woman with a shrill voice, and she frightened Maggie Reilly so much that that startled young lady did n't know whether she wanted wintergreen drops or chocolate mice. She finally solved the problem by taking conversation lozenges, six for a penny.

While these were being counted out the voice of Tommie Doyle came from the little room at the back of the shop.

"Ma, why can't I scrape out the big 57