It is true her clothes were shabby, there was many a patch and darn upon her dress, and its colors had faded out like the "last rose of summer;" but then the dress was clean.
"Buy some candy ?" said she to another, with a sudden resolution not to be disturbed by the rudeness of those she addressed.
He took a stick, and threw down a cent, without a word.

One more did her a similar favor, and she left the store well satisfied with the visit.

Pretty soon she came to a large piano-forte manufactory, where she knew that a great many men were employed.

She went up-stairs to the counting-room, where she sold three sticks, and was about to enter the work-room, when a sign, "No admittance except on business," confronted her.

Should she go on?
Did the sign refer to her?
She had business there, but perhaps they would not be willing to admit that her business was very urgent, and she dreaded the indignity of being turned out again.