She might have been seen almost any day with a well-worn basket on her arm, exploring the streets and wharves in search of chips, for Johnny was too vicious to do the work which more properly belonged to him.
"You sell lots of candy now--don't you ?" said Ann.
"Yes, a great deal," replied Katy, who was not disposed to spend her time idly, and in the company of one whose reputation in the neighborhood was not very good.
"Stop a minute--won't you?
I want to speak to you." "I will; but be as quick as you can, for I am in a hurry." "Don't you think I could sell candy ?" continued Ann.
"I dare say you could.

Why don't you try, if you want to ?" "But I haven't got no candy; and mother can't make it, as you can.

If you are a mind to let me have some, I will sell it for you, and you may give me what you like." The idea struck the little merchant very favorably.

There were a great many girls just like Ann Grippen, who were wasting their time about the streets, and learning to be wicked.

Why couldn't she employ them to sell candy?
"I will try you," replied Katy.
"Well, I'm all ready to begin." "Not yet," said the little candy merchant, with a smile.
"Yes, I am." "Your face and hands are very dirty." "What odds will that make ?" asked Ann, rather indignantly.
"Do you suppose anybody would eat a stick of candy after you had touched it with those dirty fingers?
Your customers would be afraid of being poisoned." "I s'pose I can wash 'em," replied Ann, who seemed still to regard it as a very unnecessary operation.
"It would be a good plan; and while you are about it you must not forget your face." "I ain't a-going to touch the candy with my face," added Ann, triumphantly.
"Very true; but if people saw you with such a dirty face, they would be afraid your candy was not very clean." "Any way you like.