ly hair; and as she
stood there, clad in a black frock and a straw hat, well worn, it is
true, but free from tatters, with a piece of crape neatly fastened
around it, had any one amidst that busy multitude paused to look at the
little flower-seller, they would have wondered why so young a child was
trusted alone in that noisy, bustling place.

"I say, Pollie, how many have yer sold, eh?" exclaimed another girl,
coming up to her--quite a different type of girlhood, a regular London
arab, one who from her very cradle (if ever she possessed such a luxury)
had battled through life heedless of all rubs and bruises, ready to hold
her own against the entire world, and yet with much of hidden goodness
beneath the rugged surface.

"Only two bunches," replied little Pollie, somewhat sadly.

"Only two!" repeated the other. "My eye! yer won't make a fortin, that's
sartin!"

"The people don't seem to see me, not even hear me," said the child.

"'Cos why, you don't shout loud enuff," explained the bigger girl. "If
yer wants to get on in the world, yer must make a noise somehow. Make
the folks hear; never minds if yer deafens 'em, they'll pay 'tention to
yer then. See how I does it."

At that moment four smart youths came strolling leisurely along
arm-in-arm, trying to appear as though merely out on pleasure, though
they knew full well they must be in their office and at their desks
before the clock struck ten.

These were just the customers for Sally Grimes, and away she rushed full
upon them, her thin ragged shawl flying in the wind, and her rough hair,
from which the net had fallen, following the example of the shawl; and
as she reached the somewhat startled youths, who almost stumbled over
her, she held her only remaining posy right in their faces, screaming
out in a harsh grating voice, rendered harsh by her street training--

"Now, then, gents, this last bunch--only a penny!"

Polly looked on in utter amazement. It is true she did not understand
Sally's logic, but she saw plainly that the sweet violets were sold, for
presently back came the girl, crying out--

"That's the way to do it. I've sold all mine; now let's see what you've
got left. Why, ten more bunches! Come, give us two or three, I'll get
rid of 'em for yer; I'll bring yer back the money. Look sharp, I see
some folks a-comin'."

And without further parley she snatched up several of the dainty little
bunches tied up so neatly by Pollie's mother, and rushed