CHAPTER I
AT THE LITTLE BLUE SHOP
A bell tinkled as the door of the little blue
shop opened and closed, and continued to
tinkle, although decreasingly, as the stout
youth who had entered turned unhesitatingly but
with a kind of impressive dignity toward where
in the dimmer light of the store a recently installed
soda-fountain, modest of size but brave
with white marble and nickel, gleamed a welcome.
In response to the summons of the bell a girl came through the door that led to the rear of the little building. As she came she fastened a long apron over the dark blue dress and sent an inquiring hand upward to the smooth brown hair. Evidently reassured, she said, "Hello," in a friendly voice and, having established herself behind the counter, looked questioningly at the customer.
