`` I hope I did n't cheat any one , but I was flurried , sister , they were so very noisy and so hungry . Bless their dear hearts ; they are full now , I trust . '' And Miss Hetty looked over her glasses at the crumby countenances opposite , meeting many nods and smiles in return , as her late customers enthusiastically recommended her establishment to the patronage of those who had preferred Peck 's questionable dainties . `` The Brighton Rock was a success ; we must have a good store for to-morrow , and more milk . Briggs drank it like a baby , and your nice boy proposed my health like a little gentleman , as he is , '' replied Miss Jerusha , who had ventured out before it was too late , and done the honors of the can with great dignity , in spite of some inward trepidation at the astonishing feats performed with the mug . `` Peck 's nose is out of joint , if I may use so vulgar an expression , and our lunch a triumphant success . Boys know what is good , and we need not fear to lose their custom as long as we can supply them . I shall order a barrel of flour at once , and heat up the big oven . We have put our hand to the work and must not turn back , for our honor is pledged now . '' With which lofty remark Miss Hetty closed the door , trying to look utterly unconscious of the anxious Peck , who was flattening his nose against his dingy window-pane to survey his rivals over piles of unsold pastry . The little venture was a success , and all that winter the old ladies did their part faithfully , finding the task more to their taste than everlasting patchwork and knitting , and receiving a fair profit on their outlay , being shrewd managers , and rich in old-fashioned thrift , energy , and industry . The boys revelled in wholesome fare , and soon learned to love `` the Aunties , '' as they were called , while such of the parents as took an interest in the matter showed their approval in many ways most gratifying to the old ladies . The final triumph , however , was the closing of Peck 's shop for want of custom , for few besides the boys patronized him . None mourned for him , and Dickson proved the truth of Miss Hetty 's prophecy by actually having a bilious fever in the spring . But a new surprise awaited the boys ; for when they came flocking back after the summer vacation , there stood the little shop , brave in new paint and fittings , full of all the old goodies , and over the door a smart sign , `` Plummer & Co. '' `` By Jove , the Aunties are bound to cover themselves with glory . Let 's go in and hear all about it . Behave now , you fellows , or I 'll see about it afterward , '' commanded Charley , as he paused to peer in through the clean windows at the tempting display . In they trooped , and , tapping on the counter , stood ready to greet the old ladies as usual , but to their great surprise a pretty young woman appeared , and smilingly asked what they would have . `` We want the Aunties , if you please . Is n't this their shop ? ''
said little XXXXX , bitterly disappointed at not finding his good friends .
Briggs Charley Co. Dickson Hetty Jerusha Peck countenances dainties trepidation