Old Mother Grey, often affectionately called the "mother" of the neighborhood, operates a little toy and notion shop. Her store is a popular spot, often attracting local children on their way to school, much to the chagrin of Dan, the handsome, big policeman on the beat, who has to shoo them along. A young newsgirl named Madge is a prominent character in the community formed around the shop. The plot takes a turn when Madge discovers that Mother Grey is an heiress.