affairs they could not stop to listen,
even to 'Bella Monica,' but bustled away to spend their money in
turkeys, toys, and trees. In the afternoon it began to rain, and poor
Tessa's heart to fail her; for the big boots tired her feet, the cold
wind made her hands ache, and the rain spoilt the fine red handkerchief.
Even Tommo looked sober, and didn't whistle as he walked, for he also
was disappointed, and his plan looked rather doubtful, the pennies came
in so slowly.

'We'll try one more street, and then go home, thou art so tired, little
one. Come; let me wipe thy face, and give me thy hand here in my jacket
pocket; there it will be as warm as any kitten;' and kind Tommo brushed
away the drops which were not _all_ rain from Tessa's cheeks, tucked
the poor hand into his ragged pocket, and led her carefully along the
slippery streets, for the boots nearly tripped her up.

II.

At the first house, a cross old gentleman flapped his newspaper at them;
at the second, a young gentleman and lady were so busy talking that they
never turned their heads, and at the third, a servant came out and told
them to go away, because some one was sick. At the fourth, some people
let them sing all their songs and gave nothing. The next three houses
were empty; and the last of all showed not a single face as they looked
up anxiously. It was so cold, so dark and discouraging, that Tessa
couldn't help one sob; and, as he glanced down at the little red nose
and wet figure beside him, Tommo gave his harp an angry thump, and said
something very fierce in Italian. They were just going to turn away; but
they didn't, for that angry thump happened to be the best thing they
could have done. All of a sudden a little head appeared at the window,
as if the sound had brought it; then another and another, till there
were five, of all heights and colors, and five eager faces peeped out,
smiling and nodding to the two below.

'Sing, Tessa; sing! Quick! quick!' cried Tommo, twanging away with all
his might, and showing his white teeth, as he smiled back at the little
gentle-folk.

Bless us! How Tessa did tune up at that! She chirped away like a real
bird, forgetting all about the tears on her cheeks, the ache in her
hands, and the heaviness at her heart. The children laughed, and clapped
their hands, and cried 'More! more! Sing another, little girl! Please
do!' And away they went again, piping and playing, till Tessa's breath
was gone, and Tommo's s