d was sure she
would get money if she tried.

'But see, then, it is cold in the streets; the wind bites, and the snow
freezes one's fingers. The day is very long, people are cross, and at
night one is ready to die with weariness. Thou art so small, Tessa, I am
afraid it will go badly with thee,' said Tommo, who was a merry,
black-eyed boy of fourteen, with the kindest heart in the world under
his old jacket.

'I do not mind cold and wet, and cross people, if I can get the
pennies,' answered Tessa, feeling very brave with such a friend to help
her. She thanked Tommo, and ran away to get ready, for she felt sure her
father would not refuse her anything. She sewed up the holes in her
shoes as well as she could, for she had much of that sort of cobbling to
do; she mended her only gown, and laid ready the old hood and shawl
which had been her mother's. Then she washed out little Ranza's frock
and put it to dry, because she would not be able to do it the next day.
She set the table and got things ready for breakfast, for Tommo went out
early, and must not be kept waiting for her. She longed to make the beds
and dress the children over night, she was in such a hurry to have all
in order; but, as that could not be, she sat down again, and tried over
all the songs she knew. Six pretty ones were chosen; and she sang away
with all her heart in a fresh little voice so sweetly that the children
smiled in their sleep, and her father's tired face brightened as he
entered, for Tessa was his cheery cricket on the hearth. When she had
told her plan, Peter Benari shook his head, and thought it would never
do; but Tessa begged so hard, he consented at last that she should try
it for one week, and sent her to bed the happiest little girl in New
York.

Next morning the sun shone, but the cold wind blew, and the snow lay
thick in the streets. As soon as her father was gone, Tessa flew about
and put everything in nice order, telling the children she was going out
for the day, and they were to mind Tommo's mother, who would see about
the fire and the dinner; for the good woman loved Tessa, and entered
into her little plans with all her heart. Nono and Giuseppe, or Sep, as
they called him, wondered what she was going away for, and little Ranza
cried at being left; but Tessa told them they would know all about it in
a week, and have a fine time if they were good; so they kissed her all
round and let her go.

Poor Tessa's heart beat fast as s