But what can I do , so small and stupid and shy as I am ? I must find some way to give the little ones a nice Christmas . I must ! I must ! ' and Tessa pulled her long hair , as if that would help her think . But it did n't , and her heart got heavier and heavier ; for it did seem hard that in a great city full of fine things , there should be none for poor Nono , Sep , and little Speranza . Just as Tessa 's tears began to tumble off her eyelashes on to her brown cheeks , the cricket began to chirp . Of course , he did n't say a word ; but it really did seem as if he had answered her question almost as well as a fairy ; for , before he had piped a dozen shrill notes , an idea popped into Tessa 's head -- such a truly splendid idea that she clapped her hands and burst out laughing . ` I 'll do it ! I 'll do it ! if father will let me , ' she said to herself , smiling and nodding at the fire . ` Tommo will like to have me go with him and sing , while he plays his harp in the streets . I know many songs , and may get money if I am not frightened ; for people throw pennies to other little girls who only play the tambourine . Yes , I will try ; and then , if I do well , the little ones shall have a Merry Christmas . ' So full of her plan was Tessa that she ran upstairs at once , and asked Tommo if he would take her with him on the morrow . Her friend was delighted , for he thought Tessa 's songs very sweet , and 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 XXXXX , and ran away to get ready , for she felt sure her father would not refuse her anything .
Merry Nono Sep Speranza Tessa Tommo fire heart idea night