Tommo 's mother lent her a pair of boots so big that they turned up at the toes , but there were no holes in them , and Tessa felt quite elegant in whole boots . Her hands were covered with chilblains , for she had no mittens ; but she put them under her shawl , and scuffled merrily away in her big boots , feeling so glad that the week was over , and nearly three dollars safe in her pocket . How gay the streets were that day ! how brisk every one was , and how bright the faces looked , as people trotted about with big baskets , holly-wreaths , and young evergreens going to blossom into splendid Christmas trees ! ` If I could have a tree for the children , I 'd never want anything again . But I ca n't ; so I 'll fill the socks all full , and be happy , ' said Tessa , as she looked wistfully into the gay stores , and saw the heavy baskets go by . ` Who knows what may happen if we do well ? ' returned Tommo , nodding wisely , for he had a plan as well as Tessa , and kept chuckling over it as he trudged through the mud . They did not do well somehow , for every one seemed so full of their own 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 did n'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 could n'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 did n'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 , XXXXX ; sing !
II Italian Monica Tessa Tommo afternoon dollars fourth holly-wreaths second