Dear me ! What happy little souls they were that morning ; and when they were quiet again , how like a fairy tale did Tessa 's story sound to them . Ranza was quite ready to be an angel ; and the boys promised to be marvellously good , if they were only allowed to see the tree at the ` palace , ' as they called the great house . Little Ranza was accepted with delight by the kind lady and her children , and Tessa learned the song quite easily . The boys were asked ; and , after a happy day , the young Italians all returned , to play their parts at the fine Christmas party . Mamma and Miss Rose drilled them all ; and when the folding-doors flew open , one rapturous ` Oh ! ' arose from the crowd of children gathered to the festival . I assure you , it was splendid ; the great tree glittering with lights and gifts ; and , on her invisible perch , up among the green boughs , sat the little golden-haired angel , all in white , with downy wings , a shining crown on her head , and the most serene satisfaction in her blue eyes , as she stretched her chubby arms to those below , and smiled her baby smile at them . Before any one could speak , a voice , as fresh and sweet as a lark 's , sang the Christmas Carol so blithely that every one stood still to hear , and then clapped till the little angel shook on her perch , and cried out , ` Be 'till , or me 'll fall ! ' How they laughed at that ; and what fun they had talking to Ranza , while Miss Rose stripped the tree , for the angel could not resist temptation , and amused herself by eating all the bonbons she could reach , till she was taken down , to dance about like a fairy in a white frock and red shoes . Tessa and her friends had many presents ; the boys were perfect lambs , Tommo played for the little folks to dance , and every one said something friendly to the strangers , so that they did not feel shy , in spite of shabby clothes . It was a happy night : and all their lives they remembered it as something too beautiful and bright to be quite true . Before they went home , the kind mamma told Tessa she should be her friend , and gave her a motherly kiss , which warmed the child 's heart and seemed to set a seal upon that promise . It was faithfully kept , for the rich lady had been touched by Tessa 's patient struggles and sacrifices ; and for many years , thanks to her benevolence , there was no end to Tessa 's Surprises . BUZZ . I live high up in a city house all alone . My room is a cosy little place , though there is nothing very splendid in it , -- only my pictures and books , my flowers and my little friend . When I began to live there , I was very busy and therefore very happy ; but by-and-by , when my hurry was over and I had more time to myself , I often felt lonely . When I ate my meals I used to wish for a pleasant companion to eat with me ; and when I sat by the fire of evenings , I thought how much more social it would be if some one sat opposite . I had many friends and callers through the day , but the evenings were often rather dull ; for I could n't read much , and did n't care to go out in the stormy weather .
I was wishing for a cheerful friend one XXXXX , when all of a sudden I found one ; for , sitting on my hand , I saw a plump , jolly-looking fly .
Carol Italians Rose Tessa Tommo day fall folding-doors night years