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 , 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 stout fingers tingled well . ` Mamma says , come to the door ; it 's too muddy to throw the money into the street ! ' cried out a kindly child 's voice as Tessa held up the old cap , with beseeching eyes . Up the wide stone steps went the street musicians , and the whole flock came running down to give a handful of silver , and ask all sorts of questions .
XXXXX felt so grateful that , without waiting for Tommo , she sang her sweetest little song all alone .
Italian Tessa Tommo child colors fourth gentle-folk heart money something