The other days were very much like this ; sometimes they made more , sometimes less , but Tommo always ` went halves ; ' and Tessa kept on , in spite of cold and weariness , for her plans grew as her earnings increased , and now she hoped to get useful things , instead of candy and toys alone . On the day before Christmas she made herself as tidy as she could , for she hoped to earn a good deal . She tied a bright scarlet handkerchief over the old hood , and the brilliant color set off her brown cheeks and bright eyes , as well as the pretty black braids of her hair . 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 XXXXX 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 .
II Tessa afternoon day days dollars first fourth holly-wreaths third