It was rather a dirty hand , but so kind that Tessa clung to it , and kept looking up at the friendly brown face for encouragement . ` We go first to the café , where many French and Italians eat the breakfast . They like my music , and often give me sips of hot coffee , which I like much . You too shall have the sips , and perhaps the pennies , for these people are greatly kind , ' said Tommo , leading her into a large smoky place where many people sat at little tables , eating and drinking . ` See , now , have no fear ; give them `` Bella Monica ; '' that is merry and will make the laugh , ' whispered Tommo , tuning his harp . For a moment Tessa felt so frightened that she wanted to run away ; but she remembered the empty stockings at home , and the fine plan , and she resolved not to give it up . One fat old Frenchman nodded to her , and it seemed to help her very much ; for she began to sing before she thought , and that was the hardest part of it . Her voice trembled , and her cheeks grew redder and redder as she went on ; but she kept her eyes fixed on her old shoes , and so got through without breaking down , which was very nice . The people laughed , for the song was merry ; and the fat man smiled and nodded again . This gave her courage to try another , and she sung better and better each time ; for Tommo played his best , and kept whispering to her , ` Yes ; we go well ; this is fine . They will give the money and the blessed coffee . ' So they did ; for , when the little concert was over , several men put pennies in the cap Tessa offered , and the fat man took her on his knee , and ordered a mug of coffee , and some bread and butter for them both . This quite won her heart ; and when they left the café , she kissed her hand to the old Frenchman , and said to her friend , ` How kind they are ! I like this very much ; and now it is not hard . ' But Tommo shook his curly head , and answered , soberly , ` Yes , I took you there first , for they love music , and are of our country ; but up among the great houses we shall not always do well . The people there are busy or hard or idle , and care nothing for harps and songs . Do not skip and laugh too soon ; for the day is long , and we have but twelve pennies yet . ' Tessa walked more quietly , and rubbed her cold hands , feeling that the world was a very big place , and wondering how the children got on at home without the little mother . Till noon they did not earn much , for every one seemed in a hurry , and the noise of many sleigh-bells drowned the music . Slowly they made their way up to the great squares where the big houses were , with fine ladies and pretty children at the windows .
Here XXXXX sung all her best songs , and Tommo played as fast as his fingers could fly ; but it was too cold to have the windows open , so the pretty children could not listen long , and the ladies tossed out a little money , and soon went back to their own affairs .
Frenchman Italians Monica Tessa Tommo drowned first harps noon sips