She set the table and got things ready for breakfast , for Tommo went out early , and must not be kept waiting for her . She longed to make the beds and dress the children over night , she was in such a hurry to have all in order ; but , as that could not be , she sat down again , and tried over all the songs she knew . Six pretty ones were chosen ; and she sang away with all her heart in a fresh little voice so sweetly that the children smiled in their sleep , and her father 's tired face brightened as he entered , for Tessa was his cheery cricket on the hearth . When she had told her plan , Peter Benari shook his head , and thought it would never do ; but Tessa begged so hard , he consented at last that she should try it for one week , and sent her to bed the happiest little girl in New York . Next morning the sun shone , but the cold wind blew , and the snow lay thick in the streets . As soon as her father was gone , Tessa flew about and put everything in nice order , telling the children she was going out for the day , and they were to mind Tommo 's mother , who would see about the fire and the dinner ; for the good woman loved Tessa , and entered into her little plans with all her heart . Nono and Giuseppe , or Sep , as they called him , wondered what she was going away for , and little Ranza cried at being left ; but Tessa told them they would know all about it in a week , and have a fine time if they were good ; so they kissed her all round and let her go . Poor Tessa 's heart beat fast as she trudged away with Tommo , who slung his harp over his shoulder , and gave her his hand . 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 XXXXX the café , she kissed her hand to the old Frenchman , and said to her friend , ` How kind they are !
Benari French Giuseppe Sep Tessa café fire left night week