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 . Tessa felt so grateful that , without waiting for Tommo , she sang her sweetest little song all alone . It was about a lost lamb , and her heart was in the song ; therefore she sang it well , so well that a pretty young lady came down to listen , and stood watching the bright-eyed girl , who looked about her as she sang , evidently enjoying the light and warmth of the fine hall , and the sight of the lovely children with their gay dresses , shining hair , and dainty little shoes . ` You have a charming voice , child . Who taught you to sing ? ' asked the young lady kindly . ` My mother .
She is dead now ; but I do not forget , ' answered XXXXX , in her pretty broken English . '
Tessa Tommo children gentle-folk girl hair hands heart money sight