called the boy , prancing away into the splendid room , quite like a fairy prince , Tessa thought . A plump motherly lady came out and looked at Tessa , asked a few questions , and then told her to come to-morrow with Ranza , and they would see what could be done . Tessa clapped her hands for joy , -- she did n't mind the chilblains now , -- and Tommo played a lively march , he was so pleased . ` Will you come , too , and bring your harp ? You shall be paid , and shall have something from the tree , likewise , ' said the motherly lady , who liked what Tessa gratefully told about his kindness to her . ` Ah , yes ; I shall come with much gladness , and play as never in my life before , ' cried Tommo , with a flourish of the old cap that made the children laugh . ` Give these to your brothers , ' said the fairy prince , stuffing nuts and oranges into Tessa 's hands . ` And these to the little girl , ' added one of the young princesses , flying out of the dining-room with cakes and rosy apples for Ranza . Tessa did n't know what to say ; but her eyes were full , and she just took the mother 's white hand in both her little grimy ones , and kissed it many times in her pretty Italian fashion . The lady understood her , and stroked her cheek softly , saying to her elder daughter , ` We must take care of this good little creature . Freddy , bring me your mittens ; these poor hands must be covered . Alice , get your play-hood ; this handkerchief is all wet ; and , Maud , bring the old chinchilla tippet . ' The children ran , and in a minute there were lovely blue mittens on the red hands , a warm hood over the black braids , and a soft ` pussy ' round the sore throat . ` Ah ! so kind , so very kind ! I have no way to say `` thank you ; '' but Ranza shall be for you a heavenly angel , and I will sing my heart out for your tree ! ' cried Tessa , folding the mittens as if she would say a prayer of thankfulness if she knew how . Then they went away , and the pretty children called after them , ` Come again , Tessa ! come again , Tommo ! ' Now the rain did n't seem dismal , the wind cold , nor the way long , as they bought their gifts and hurried home , for kind words and the sweet magic of charity had changed all the world to them .
I think the good spirits who fly about on Christmas Eve , to help the loving fillers of little stockings , smiled very kindly on XXXXX as she brooded joyfully over the small store of presents that seemed so magnificent to her .
Alice Freddy Italian Maud Ranza Tessa Tommo play-hood princesses tippet