` Are you hungry ? ' asked the boy , in a grand tone . ` Yes , sir , ' meekly answered Tessa . ' I say , mamma ; she wants something to eat . Can I give her an orange ? ' 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 XXXXX shall be for you a heavenly angel , and I will sing my heart out for your tree ! '
Alice Freddy Italian Maud Ranza Tessa Tommo minute play-hood princesses