So full of her plan was Tessa that she ran upstairs at once , and asked Tommo if he would take her with him on the morrow . Her friend was delighted , for he thought Tessa 's songs very sweet , and was sure she would get money if she tried . ` But see , then , it is cold in the streets ; the wind bites , and the snow freezes one 's fingers . The day is very long , people are cross , and at night one is ready to die with weariness . Thou art so small , Tessa , I am afraid it will go badly with thee , ' said Tommo , who was a merry , black-eyed boy of fourteen , with the kindest heart in the world under his old jacket . ' I do not mind cold and wet , and cross people , if I can get the pennies , ' answered Tessa , feeling very brave with such a friend to help her . She thanked Tommo , and ran away to get ready , for she felt sure her father would not refuse her anything . She sewed up the holes in her shoes as well as she could , for she had much of that sort of cobbling to do ; she mended her only gown , and laid ready the old hood and shawl which had been her mother 's . Then she washed out little Ranza 's frock and put it to dry , because she would not be able to do it the next day . 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 XXXXX , 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 .
French Nono Tessa Tommo York café first left night sips