I wish she could sing at our tree , since Bella is ill , ' cried one of the children peeping through the banisters . ` She is not fair enough for the angel , and too large to go up in the tree . But she sings sweetly , and looks as if she would like to see a tree , ' said the young lady . ` Oh , so much ! ' exclaimed Tessa ; adding eagerly , ` my sister Ranza is small and pretty as a baby-angel . She could sit up in the fine tree , and I could sing for her from under the table . ' ` Sit down and warm yourself , and tell me about Ranza , ' said the kind elder sister , who liked the confiding little girl , in spite of her shabby clothes . So Tessa sat down and dried the big boots over the furnace , and told her story , while Tommo stood modestly in the background , and the children listened with faces full of interest . ' O Rose ! let us see the little girl ; and if she will do , let us have her , and Tessa can learn our song , and it will be splendid ! ' cried the biggest boy , who sat astride of a chair , and stared at the harp with round eyes . ` I 'll ask mamma , ' said Rose ; and away she went into the dining-room close by . As the door opened , Tessa saw what looked to her like a fairy feast , -- all silver mugs and flowery plates and oranges and nuts and rosy wine in tall glass pitchers , and smoking dishes that smelt so deliciously she could not restrain a little sniff of satisfaction . ` 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 .
XXXXX clapped her hands for joy , -- she did n't mind the chilblains now , -- and Tommo played a lively march , he was so pleased .
Bella Ranza Rose Tessa Tommo baby-angel boots girl smoking to-morrow