Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag Vol. 1

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.