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The children were fast asleep, all four in the big bed behind the curtain; the wind blew hard outside, and the snow beat on the window-panes; the room was large, and the fire so small and feeble that it didn't half warm the little bare toes peeping out of the old shoes on the hearth. Tessa's father was an Italian plaster-worker, very poor, but kind and honest.
"See, see, little one! here is your hood," said the conjuror, throwing the bit of white drapery over Tessa's head. "Orsu, bear me no malice; come back to me when Messere can spare you." "Ah! Maestro Vaiano, she'll come back presently, as the toad said to the harrow," called out one of the spectators, seeing how Tessa started and shrank at the action of the conjuror.
"Have you?" she beamed upon him, rubbing her flushed cheek against his shoulder. "I'm sure you can have me if you like," she said. He pressed her to him. "I don't think your mother would agree to that, you know." Tessa's red lips pouted disgust. "Oh, she wouldn't care! She never cares what I do. She likes it much best when I'm not there." Bernard's brows were slightly drawn.
"I don't know quite; but the car twisted round on the hill, and Aunt Stella thought it was going to upset. I tried to take care of her, but we were both nearly run over. He's a horrid man!" Tessa declared. "He caught hold of me the other day because I got between him and Mother when they were sitting smoking together. And I bit him." Vindictive satisfaction sounded in Tessa's voice.
But when he had gone she realized that the happenings of the morning had wearied her more than she knew. She was very tired, and she fell into a deep sleep which lasted for nearly two hours. Awakening from this, she got up with some compunction at having left the child so long, and went to her window to look for her. She found the corner of Tessa's punishment empty.
By this means, Tito saved Tessa's charm from being sullied; and he also, by a convenient coincidence, saved himself from aggravating expenses that were already rather importunate to a man whose money was all required for his avowed habits of life. This, in brief, had been the history of Tito's relation to Tessa up to a very recent date.
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.
In the latter case he would on Tessa's behalf charter the vessel to take them all to Ponapé, for her father's name and credit were well known from one end of the Pacific to the other, and there would be no difficulty in making terms with the master.
"Poor little Tessa!" said Mrs. Ralston gently. "She has such a loving heart." "She doesn't love me," said Tessa's mother without regret. "I suppose you'll say that's my fault too. Everything always is, isn't it?" "I think in fact I am sure that love begets love," said Mrs. Ralston. "Perhaps when you and she get to England together, you will become more to each other."
"Si," answered Daphne calmly. The answer that usually quieted Assunta failed now. Then she tried the smile. That also failed. "Tell me," pleaded Assunta, speaking twice as fast as usual, in order to move the Signorina's wits to quicker understanding. "If the Signorina is ill the Contessa will blame me. It is measles perhaps; Sor Tessa's children have it in the village."
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