SCENE.
The farmer's kitchen, a fire-place at the right, with a crane from which a kettle hangs, with great logs which rest on high brass andirons. A tall old-fashioned clock case stands against the back wall, nearly in front of which is a large table covered with a white cloth, and set for supper. At the left is a small table, over which hangs a mirror. Six chairs and two stools, a rocking-chair, broom, and dishes, are also needed. The tanner sits at the right of the fire, counting money from a leather bag. His wife sits in the rocking-chair, knitting.
Mabel is employed in brushing the hearth. The proud daughter Isabel is trimming a showy hat; as she adds new decorations to it, she contemplates her face in the mirror, and tries it on with evident delight, occasionally walking about the room, and appealing for admiration.
Polly is cooking the Christmas supper, and often swings forward the long crane, from which an iron pot hangs over the fire, adding a little salt from time to time. The idle Margaret reclines in a low chair; her sewing has fallen from her listless hands, which lie idly in her lap, and she seems to be careless of all around her. Jack sits by the fire, and is constantly eating from the contents of his pockets, which are full of nuts, apples, cakes, and candy.