MR. HUBBARD (pressing twopence into his palm). Thank you, my man, thank you.
2ND USHER. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hubbard.
MR. HUBBARD (handing out another twopence). Not at all, my man, not at all.
(MRS. HUBBARD curtsies and MR. HUBBARD bows to FATHER CHRISTMAS.)
FATHER CHRISTMAS. I am delighted to welcome you to my Court. How are you both?
MR. HUBBARD. Very well, thank you, sir. My wife has a slight cold in one foot, owing to—
MRS. HUBBARD (hastily). A touch of gout, sir, inherited from my ancestors, the Montmorency-Smythes.
FATHER CHRISTMAS. Dear me, it won't prevent you dancing, I hope?
MRS. HUBBARD. Oh no, sir.
FATHER CHRISTMAS. That's right. We shall have a few more friends coming in soon. You have been giving each other presents already, I see. I congratulate you, madam, on your husband's taste.