Squire R. (following). Will you allow me to accompany you, and give me the pleasure of your conversation?
Mr. D. With pleasure, sir. (They move to the door.)
Squire R. Good-day, neighbor. I’m rejoiced that your troubles are over. “All’s well that ends well.”
Mr. B. My well ends pump.
[Curtain drops.
Whole Word: Farewell.
It being December, there may be a Farewell Address from the Old Year to the children. This Old Year may be represented by a trembling old man, with white locks and beard, leaning on his staff,—the staff to be a portion of a leafless bough. He should carry a pack on his back, marked on each end “’77;” and, as a wholly pathetic character is not desirable, he may be plentifully labelled with the same figures. White hair and beard can be made of cotton-wool or yarn, or both; and dipping the ends in a solution of alum will give them a frosty or icy appearance.
Address.
Dear Children,—Do you know who I am? My name is ’77. Good-by. I am going now; yet very few of you will mourn for that. Are you not already wishing me away, longing for the young, bright New Year? You know you are.
Oh, I remember well when I was myself a young, bright New Year! A Happy New Year, they called me: and so I was; for then you all liked me. You had longed for my coming; you cheered me; you hurrahed; you shouted for joy; for I came bringing gifts and good wishes.