Nanko.
Now, wait!
I’ve an idea. It’s Christmas Eve, you know.
We’ll celebrate it. Where’s the Christmas-tree?
We’ll get that ready first.
(Bettine pulls the little Christmas-tree out from the corner. Rada glances from the child to the men, as if hoping that her play will win them to help her.)
Bettine.
It’s nearly a week,
Isn’t it, Nanko, since you had your tree?
Brander.
Here, put it on the table.
Nanko (clapping his hands).
Yes, that’s best.
I fear that we shall want a new tree, soon.
This one is withered. See how the needles drop.
There’s no green left. It’s growing old, Bettine.
What shall we hang on it?
Tarrasch.