Santa Claus. And what makes you think that I would last any longer?
Little Girl. Well, you know, Santa, you've already lasted a great many years.
Santa Claus. Kind of a slam on my age, that is. But it's true, every word of it. I have lasted a great many years, and the best part of it is, I'm good for as many years more. So if the children are expecting me, we'd better hurry and be off. (To the Imps.) Bring along your harness there, boys; it's time to hitch up the reindeer. Wrap your muffler around you tight, little girl. We're going to have a cold ride. Here, isn't this your lantern?
Little Girl. I shan't need the light of the lantern now, for the bells on your harness are so bright they shine like stars.
First Imp. That's exactly what I said when I was cleaning them.
Second Imp. And I said that their tones were so clear that the children would believe they were the birds singing in the springtime. I was right too, wasn't I?
Little Girl. No, you foolish Imp. When the children hear Santa Claus's sleigh-bells ringing they will smile in their sleep and think that they are listening to the music of the Christmas carols.
(As the curtain falls the Imps jingle the bells, while behind the scenes voices sing "Carol, brothers, carol," or some other appropriate Christmas song.)
CURTAIN