Scro. Do with me as you please; it is Christmas Day.
(They play a lively game, falling over chairs, etc. Scrooge catches each lady, and guesses wrong, until he gets Mrs. Merry, who, in turn, catches Topper, who pulls the bandage down and goes for Julia, and pretends that he tells who she is by the way the hair is fixed, etc. Scrooge and Mrs. Kemper retire up stage, and converse.)
Julia. Ah, that's not fair, you peeped. I won't play any more. (Goes up stage with Topper.)
Fred. Well, I could have guessed that catch, and it's nothing more than fair that he should peep before making it. It seems, my dear, that our company have divided into couples. Ought we not demand an explanation?
Mrs. M. As master of the house, it is your duty.
Fred. Mr. Thomas Topper and others, we have long suspected you of some horrible design against the peace and happiness of this family. What say you to the charge?
Julia. On behalf our clients, we plead guilty.
Sarah. And urge extenuating circumstances.
Fred. Then nothing more remains, but for the Court to pronounce sentence, which is, that you be placed under the bonds of matrimony, at such time and place as may suit your convenience. But, Madam Belle Kemper and Ebenezer Scrooge, what have you to say in your defense.
Mrs. K. Only this, that Christmas works wonders.