Sydney. Dear Uncle Hester!
Gray. Yes, but Sydney—?
Sydney. [At the door] Oh, didn’t I tell you? Mother says she’ll be down in a minute. [She lets in the sound of the church bells as she goes out.]
Gray walks about the room, then, going to the foot of the staircase, he calls softly.
Gray. Margaret! [He waits a moment; then he calls again] Margaret!
He listens, takes another turn about the room, then, coming back to the staircase, stands, leaning against the foot of the balusters. Margaret comes softly down the stairs, and bending over, puts her hands on his shoulders.
Margaret. A merry Christmas!
Gray. [Turning round and kissing her] And a happy New Year!
Margaret. It will be—oh, it will be!