Minerva—I’m so glad I thought of this. It will be different from any doll she’s ever had (puts stocking on bottle). I’ll sew on beads for eyes with white paper pasted on for whites and red for a mouth and—
Sam (sawing wood)—This will be some cradle when I get done, you bet your life.
Minerva (severely)—It’s sure awful, the slang you use. You should cut it out.
Sam (jeeringly)—I should cut it out, eh! Cut it out isn’t slang! Oh my stars! (turns handspring). Say, Sis, don’t you know that people in stone houses shouldn’t throw glass?
Minerva—No, I don’t, and if I were you I wouldn’t start quoting until I could get it right.
Bobby (outside)—I did hear Santa’s reindeer. I know I did.
Minerva (jumping up)—Here’s the twins. Hide your stuff quick (scramble).
Enter Bobby and Betty
Betty has black sticking-plaster over front teeth to hide them.
Betty—Aw, you didn’t (runs to Minerva). Thanta only cometh at night, don’t ee, Nerva?