Miss P.—But I have my programme all arranged.
Aunt Hepsey—Change it, child. Ef ’twas jest Ruby, you could lick him inter mindin’, but Hanner Ann is six feet high, ’n weighs over two hundred. Do let’s have peace at Christmas time. ’N ’twill be anythin’ but peace ef Ruby don’t say that ere leetle varse fust. Go ahead ’n git it over, Ruby.
(Reuben comes out, and speaks.)
Welcome,1 Mr. Supervisor, welcome,2 friends and pairients dear.
On thet3 tree I think you’ll find a gift for everybody4 here.
Hope5 I get a jumpin’ jack, and a bag of candy sweet.6
’N now I’ve said my little piece, I’ll make my bow,7 and take my seat.8
(At 1, he bows elaborately to Aunt Hepsy, in the teacher’s chair. At 2, he bows to school. At 3, he points to side of room. At 4, he opens his arms, flinging his hands widely apart. At 5, he clasps his hands, with a loud clap, gazing upward. At 6, he smacks his lips. At 7, he bows again. At 8, he runs to seat.)
Rhody—He didn’t say it right, teacher. It’s “Hope I get a pretty toy.”
Reuben—Well, a jumpin’ jack’s a pretty toy, aint it? It’s what I want, anyhow.