Mrs. R. Thank you; but I’d rather not. We’d a-done somehow if you hadn’t called.
Mrs. V. Now, Mrs. Randy, don’t be foolish. You know it is wrong to be proud, and it is especially unbecoming to the poor. (Puts money on the table.) Now you can get presents for them and say they came from Mrs. Van Dusen. Goodby. (Exit.)
Mrs. R. Well, I s’pose she means to be kind, but I must say I don’t think she knows how very well. I didn’t want to take her money, but now I’ll have to. I wish Providence didn’t provide in such queer ways, sometimes. Well—as she says—it’s wrong to be proud, so I’ll get something with it. (Picks up the coin.) Fifty cents. Now ain’t that fine? Why, I can buy some presents and most a Christmas dinner, too. But I must get the children to bed early so I can fix things up. (Calls at the door.) Mary! Teddy! Oh, children! All of you come in now. (Children enter.)
Mary. Who was that lady, Ma?
Teddy. What did she come for, anyway?
Johnny. Gee! But wasn’t that a swell automobile, though!
Annie and Susie. Ma, who was it?
Mrs. R. Just you wait till tomorrow an’ see. It’s a secret now, and if you ask another word I won’t tell at all. Were you playin’ with the Smith youngsters?
Mary. Yes. An’ oh, Ma. They’re a-goin’ to hang up their stockin’s. Can’t we hang up ours, too?
Mrs. R. Now, I just wondered if you’d remember about tonight’s being Christmas Eve, and you did, didn’t you?