Bill (backing hastily away and putting the bill behind him.) Please—we’re to have a tree; a little, nice tree. An’ paw—he’d like the pay ’cos (eagerly) I’m to have a dandy knife, an’ maw’ll have a new dress, an’ a pot o’ posies—and little Sis’ll have a new dress, an’ have candy, too; an’—an’ it’s Christmas; a Christmas tree, sir.
Mr. R. Here. Take it and get out. (Bill goes hastily.) They are all fools together, and a fool and his money belong to the Christmas crowd. (Boy puts head in and says timidly.)
Bill. Christmas gif’, please. (Dodges out as Mr. R. throws the paper at him.)
Mr. R. Thunderation! Are we to be pestered by gifts, too? Not if I know it. (Lies back in his chair again.) It’s a beastly day. (Sees letters, opens one.) I forgot these. (Glances over it.) Here’s another fool. That Phil Warner wants me to come to Christmas dinner. I look like going to a Christmas dinner now, don’t I? (Sarcastically.) Oh, yes! I’m the kind that’ll go and admire the babies, and let them climb all over me—and see them spoiled with this fol-de-rol about Christmas! No, thanks, old boy. I have an appointment elsewhere. (Takes up other letter, reads, slams it down.) Is everybody Christmas crazy? Here’s the minister of the church yonder asks me to contribute to their Christmas tree for poor children. Now, that’s a little too much! I may be easy, but I’m not ready for the asylum. (Puts feet on the table, lies back in his chair, puts handkerchief over his face. Silence.)
CURTAIN.
Scene III: When the curtain is drawn again it shows Mr. R. seated at front and extreme right of the stage, facing the center, with his feet up and his handkerchief over his face as at close of last scene. At the front and extreme left of the stage, and facing center, is Miss Dayton, asleep in her chair, as at close of Scene I. Between them, and set back a little from the front, is a space eight feet wide by four or five feet deep, curtained around with gray. For the best effect a gray gauze should be stretched before this space, though it is not a necessity. Another smaller curtain hangs before this space, and is drawn aside for each of the dreams. Here are presented the tableaux representing the dreams of the sleepers. Allow less than a minute to each dream.
Dream I—A boy and a girl are walking together. They are in outdoor garments, and he is offering her an apple, which she is about to take shyly.
Dream II—The same children. The boy is pulling a sled on which the girl sits. He is looking back at her, and she is laughing.