Dream III—The same children. Indoor scene and dress. The boy is bringing in an armful of Christmas greens. The girl holds up to him the wreath of holly and berries she has been making.
Dream IV—The boy holds a piece of mistletoe over the girl’s head, and is just ready to kiss her, while she laughingly holds the Christmas wreath between them.
OUTER CURTAIN.
Scene IV: When the curtain is again drawn, it shows a high screen, or a curtain through the middle of the stage from rear to front. On the right side of this screen from the audience sits Mr. Radcliffe, asleep as he was during the dream pictures, and on the left side it shows Miss Dayton, asleep as she was then. Reproduce as much of the original rooms as possible in the space. She rouses, sits up, looks about her with a bewildered air. Mr. R. remains asleep.
Miss D. How strange! It must have been a dream, yet it was so real. (Leans head on hand. Speaks musingly.) I wonder where Jimmy is now. We used to be close chums for a long time. And what romps we used to have at Christmas time. (Silent a moment.) Why! This is Christmas Eve! Oh! I remember that Gretchen talked about it. Poor Gretchen! I’m afraid I was cross. No, I was rude—just plainly rude—to her because she was glad Christmas was here. Jimmy always used to be so jolly at Christmas, and so kind. I wish Gretchen—(thinks a moment.) And there’s Annette! I was worse than cross to her. I was unkind. I wish—(rises)—well—I’m old and lonely—and I’ve been rude and unkind—but Christmas isn’t over yet, and perhaps I can make it brighter for some of them. I’m going out to get some things for Gretchen and Annette. (Looks out of the window.) It’s raining still, but what do I care! (Puts on waterproof cloak and her hat; takes umbrella.) It’s fun to be out in the rain. Jimmy and I used to love to go out in the rain. Oh! I forgot my rubbers. (Begins to put them on.) How nicely Jimmy used to put mine on for me. My feet were smaller then. (Looks at her feet and smiles.) What fun we used to have at Christmas! (Hurries out.)
Mr. R. (rouses, pulls handkerchief from his face, takes feet down, sits up and stares about him, exclaiming) Why, Kitty! Oh! (Disappointedly.) It must have been a dream, but it seemed so real. (Leans elbow on chair arm and head on hand.) Say! But she was a pretty girl! And jolly, too! And didn’t she love Christmas? What larks we used to have! We two—with the Christmas trimmings and the mistletoe. (Sits up suddenly.) And it’s Christmas time now! What fun! (Drooping dejectedly.) But that was long, long ago. And I’m growing old, and—I think—I’m crusty and mean as well. Yes, a crusty, mean old bachelor. That’s what I am. How I did act to those boys this morning! Poor little chaps! (Starts to his feet.) But there’s time to get straight again. It’s Christmas Eve! (Excitedly.) Hurrah! (Hurries on his hat and coat, catches up an umbrella.) I’ll make it all right. They shall have their Christmas from me yet! (Rushes out.)
CURTAIN.
Scene IV: Miss D. enters at left, Mr. R. at right. Both have umbrellas held in front of them with heads bent down as if walking against a wind, and hurry ahead. They run into each other, start back, lift umbrellas.
Mr. R. I beg pardon, Madam. I didn’t see you. I’m out for some Christmas shopping—