Miss D. No apologies needed. I am on the same errand—in memory of many years ago.
Mr. R. (eagerly). That’s my case, Madam—many years ago—(stops, lifts hat). I beg pardon, I forgot myself.
Miss D. (bowing and starting to go). Good evening, and a merry Christmas to you.
Mr. R. A merry Christmas. (They pass, then both stop and each looks back at the other. He comes back.) You may think me a little out of balance—but I must ask if you ever knew anyone by the name of Dayton? Kitty Dayton, she used to be when I knew her. Your way of saying “Merry Christmas” made me think of her.
Miss D. That is my name, but (doubtfully) you—?
Mr. R. (eagerly). Did you ever know a boy named Jimmy Radcliffe? Many years ago?
Miss D. Indeed, I did. Jimmy and I were good friends.
Mr. R. I’m Jimmy! Aren’t we good friends still! (Dropping umbrella, she doing the same, he grasps both her hands.) Oh, Kitty! I mean—Miss Dayton! I’ve never forgotten you, and today I dreamed I was Jimmy and you were Kitty again, and we were having our Christmas larks together.
Miss D. (eagerly). So did I.
Mr. R. And I had been beastly to some poor little chaps, and was going out to set myself straight, if I could, and play Santa Claus.