Tom.—I did it for fun of course. O those foolish questions! (Puts thumb in mouth. Abner begins his whistle. Miss Markus bites top off lemon and begins sucking it (or pretends to). Abner sees, and after a few efforts to whistle, gives up. Miss Markus places lemon somewhere. Abner watching slyly, and when opportunity arrives slips it in his pocket.)
Susan.—Now all get busy and trim the tree for we have plenty of popcorn and cranberries. Abner, hand me some of those nice red apples to tie on the branches.
Abner (sighing).—More work! (During the following all trim tree.)
Susan (severely).—Abner, I have always tried to inculcate in you habits of industry. Do you not remember the poem about the little busy bee?
Abner.—Well, if any one takes me for a bee they’ll get stung!
(Miss Wise and others decorate the tree with the strings of cranberries and popcorn.)
Edith.—Abner, hand me an apple, there’s a good boy, this branch just needs one.
Miss Wise.—Abner, give me a string of cranberries, a nice long one.
Abner.—My land! what a rest-cure this here farm is!