Heinrich [shaking his head wisely]. That's not the worst of it. When I got to the window the two children were standing by the mother's chair, looking up in her face and asking her something. I couldn't hear what they said, but she shook her head oh, so sadly, and said: "No, my little ones, the good St. Nicholas will not find his way to us this Christmas." That's what she said! [Silent consternation.]
Fritz. What? What did you say, Heinrich?
Barbara. It couldn't be so!
Karl. St. Nicholas!
Oscar. Not find his way everywhere!
Katrina. Not give them any beautiful Tannenbaum!
Fritz. Oh, I don't believe it! You didn't hear right!
Heinrich. I did. And I do believe it! You would if you had seen how sorry they looked.
Fritz. Well, but—well, I don't see—well, Heinrich, it isn't so hard to find. He must come surely.
Heinrich. No, he isn't coming. The poor woman said so and she must know. [Sitting down on sled.]