Mistress Longlane [relenting]. So you are, poor lamb. Well, a few moments can't make a very great difference, so sit ye down on the basket and take a rest. [Puts basket down (L.), and seats Dolly on it, wipes her own face, straightens her bonnet, and then looks about her. Sees sign, at which she glances indifferently, then with interest, at last with amazement. Reads through, then takes out spectacles and reads again.]
Mistress Longlane. Now, what may be the meaning of this?
Dolly. What is it, Mother?
Mistress Longlane [reads sign to Dolly]. The Christmas Monks? What manner of men are the Christmas Monks? Here comes some good dame from the village. I'll make bold to ask.
[Enter Mistress Spinning, with little
Peggy (L.).
Mistress Longlane [courtesying]. Good morrow, Mistress. Have you a moment to spare for a stranger in the country?
Mistress Spinning [courtesying]. Yes, indeed, Mistress, and right gladly. Make your manners, Peggy.
[Peggy courtesies first to Mistress Longlane
and then to Dolly, who rises from
the basket and courtesies, too.
Mistress Longlane. Why, Mistress, I am minded to ask the meaning of this strange sign that hangs upon the wall.
Mistress Spinning. Oh, you must indeed be a stranger in the land if you have never heard of the Christmas Monks. If you have come to make your home in our village, you'll soon learn, I'll warrant me, that this is the home of the Christmas Monks who keep the gardens in which all the Christmas toys are grown.