THE SPELL OF CHRISTMAS
SCENE I
A chamber or corridor in the Manor House. Door [L.]. Hangings on wall. Gillian seated [R.], with the three children about her, all working at wreaths and garlands, and singing an old carol. Curtain rises on second verse. While they sing, Diccon enters. Takes up sword or other piece of armor from table [L.] and begins to polish it.
Cicely [with a deep sigh]. Good Gillian, methinks that though we sang our carols o'er and o'er we could not make it seem like Christmas-tide. Brother Rufus is gone away, and we may not even say we miss him. I would I knew—— [Chin on hand.]
Gillian. You would you knew what, little mistress mine?
Cicely. I would I knew what is wrong with us. Christmas was ever such a merry season in this dear house.
Rafe [wisely]. 'Tis because my father goeth about wearing such a stern face.
Allison. And Mother looketh so sad.