MINTY-MALVINY’S SANTA CLAUS
Adapted from the story in Wide Awake by M.E.M. Davis.[32]
Time: Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.
Scene: LeBreton’s room in Madame Clementine’s handsome lodging-house in the Rue Bourbon, New Orleans.
Note.—The curtain falls for a moment, during the play, to indicate the passing of Christmas Eve and the coming of Christmas Day.
Curtain rises showing a comfortable room, strewn with a bachelor's possessions. [R.] a fireplace[33] with wood fire, brass dogs, a large armchair, and footstool on the hearth-rug. [L.], curtain indicates an alcove with a bed. Near curtain, an old-fashioned low-boy with toilet articles before the mirror,—military brushes, cologne, etc., etc. Lighted candles here, and also on each side of gilt mirror above mantel. Shaded lamp on center table, littered with books, papers, a box of cigars, ash-tray, etc. LeBreton seated in the easy-chair. Laura leaning over the back.
Laura [affectionately stroking her brother's hair]. Oh, Henri, you can't guess how good it is to be at home again!
LeB. Oh, yes, I can! What do you suppose it has meant to me to have you and Louis and the children wandering over the face of the earth all these months? I've been a lost soul without you, and your home to go to.
Laura. Traveling's all very nice and interesting, but it does pall! I grew tired to death of it—I just pined to come home again, Henri. [Sits on arm of chair.]