LeB. And here you are at last, in time to save your poor old brother from utter desolation at Christmas time.
Laura. Oh, but I wish the house had been ready for us—it hardly feels like Christmas anywhere but in the dear old place. But Louis said it wouldn't do to hurry the workmen too much.
LeB. No—they'd only make a botch of it. But you are comfortable here, aren't you?
Laura. Yes, indeed—you've taken such nice rooms for us, Henri. It's just the sentiment of it, you know, and I oughtn't have spoken. And Madame Clementine does everything to make us feel at home and comfortable.
LeB. How about the service—are the maids attentive, Laura?
Laura. Ask such a question about darkies just before Christmas? Henri, you are a dear old silly! Of course they are. And so many of them—I see a new one to provide with a "C'ris'mus gif'" every day, I think. To-day I noticed another—not exactly a maid, that is, but a funny little oddity of a pickaninny who seems to live just to "fotch an' carry."
LeB. Yes, I've seen that little monkey—does she really belong here?
Laura. I'm not sure—I must ask Madame Clementine about her.... Henri, if we are to make that call, I must get my things at once.
LeB. This is so cozy—do you think you must rout me out?