Laura. Hush, Santa Claus, you'll wake her! [The stocking is hung, the toys arranged, they stand surveying the display, and putting last touches.]
LeB. Oh, Laura, this is gorgeous! But you mustn't be too generous.
Laura. Nonsense, the children will never miss them. [They stand looking down at the coat. Laura lifts the edge and kneels beside Minty-Malviny.] She's too funny—poor little monkey! Oh, Henri, when we are back in our own home, I should like to take this poor little neglected thing and give her a home and look after her a little. Do you suppose I could?
LeB. I don't see what's to prevent. She looks perfectly friendless. [They rise and go to door.]
Laura. You are a good heart, Henri.
LeB. The good heart is yours! I'm Marse Santa Claus—and I intend to put Minty-Malviny in your stocking! [Both laugh heartily, but quietly, and exchange good nights. Laura goes. LeBreton comes back, standing at table a moment.]
LeB. I believe I rather envy the old gentleman! [Puts out light and goes towards alcove, his dressing gown thrown over his arm.]
[Curtains are drawn for a moment, to indicate
the passing of the night. When they open,
daylight has come, the fire is dim, Minty-Malviny
is waking.
M.-M. [catching sight of toys, as she sits up and stretches]. Ow! Wow! Wow! [She fairly yells, beside herself with joy.] Ole Santa Claus done come down de chimbly sho' 'nuff, lak I seed him! An' he done fotch me er wax doll, an' er set o' dishes, same ez ef I wuz er white chile! Oh, Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy! [Jumps up and gets down stocking, feeling it, and peering through the holes.] Er gob er candy in de toe-hole, and er o'ange in de heel-hole. [Pauses suddenly, her arm thrust into the stocking.] Lawd, I is glad I didn' try ter stick ter dat lie about bein' er white chile whar name Miss Ann! [Continues her ecstatic rummaging.] My lan'! I jes' ez lief be er nigger ez er white chile! An' er heap liefer!