Marc [giving the chips a brush towards the fireplace with his cap and then following Pierre]. It's pretty cold in the woodshed. [Looking resentfully at Toinette.] I'd rather be cold than get scolded all the time. [Exeunt boys.]
Mother [rises, lights candle, puts saucepan over the fire]. Now, Toinette, I have other work to do. Finish brushing up [Toinette puts down broom], and set the table. The porridge is over the fire and will be done soon. If you would put your mind on it, daughter, and work quickly, you would get done quickly, and the work would not seem so hard. [Exit.]
Toinette [seizes a tablecloth and approaches the table]. Work quickly! Marie, how ever can I set the table with you and Jeannette in the way, I'd like to know?
Marie. We'll go in Mother's room, Toinette. [Takes Jeannette by the hand. Exeunt.]
Toinette [covering table and slapping bowls and spoons pettishly down upon it]. Work quickly! Don't I work and work all the time? And I'm never done. The work seems hard because it is hard, that's why. Oh, if we weren't so poor, and didn't have to work so hard! [Relaxes her efforts and stands before the fire, dish in hand.] And if we could have beautiful Christmas presents to-morrow, instead of just—anything. [A very gentle knock at the door.] Oh, what was that? [Opens.] The boys must be playing tricks on me. [Knocks again.] Surely, there is someone there. [Opens door and steps outside. Hollyberry slips in behind her and hides behind the door. Re-enter Toinette.] It must be the fairies, I think. [Stands looking out.] This is Christmas Eve and of course it's the right time for good fairies to be about. How I wish I could see one!
Hollyberry. Do you, Toinette? Just open your eyes and you will, then.
Toinette [jumping, rubs her eyes and looks about]. Where? Oh, where?
[Hollyberry comes from behind the door
and makes a low bow.
Toinette [clasping her hands with delight]. Oh, are you really a fairy?
Hollyberry [hands on hips]. Yes, I think I'm a pretty real sort of a fairy. We elves have heard you talking about us and you always tell what's true, so we like you.