Marie [going to Mother]. Oh, Mother, must we stop now? Toinette was just going to tell us the Christmas story about the Shepherds and the Star in the East.
Mother. It is supper-time now, and Toinette must set the table. [Exit.]
Pierre. And after supper comes bedtime. Oh, dear.
Toinette [cheerfully folding her work]. Never mind, Pierre, I'll tell it to you to-morrow.
Marc. That'll be Christmas day, Toinette. I wish you could tell it on Christmas Eve.
Toinette. Oh, I think I can tell it better on Christmas day, Marc. Now we all have something to do,—let's get to work. Who will fetch water for me to-night?
Marc and Pierre [springing for the pitcher]. I will, I will.
Marc. It's my turn, Pierre.
Pierre. No, you nearly always get water for Toinette. I'm going to.