Toinette. Let Pierre get the water, Marc, and you go and cut the wood.
Marc and Pierre. All right, Toinette. [Exeunt.]
Marie. What can we do for you, Toinette, dear?
Toinette. Nothing just now, I think. [Toinette is spreading the cloth and setting the bowls and spoons.]
Jeannette. But we want to help, too, dear Toinette. [Clings to her skirt.]
Toinette. I'll tell you what. I'd rather send my two little helpers in to see what they can do for poor busy Mother. She needs them more than I do. [Exit Jeannette.]
Marie [following]. Won't that be helping you too, Toinette?
Toinette. Yes, dear. [Exit Marie.] How good the children are to-night! I do think they are the best brothers and sisters a girl ever had. [Lighting the candle.] And I think they love me more than they ever used to. Oh, I'm so glad! [Tap at the door.] There is someone knocking. [Goes to the door.]
Hollyberry [bowing low]. How do you do, Toinette? A Merry Christmas to you.
Toinette. Oh, how wonderful. It's Hollyberry again, and I was just thinking about you. Won't you come in?