Hollyberry. Just for a moment. [Enter Hollyberry. Toinette closes the door.] I've brought you a Christmas present, Toinette. [Holds out cloak and fern-seed bag.]
Toinette [retreating, hands behind her]. Oh, no, no, no! I know what those are, and I don't want them. Oh! Hollyberry, they made me so unhappy last year.
Hollyberry. You didn't like the elves' gift, then?
Toinette. Oh, it was horrid—I hated it.
Hollyberry [severely]. Do you call that being grateful?
Toinette [confused]. Oh, no—I mean, yes—that is, it was very kind of you—but I didn't like it. Oh, dear!
Hollyberry [kindly]. Never mind, Toinette, I'm only teasing you now. And I advise you to take the fern seed. You will like it better this year, I'm sure.
Toinette [anxiously]. Truly?
Hollyberry. Truly. [Toinette takes bag and cloak.] And if you like it we are going to ask a favor of you. We want you to make us some fern-seed broth.
Toinette. Fern-seed broth?