Hollyberry. No need of that, Toinette. [He brushes door-post with his holly wand.] Be lucky, house! We are the luck-bringers, and we have feasted here! [Touches Toinette on the head and hands.] Be lucky, Toinette! Good temper, and kindness, and unselfishness are the very best good luck, after all. Now, good-by!
Elves. Good-by, good-by! Merry Christmas to all!
[Exeunt. Toinette closes the door and goes
slowly to hearth, where she sits down on
floor, resting her arm on a chair and her
head on her hand.
Toinette [softly]. The fairies have been here, and they have taught me a lesson.... After all, it isn't the fairies who make the children love me, or me love the children.... I think—yes, I'm sure—that it is Christmas that makes us all love each other!
[Her head drops, and she falls asleep. The
children's voices are heard, singing, very
softly and distinctly, the last verse of the carol:
"Thank God on Christmas morning!
Thank God, O children dear."
CURTAIN