Santa. Daughter, I am an exceptional creature in every way. Thank the Fates that you have never been permitted to meet a less worthy specimen of the race than your papa.
Gus. (Gussie giggles) Speaking of men, how about me?
(swaggers with thumbs in arm holes of vest
Omnes. Oh! you don’t count; you’re a dude.
(Gussie retires discomfited
Kitty. Papa, are men as scarce in the land of mortals as they are here?
Santa. No, my child, no indeed; there are not enough to go around to be sure; and under the present system, old maids seem to be a compulsory blessing; still they are numerous, quite so.
Kitty. (rapturously) Oh! papa, let’s move!
Mrs. C. Why, what is the matter with the child? (goes over to Kitty) My dear you must be ill: come, take a milk-shake and go to bed.
Gus. (aside) Milk-shake! I believe I am feeling a kind of goneness too.