(Bells still ring, as softly as possible. The children listen. Instrumental music behind scenes, very soft at first, but gradually growing louder,—“Home, Sweet Home.” Enter the taller Dorothy, and West Wind. Children rush to meet Dorothy, holding up the key. The music stops, but bells still ring, while Dorothy takes the key, goes to the box, and unlocks it, followed gleefully by Brownies. Sunshine Fairies emerge from the box, assisted, if necessary, by West Wind, the Old Woman, and Dorothy. The fairies skip about delightedly; then, seeing Dismal Dumps and the Bugaboo Man, start to chase them both. Dismal Dumps and Bugaboo Man run around in evident terror, trying to escape. At last both jump into the box. Brownies instantly slam down the lid, and sit on it. Bells ring out more loudly for a minute or two, then subside as music begins. Chorus of Brownies, children, and Sunshine Fairies, all but Brownies dancing around Dorothy and West Wind; tune, “Marching through Georgia.”)
Welcome home, our playmate dear, this happy festal day!
O, kind the West Wind’s care of you while you were far away.
But now we have you with us, and we hope you’ve come to stay,
For Sunshine rules Bonnydingle!
Hurrah! hurrah! the merry bells do ring,
Hurrah! hurrah! our voices gladly sing;
Nevermore shall frowns and tears their sorrow to you bring
For Sunshine rules Bonnydingle!
(Bells ring loudly again during the refrain, which is repeated. Throughout the song, Brownies wave caps, arms, and feet as enthusiastically as possible, without leaving their post on the Sunshine-Box.)
(Enter Queen from her Cosey Corner. Bells and music cease.)
Queen (kissing Dorothy). Welcome home, Dorothy dear! How you have grown! So our plan was a success. But suppose we listen to Fairy Bright-Thought again. She has still another message for us. (All are quiet. Soft music for two or three minutes. Enter Fairy Bright-Thought, who whispers in the ear of the Queen, as before. Music stops.) My chief counsellor advises a strange thing. She says, “Open the box.” Will you do it?
(The Brownies get down from their perch, looking puzzled. The children slowly approach the box.)
Roy. But won’t the Bugaboo Man——
Avis. And won’t Dismal Dumps——
Dorothy. Never fear. What harm can they do us now? Poor old Bugaboo Man and poor old Dismal Dumps! I’m sorry for them. It was when I was little that I was so afraid of them. Besides, as we all know, whatever advice comes from the Cosey Corner must be safe to follow. Come, I’m going to open the box!