[Severely.] Nothing of the sort! Here, back with you to bed!
[They take the Children in hand, dragging them across the floor, and then are heard behind the screen, breathing heavily as they heave them into bed. Just as they have done this the door is opened, and the Father and Mother enter stealthily, their arms full of Christmas packages.]
The Father.
Hush! Don’t wake them!
The Mother.
Do not wake them! Hush!
Tread lightly!
The Father.
Careful, lest you wake them!
Both.