Queen [smiles, but speaks earnestly]. Santa Claus has no follies except his love for me.
Prince. Queen of my heart, listen to me. Some day you will want a fairy heir to the throne. So you must have a fairy husband.
Queen. Why, Santa is just a big fairy!
Prince. I beg your pardon—Santa is not a fairy. Santa Claus is human. [With this he places on her lips a very tender kiss. That kiss has magic power.]
Music: “Valentine Song.”
Queen’s breast heaves with delight and the spirit of youth and an almost childish happiness takes possession of her. Queen and Prince dance out of the room into the garden.
Gossip enters with old Santa. She takes him where he can look into the garden. Santa Claus looks much surprised and disappointed.
Gossip. Aw! Forget it!
Santa Claus. I suppose love making belongs to youth and to fairies, but not to saints.
Flossie Fixit [entering]. Forget your troubles by making other people happy. All the little children in the world are looking to you for a beautiful Christmas.