David

[Hesitates; rises; looks at his father; looks at Bill—and then, to his father’s unutterable horror, runs to Bill.]

You won’t mind, will you, Santa Claus?

[Bill is silent.]

Millman

[In a tone like that of a whiplash.]

Answer him!

Bill

[Addressing David, and exceedingly gruff.]

W’at do yuh mean, kid?