I listened at the door for ten minutes before I came in. I heard every word that was spoken.
[He claps Bill heartily on the shoulder, and extends his hand—and in it is the same envelope that hung on the tree.]
Merry Christmas, my friend!
Bill
[Wiping his hand on his trousers leg before taking Millman’s, and painfully embarrassed.]
De same to youse, Mr. Millman, an’ de same, an’ lots of ’em, to de little gen’leman.
David
Thanks, Santa Claus.
[Bill goes, followed by Halligan. The door clicks shut after them. For a second father and son gaze at each other in silence. Then:]
Millman