Time.—The night before Christmas.
Scene.—A cosy nursery with low-turned lights and bright fire. The curtain rises, showing the children grouped around the fire, little Lucy in night-gown and tiny night-cap, cuddled with Mary in the big arm-chair. Nan is seated on a low stool, Tommy is stretched at full length on the rug. They are making preparations to hang up their stockings.
Nan. Now let's begin at the beginning and sing it all over again.
Mary (caressingly). But Lucy is so sleepy.
Lucy (drowsily). Lucy isn't sleepy. Lucy wants to wait for Santa Claus.
Tommy (contemptuously). Santa Claus!
Mary (reproachfully). Oh, Tommy!
Nan (tying on her night-cap). You start it, Mary.
[They all sing.]
| "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house |
| Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. |
| The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, |
| In hopes that old Santa Claus soon would be there. |
| The children were nestled all—" |
Tommy. Oh, but you know there isn't any such person as Santa Claus.