Well, I must hurry on; the hour grows late.
Gaspard.
Steal here by Twelve o'Clock, with cautious Pace,
And turn your Look toward yonder Chimney-place.
Gaspard.
One moment, Eloise, I beg you wait.
The genial sprite whom you desire to meet
Perchance your longing gaze may really greet.
Steal here by twelve o'clock, with cautious pace,
And turn your look toward yonder chimney-place,
Then who shall say what marvel yet untold
'Twill be your happy fortune to behold?
Eloise [aside].
The sly deceiver! Would he dare assume
The guise of Santa Claus, and in the gloom
Of this deserted hall delude my sense,
Hoping to dupe me by some bold pretense?
I half believe so. Well, if this were true,
How nicely such deception he should rue!
Gaspard.
You'll come, Eloise?
Eloise.