Jennie Wren
Mother Goose. [Sweeping up the litter made by Jack.] Dear me, Jack, what is the need of coming in in such a bluster and mussing the house this way?
Jack. Excuse me, Mother Goose. I just keep forgetting. My, but it is hot here! It almost gives me chilblains. Actually, the thermometer is only five degrees below zero in this room. I should think you’d melt, Jennie. [Opens a window, tweaks Jennie’s ear. Starts to skate across the room and falls down.]
Jennie. [With a start.] Why, Jack, how did you come to fall?
Jack. Oh, not-with-standing, Jennie. [Turns a handspring.]
Jennie. Oh, Jack, what a bad pun! Now see if you can’t subside and not make any more trouble for Mother Goose. You know it is only three more days before Santa has to start off with his pack, and there are many things for you to do to help him get ready.
Jack. Oh, excuse me, everybody. I wish I could learn calm, cool manners. Maybe I could behave better if I wasn’t so hungry. Couldn’t I have something to eat? I haven’t eaten a thing since breakfast but three tallow candles, and I’m starving.
Mother Goose. Yes, you shall have a little snack right now, Jack, as supper will not be ready for some time yet. You must attend the door to-night, as the Auld Lang Syne Club holds its annual meeting here this evening, you know. [She hurries out.]
Jack. I wish Santa would let me run the wireless, instead of always having me tend reindeer.
Mother Goose. [Entering with tray.] Here, Jack, is a little luncheon for you—a bowl of ice-cream, a piece of frosted cake, and some iced tea.