I wish I might! But if the truth be told,
My sleigh is just as full as it will hold,
Of gifts for all the folk for miles around:
To duty false I’ve never yet been found.
And yet—[looking at children]
to leave them in this lonely wood—
I’d love to take them—
Betty. [Shyly taking his hand and looking up
at him adoringly.]
If you only could!