SCENE II

_Christmas Eve in_ MOTHER MADELON'S _cottage. Open fireplace[3] at the Right, door (R.) and window (L.) at the back. Snow scene at back, shows through window and door when opened. Small table by the window with half a loaf of bread and one or two cracked plates and cups. A stool, a small chair, and by the fire a box._ MOTHER MADELON _sits (L.) at a spinning wheel. The children stand beside her_, GRETEL _rubbing her eyes with her two little fists_, HANS _with his hands behind him._

[Footnote 3: See note on Fireplace, p. 313.]

HANS [_bravely_]. But, Mother, the good saint never missed us before. Are you sure he isn't coming?

GRETEL. What makes you so sure, Mother, dear?

MOTHER. Yes, my little ones, I am afraid it is true. [_More brightly._] You know, he has so very much to do. Just think how many little children he must go to see every year! Someone must always be left out. Perhaps it is our turn now. We can wait until next year. Perhaps he will come then.

HANS [_rubbing his eyes_]. Oh, dear, I wish to-morrow wouldn't come at all.

MOTHER. Oh, Hans, don't say that. Think how happy we can be. Even if St. Nicholas doesn't come, to-morrow is still the bright, beautiful Christmas Day, when everyone in the world is happy, and we shall hear the chimes ringing, and see people going about wishing each other "Merry Christmas." And then we have each other. I have my little big daughter who helps me wipe the dishes and put the plates away and my big right-hand man who is going to work so hard for me pretty soon.

HANS. Yes, Mother, but I can help you now, right away. Let me do something for you right now!

GRETEL. Me too, Mother, me too!

MOTHER. Very well! You shall hold this yarn for me, while Gretel winds it. [_Puts the yarn on_ HANS' _hands._ HANS _sits on box_, GRETEL _on stool winding._ MOTHER _turns spinning wheel and sings "Bending O'er a Cradle Low."_]

[Music: BENDING O'ER A CRADLE LOW[4]]

[Footnote 4: Copyright, 1893, by the John Church Company. Used by permission.]

(A CHRISTMAS SONG)

LYDIA AVERY COONLEY. GEORGE F. ROOT.

1. Bending o'er a cradle low Sang a mother long ago, "This is Christ the Holy Child." Shepherds, wise men, angels smiled; "What care I for palace walls; What care I for kingly halls! In my arms the King of kings Listens while the angel sings. Peace on earth, good will for aye, Hail the blessed Christmas Day! Hail the blessed Christmas Day!"

2. Echoing down the ages long Comes the herald angel's song, Still do shepherds heed the voice, Wise men listen and rejoice; While to greet the King of kings Earth her noblest offerings brings. And the blessed Christ is born In each heart on Christmas morn. Sing, then, peace, good will for aye, Hail the blessed Christmas Day! Hail the blessed Christmas Day!

HANS. Gretel, I believe St. Nicholas _will_ come anyway, I just believe he will. [GRETEL _gives the yarn to her mother_, HANS _remains sitting on the box._] When we aren't thinking about it he'll just walk right in--I'll show you how. [_Jumps up and runs out of the door._] Now, I'm St. Nicholas. [_Comes in again, speaking in a loud and pompous tone._] How do you do, little Miss Gretel,--how are you little--no, big Hans! [_Shakes hands with_ GRETEL _and with an imaginary_ HANS.] Well, Mother Madelon, have these children been very good indeed?

MOTHER. Yes, good saint, I couldn't ask for two better, dearer children, or any that I love half so well.

HANS [_in his own voice_]. Oh, Mother, do you truly think so?

GRETEL. Then, Hans, if we've been good children, I 'most _know_ St. Nicholas will come.

HANS [_dancing to look out of door_]. Oh, he will! He will! Mother, give me something to do so I won't keep thinking about it.

GRETEL. Oh, Hans, let's have a story!

HANS. Oh, yes, Mother, please tell us a story.

MOTHER. Bring your little stools, then I will tell you a Christmas story.

GRETEL [_coaxingly_]. Mother, don't you think it is too dark to spin? Let me sit in your lap.

MOTHER. You funny little fairy! [_Takes her on her lap._ HANS _brings a stool and sits at his_ MOTHER'S _feet nursing his knee._]

MOTHER. Once upon a time, many, many years ago, it happened that a little child was wandering all alone through the streets of a great busy town. It was Christmas Eve, and wherever the child looked he saw shining lights and hurrying happy people. His coat was all too thin, and his little feet and hands were bare and frostbitten. The sharp ice on the ground cut his feet as he walked, and the cold wind tossed his soft hair back from his forehead. But he hardly seemed to feel the cold, for everywhere he was watching the eager, happy faces that hastened by. He looked up into a window and saw a beautiful, wonderful tree, covered with little candles and glittering balls, and all about the tree were gathered merry, laughing children. It seemed as if those happy little ones would be glad to have another little boy amongst them, and the child went quietly up the steps and tapped at the door. But the tall man who opened it said crossly, "Go away. I can't let you in here." So the child went sorrowfully down the steps and wandered on again. As he went along the street many more houses were full of light and happiness, and wherever he saw the candle-covered Christmas trees with their cluster of gay child-faces, he tapped softly at the door, or looked wistfully in at the window. But everywhere the same answer was given him. "You must go on. We can't take you in." Some people looked sorry when they said this, but most of them hardly glanced at him at all before they shut the great doors to keep out the cold wind. At last he came to the very last house--a poor little cottage with just one window. But he could see the light streaming out of it, and wearily made his way to the door. In this little house was a Mother and two little children----

HANS. Just like us!

MOTHER. And at one side of the room was a cradle----

GRETEL. But we haven't got any baby!

MOTHER. When the little girl heard the soft tapping at the door she said: "Shall I open it, Mother?" And the mother said, "Yes, indeed, we mustn't let anyone stay out in the cold on the beautiful Christmas Eve." So the child opened the door and led in the little, shivering stranger. The mother took him on her lap and rubbed his frozen hands, and folded her warm arms about him. And the children begged him to stay with them always. Then the Mother told them the wonderful beautiful story of the first Christmas, and how the shining angels came to the poor shepherds in the field and sang "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men." And how the shepherds went to find the dear baby in the manger, and the wise men were led by a glorious star to find Him, too. And while she was talking to them the room seemed filled with a strange, soft light that grew lovelier and brighter every moment, until the children, wondering, turned to their mother to ask what it meant. And then they saw that the Child was gone. But the mother said: "Children, I think we have had the real little Christ-Child with us to-night." And after that men used to say that the Christ-Child sometimes came again on Christmas Eve to wander from door to door asking for shelter and love. And sometimes men drive Him away, and He can find no place to rest. But in some homes He is given a glad and loving welcome.

GRETEL. Oh, Mother, I wish, I _wish_ He would come here, to us!

HANS [_looking to the window_]. But, Mother, it is all dark--there is no light in the window for Him! Mother, we've got a little piece of a candle. Mayn't I put it in the cup that's broken and light it?

MOTHER. Yes, my little son.

[HANS _jumps on the box and reaches a bit of candle from the mantel. Fastens it in the cup and lights it._ GRETEL _watching anxiously. Then together they put it in the window and sing "The Christ-Candle."_

[Music: THE CHRIST-CANDLE[5]]

[Footnote 5: By permission of the Universalist Publishing House.]

KATE L. BROWN. ELIZABETH U. EMERSON.

1. Little taper set to-night, Throw afar thy tiny light, Up and down the darksome street, Guide the tender wand'ring feet Of the darling Christ Child sweet.

2. He is coming through the snow As He came so long ago, When the stars set o'er the hill, When the town is dark and still, Comes to do the Father's will.

3. Little taper, spread thy ray Make His pathway light as day, Let some door be open wide For this guest of Christmas-tide, Dearer than all else beside.

4. Little Christ Child come to me, Let my heart Thy shelter be. Such a home Thou wilt not scorn, So the bells of Christmas morn Glad shall ring, "A Christ is born."

NOTE: The air "Hearts and Flowers" can also be used for this song.

GRETEL. Oh, do you think the little Christ-Child can see it now, Mother?

MOTHER. Yes, my darling. He can. And whether He comes wandering through the snowy forests or not, He loves to know that little children think of Him and try to please Him.

HANS. Gretel, I'm going out to see if the light shows outside. [_Goes out of the door and peers in at the window._ GRETEL _keeps the door open a crack to watch him._]

HANS [_comes in and bends over the fire to warm his hands_]. It sparkles on the snow just the way the moonlight does, and it's ever so much brighter than the stars. Do you believe it is as bright as the star of Bethlehem?

GRETEL. Oh no! It couldn't be like that! There was never another star that shone like _that_.

HANS. Let me put another stick on the fire, Mother. If the little Christ-Child comes He will be so cold. [_Puts on one or two sticks._]

GRETEL. Oh, Hans, I'm afraid He will be hungry, too. Let's toast a piece of our loaf for Him.

HANS. Yes, let me toast it.

GRETEL. And I'll cut it. [_Both clatter to the table, where_ GRETEL _cuts a piece of bread, and fastening it on a stick gives it to_ HANS, _who seats himself on a stool before the fire._ GRETEL _stands beside him._ FRIEDEL _appears at the window and leans his face against it, watching._]

GRETEL. Oh, Hans, be careful, be careful, you're burning it!

HANS. No, I'm not, but I'm toasting my face.

GRETEL. Let me hold it awhile. [_They change places._ HANS _stands with hands on hips and feet apart watching her. The_ MOTHER _sees_ FRIEDEL _and rises, beckoning to him._ FRIEDEL _leaves the window, and goes to the door, where he taps softly._]

GRETEL. Oh, Hans! He's come! He's come! [GRETEL _drops fork and both fly to the door, throwing it wide open, and standing back. An instant's pause, then_ FRIEDEL _looks from one to the other and stretches out his hands._]

GRETEL [_shyly taking his hand_]. We--we--we were waiting for you. Come in.

HANS. We're glad you've come.

GRETEL. Mother. Mother, his hands are like ice. [_Leads him to the fire._ HANS _shuts the door and comes to watch. The_ MOTHER _comes forward._]

MOTHER. Sit here, little one, and let me warm the poor cold hands. [_Seats_ FRIEDEL _on a stool close to the fire, and bending over him chafes his hands._ HANS _and_ GRETEL _draw away, casting furtive glances at him._]

HANS. Do you believe it _is_ the Christ-Child, Gretel?

GRETEL [_slowly_]. I--I don't know.

HANS [_decidedly_]. I do. It _must_ be. We put the candle there for Him--and then He came. And you made toast for Him--where _is_ His toast, Gretel?

GRETEL. Oh, Hans! I _dropped_ it when I went to the door!

HANS [_hurries to pick it up_]. Never mind. It didn't hurt it a bit.

GRETEL [_takes it and brushes it_]. He won't care. Mother's hearth isn't a bit dusty. [_Both go to_ FRIEDEL.]

GRETEL [_timidly offering him the toast_]. Hans and I thought you would be hungry, and so we made you some toast.

FRIEDEL. Oh, I am, I am. [_Takes a bite and turns to them._] I haven't had anything to eat since--since--Oh, I can't remember! When was it? [_Puts his hand to his head._]

MOTHER [_drawing him gently to lean against her_]. There, never mind. Eat now.

[GRETEL _and_ HANS _draw away again._

HANS. Are you _sure_ it is the Christ-Child, Gretel?

GRETEL. I don't know. But I think--I think if it was, His face would be all shining.

MOTHER. Where is your home, my son? And what is your name? Why were you wandering all alone this bitter night?

FRIEDEL. I am Friedel. Just Friedel. Not anything else. And I haven't any home. I wish I had. A home is what I was looking for. I thought perhaps someone would take me in, and let me work to pay for keeping me. But nobody wants a boy, somehow, nobody. [_Drops his head in his hands._]

MOTHER [_stroking his head_]. You shall never say that again, my son. While we have still our little hut, you shall live with us, and be an elder brother to my little ones.

HANS. You hear that, Gretel? It isn't the Christ-Child, after all. [_Rubs his fists in his eyes._]

GRETEL. Oh, but Hans, I believe the Christ-Child would like this almost as much. I mean He would like our putting the candle in the window, and making the toast and everything for this poor little boy, almost as much as if it was really for Him. Because it's His little boy, you know.

[_The chimes begin._

HANS. Really and truly?

GRETEL. Yes, I'm _sure_! Perhaps the Christ-Child sent him to us. Oh, Hans, listen! The chimes are beginning to ring. [_Both run to the window to listen. After a moment voices in the distance begin singing "Oh, Happy Night."_]

[Music: OH, HAPPY NIGHT[6]]

[Footnote 6: Courtesy of Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Company.]

Music written for "Wide Awake"

Words by M.E.B. By LOUIS C. ELSON.

1. Oh, happy night! that brings the morn To dawn above the Lord new-born, And bids the angels sing again Their message to the sons of men, We hail thee! We hail thee!

2. Oh, happy star! whose radiance sweet Did guide the wise men's eager feet, To seek the way unknown, untried, That led them to the manger's side, We hail thee! We hail thee!

3. Oh, happy manger! that hath known This precious burden as thine own, Beyond all gifts the world doth hold Of pomp and pow'r and gems and gold, We hail thee! We hail thee!

4. Oh, happy day! that gave to men The Babe Divine of Bethlehem, The King of Kings the undefiled In semblance of a little child, We hail thee! We hail thee!

5. Oh, happy Babe! whose wondrous eyes Still hold the light of Paradise, Look down in blessing from above While, Prince of Peace and Lord of Love, We hail thee! We hail thee!

(Sung by a single voice, several joining in at "We hail thee!")

GRETEL [_at the end of the first verse_]. Oh, Mother dear, do you hear the singing?

[_Another verse is sung._

FRIEDEL [_wonderingly_]. What is it? Angels?

[_At the end of the song_ FRITZ _and others are seen passing the window._ HANS _and_ GRETEL _rush to their_ MOTHER.

GRETEL. Oh, Mother! He's coming! He's coming!

HANS. Yes, he is! I saw him!

MOTHER [_startled_]. Who is coming, my children?

[_The door is flung open and the children rush in_, ST. NICHOLAS _standing at the door._

HANS _and_ GRETEL. St. Nicholas! St. Nicholas!

ST. NICHOLAS. Yes, old St. Nicholas again. Mother Madelon, may I come in?

MOTHER. May you come in? Ask the little ones here!

[HANS _and_ GRETEL _run to draw him in._

FRITZ. You see, Mother Madelon, our Heinrich heard you say the good saint couldn't find you this year----

BARBARA. So we hurried right home----

HEINRICH. And as soon as he came we told him about you----

FRITZ. And begged him to let us show him the way!

JAN. And of course, he came!

KARL _and_ OSCAR. Yes, of course!

MOTHER. It was very thoughtful of you, little friends.

HANS _and_ GRETEL. Thank you, thank you all so much!

GRETEL. Oh, good saint, we were _so_ afraid you wouldn't come.

HANS. Mother _said_ you couldn't find us.

ST. NICHOLAS. And I doubt if I could have found you, if it hadn't been for that little gleaming candle that you put in the window to light my way.

GRETEL [_holding his hand_]. Oh, but, St. Nicholas, we ought to tell you that we didn't put the candle there for you.

KATRINA. Why, who was it for?

GRETEL [_softly_]. It was for the Christ-Child. We thought perhaps He would be out in the snow and cold--and we were so warm and happy!

ST. NICHOLAS. Let me tell you, little Gretel, though the Christ-Child did not come, it is just as true that He sent me to you as it is that I was led here by the clear shining of the Christ-Candle.

CURTAIN

NOTES ON COSTUME AND SETTING

The parts of the Mother and St. Nicholas should be played by adults: other adult parts taken by young people sixteen to eighteen.

MOTHER MADELON. Plain dark dress, white kerchief, white peasant's cap.

HANS. (Eight years old.) White shirt, bright-colored vest, full blue trousers, red stockings. Toboggan cap.

GRETEL. (Six years.) Full white waist, black bodice, red skirt, or dark skirt and red stockings. White peasant's cap. Both children may wear wooden shoes.

FRIEDEL. (Boy of nine.) Very ragged coat and trousers. Bare feet. No hat. (Should be a thin little fellow whose appearance may give the touch of pathos.)

OLD MARTA. (May be taken by a boy, if preferred.) Poorly dressed, in old shawl and hood, carrying a bundle of fagots. Face deeply wrinkled and lined, with an ill-tempered expression.

RICH JOHANN. Velvet coat, flowered vest, full knee-breeches, shoes with silver buckles. Broad-brimmed felt hat. Silver-headed cane. Is very pompous.

CROSS JACOB. Rough farm clothes, heavy boots.

WOODCUTTER. Fur cap, warm gloves, high boots. Carries an ax. Is young, wholesome, rosy with work, and happy.

STAR CHILD. (Child of seven or eight, who can sing.) White gown, hanging straight from neck to ground, with flowing sleeves. Carries a gold wand with a star on the end, and wears a star on the forehead. If taken by a boy, he should wear a short white sleeveless tunic, white stockings, and sandals.

FRITZ and his sisters and brothers, children from twelve years down to six, are dressed in ordinary outdoor winter costumes, with as much as possible of bright color about them.

ST. NICHOLAS differs somewhat from the accepted idea of Santa Claus, being dignified, benign, and kindly, rather than lively and jolly. Costume about the same,--long coat, high boots, fur cap, flowing white beard.

NOTE FOR SNOW SCENE. If not feasible to have a winter scene for the back drop, cover the back wall with white, and fasten drooping branches of evergreen at sides, to suggest the limbs of trees just out of sight. The wings may be treated in the same way,--or screens, if given in home or schoolroom. Cover the floor with white, piling with cushions beneath in some places to give an irregular surface, and to make the bank (R. Center), where Friedel lies down. Four or five evergreen trees will make an effective forest, and if quite small, they should be raised to different heights, and banked about with white. Leave opening between them (Back Center), in which the Star Child should appear, coming and going very silently and slowly. Cotton snow upon the little trees and "diamond-dust" over all, help to make this a very pretty scene.

For chimes, play the music of the carol "Oh, Happy Night" on a xylophone, behind the scenes.

TOINETTE AND THE ELVES

IN TWO ACTS

CHARACTERS

MOTHER. TOINETTE, girl of twelve or fourteen. MARIE, girl of eleven. JEANNETTE, little girl of five or six. PIERRE } MARC } Boys of ten or eleven. The Elves: HOLLYBERRY } MISTLETOE } EVERGREEN } Little boys of five or six. ICICLE }

TOINETTE AND THE ELVES

From the story by Susan Coolidge, _St. Nicholas_ for January, 1876.