ACT II

TIME: _Christmas morning._

SCENE: _Sitting-room, with large old-fashioned fireplace[10] [back Center]. Toys scattered about. A small blackboard to left of fireplace._ DICK _and_ DOT _sitting in little chairs._ DICK, _with a knife, whittling._ DOT, _with a doll. Both wear sprigs of holly._

[Footnote 10: See note on Fireplace, p. 313.]

DOT. Everybody has given us such lovely presents. It couldn't be nicer, could it, Dick?

DICK [_sighing_]. I think it could be just a little nicer. It would be nicer if we had a lot of brothers and sisters to help us play with the soldiers and the blocks and the dolls and everything. Oh, I wish--I wish that just for this one day I could have a whole _roomful_ of children to play with.

DOT. I'm afraid Jim and Polly aren't having as nice a Christmas as ours.

DICK [_shutting his knife_]. So am I. I don't think Friendship Alley's a very nice place to have to live.

DOT. I wish they could have a Christmas like ours. I'd like to give them some things. Anyway, I'd like to show them our presents.

DICK [_jumping up_]. Let's!

DOT. When?

DICK. Now, right off. And, Dot, don't you know they said they had never seen Santa Claus, either. It's 'most time for him to come. Let's go and bring them over to see him.

DOT. All right. He'll give them something, too.

DICK. We'll hide them so as to surprise everybody.

DOT. Will Papa and Mamma like it?

DICK. Of course they will. Papa always likes our surprises, and Mamma will, I know, because it would make her feel so sorry if she knew there was anybody in the world that wasn't happy on Christmas. She says that's the happiest day in the year, and everybody ought to be happy. So we won't make her sorry by telling her about it. We'll just make them happy too.

DOT. We can have them take off their things in the nursery, and then Jim can wash his face.

[_Exeunt. Enter_ FATHER, _with paper which he throws on table._

FATHER. Well, the children seem to have grown tired of their new things already. I don't see what has come over that boy lately. He talks of nothing but big families. I suppose the sight of the five little Blair children across the way is tantalizing, and it certainly is lonely for the two little duds with nobody but grown-ups in the house. Their efforts to be a large party in themselves, to play games, on Thanksgiving day, were really laughable, but they were pathetic, too. If Julia had thought of it, we might have had a little Christmas party for them. It's a good deal of trouble for Santa Claus to climb down a chimney for just two children. [_Looks at his watch._] The old gentleman ought to be here in about half an hour. I wonder if it's too late to get some children now? Mr. Blair might lend me his youngsters for an hour or so. It would be such a nice surprise for the children. I could hide them somewhere, and at a given signal have them come out. I'll just step across the way and see.

[_Exit_ FATHER. _Enter_ AUNT JENNIE.

AUNT. What a dreadful state the children have left this room in. That blessed boy! I knew he couldn't wait to try his new knife. His father would insist on giving it to him, though I'm sure it's dangerous. Here are his chips all over the floor, and Dot has had Dolly dressed and undressed a dozen times at least. [_Sits down by fire, laughing indulgently._] The way those children have been talking the last few days is a puzzle! I can't think what started them. I never had but one brother myself, and I'm sure I was quite happy. What they want with ten brothers and sisters is beyond me. A dozen children in the house would be more than their father and Julia and I could stand, to say nothing of nurse and John. The two alone can think of quite enough mischief to drive the household crazy. I suppose our having so many friends when we were children made a difference. We never used to be alone at Christmas. After all, on holidays it would be forlorn. Too bad we didn't think of having a party. There are so many children who would think it a treat to come, too, who have no tree or Santa Claus at home. That little girl of Ellen Lee's must be all alone to-day. [_Gets up decidedly._] I declare I'll just put on my hat and coat and go around there now and get her. It'll be such a nice surprise for the children.

[_Exit in haste. Enter_ MOTHER. _Takes up doll, and sits down thoughtfully before the fire, rearranging doll's dress._

MOTHER. Dolly, you'd be surprised if you knew how badly I'm feeling! I think I've been a very stupid, unrealizing sort of a mother, not to plan something to make the children have a really _merry_ Christmas, as well as a happy one. It would have been so easy to have a little party of children here. Oh, Dolly, you know all about it better than I do myself, for didn't I just hear Dot confiding in you, and whispering in this little ear under your curls how she wished you were a real live sister to play with her? Now you see how I feel! Don't you see that if she had a hundred dolls, of wax or china or rags, she would still have a stupid Christmas? I haven't a doubt that you mean well, and you do fill a very large corner in a little girl's heart--I haven't got over my fondness for your race yet. [_Kisses the doll's curls._] But you certainly are a trifle obstinate about responding to friendly advances. Poor children, it's so easy to give you pleasure! [_Lets doll fall in her lap._] I might have had a nice, jolly, little ... well, it's too late now. [_Sighs, then looks at her watch._] No! I don't believe it is, after all. I still have time to go for little Jerry Gray and his sister. They are just the ones! The children love surprises so. I'll hurry----

[_Exit in haste. Enter_ MARY _and_ JOHN. _While they talk together they put the room to rights._

MARY. Well, it do beat all, how thim children can make a room look like so many pigs and chickens had been running through.

JOHN. Thrue for you, an' it does.

MARY. An' what fer need they be wishin' there was tin of thim to mess the house up worse?

JOHN. An' did they do that, thin?

MARY. Sure they did. "Mary," says Dicky to me, "don't you wish that I was five little b'ys and Dot was five little girls? We do, we're so lonesome."

JOHN. An' that's what I heard them sayin' as I was a-carryin' up coal this morning. "I wish I had a whole room full of brothers and sisters," says Dick. Faix! I wish I could give him some of mine, then. I've enough to spare.

MARY. 'Tis sort of lonesome like, now, ain't it, John? [_Hands on hips._]

JOHN [_hands on hips_]. Yes, it is that. I wonder---- Say, Mary, me darlin', them three children of cook's sister's ain't going to have much Christmas. Why can't you and me smuggle them up here to the cupboard on the stairs, and when we comes up to help wid th' tree, we'll just give the word and they'll pop out and say, Merry Christmas. It'll be sort o' cheerful like, and Mistress is that kind-hearted she ain't going to care.

MARY. John, you have the brains of a elephant. I'll go right down and fetch 'em now. [_Exit._]

JOHN. Poor children! They shall have some fun, that they shall.

[_Re-enter_ MARY _with children._

MARY. Well, would you look at 'em, John? Cook she dressed 'em all up in green ribbons, bless their hearts. Says I, "Sure to-day's not St. Patrick's day." "Well," says she, "what's fittin' one holiday is fittin' the next. It's a good color anyhow. Them's their best clothes." So I never touched 'em. I've told 'em about it, John. Now, just go right up in here, children.

JOHN. And when we say "Broomsticks!" out you bounces and shouts, "Merry Christmas!" Now, Mary, we've redd up, we'll just go below stairs. [_Exeunt._]

[_Enter_ DICK _and_ DOT _with_ JIM _and_ POLLY.

DOT. We're so glad you came, because we want to show you our things.

DICK. And now you can see Santa Claus.

JIM _and_ POLLY. Oh-h-hh! We never saw nothin' like this before.

DICK. And I'm going to put my new necktie on you, because we want to be all dressed up for Santa Claus.

DOT _and_ DICK. We've got on holly because it's Christmas.

POLLY. I've got on my clean apron. Will I do?

DOT. 'Course you will; I don't believe Santa Claus cares.

DICK. Here are my soldiers.

DOT. And this is my dolly.

DICK. And just look at my knife.

DOT. Where's my pincushion?

DICK. Oh, see our blackboard. Don't you want to draw on it, Jim?

JIM. I don't know how to draw.

DICK. Oh, make a man; it's very easy to make a man. [_Demonstrating._] You just make his stomach and his head, and then put on the arms and legs.

DOT. See our books.

DICK. This is my new history. It's got a picture of Mr. Columbus finding the red Indians.

DOT. Oh, I hear somebody coming. You must hide straight off.

DICK. In the chimney is the best place. Jim, you go on this side and Polly on that. And look out for the fire. Remember when we say "Sleds!" you must come out.

DOT. Now.

[FATHER _puts his head in at the door._

FATHER. Oh, children, are you there? Don't you think you'd better go and have your hands and faces washed? Santa Claus likes clean faces, you know.

DICK _and_ DOT. Yes, sir, right off. [_Exeunt._]

[_Enter_ FATHER _with five little Blairs._

FATHER. Now, children, quick, run right into the library here, and when I say "Holly!" you must run out and say, "Merry Christmas!"

[_Exit_ FATHER. _Enter_ AUNT _with_ SALLY LEE.

AUNT. Sally, the best place for you to hide is here on the floor behind the blackboard. There, no one can see you. Now, when I say "Evergreen!" you must come out as we planned.

[_Exit_ AUNT. _Enter_ MOTHER _with two little Grays._

MOTHER. Come right here, dears, behind this curtain. You won't have to wait long. And when I say "Mistletoe!" run out. I'll go and find Dick and Dot.

[_Exit._

[_Enter_ DICK _and_ DOT _and place two low chairs by the fireplace. Both put their heads into the chimney._

DICK _and_ DOT. Are you all right?

JIM. Yes, if we don't have to stay too long.

POLLY. It's very nice and warm here.

[_Enter_ FATHER, MOTHER, AUNT, _and_ MARY _and_ JOHN, _who stand by the door._

FATHER. Children, what are you doing? [_Children come out confused._]

MOTHER. Were you looking for Santa Claus?

AUNT. Couldn't you wait for him?

DICK. It's a whole year since we've seen him.

FATHER. I wonder if he's changed any.

DOT. Oh, I hope not.

FATHER. We all love Santa Claus, don't we? He makes us think of so many pleasant things. He always reminds me of----

FATHER. Holly! } } MOTHER. Mistletoe! } } AUNT. Evergreen! } } All children [_rushing out_]: DICK } Sleds! } "Merry Christmas, Merry DOT } } Christmas, Merry Christmas!" } JOHN } Broomsticks! } MARY } }

DICK _and_ DOT. Hurrah, hurrah! We're going to have a Christmas party, after all!

FATHER. I never was so surprised in all my life.

MOTHER. Nor the rest of us, either.

CHILDREN. Goody, goody! Santa Claus is coming!

FATHER. Three cheers for Santa Claus. All together!

ALL. Rah! Rah! Rah!

MOTHER. Santa Claus likes to have children quiet sometimes. It's almost time for him to come now. I know he loves music. Suppose we all sit down right where we are and sing. What shall we sing?

DOT. Let's sing----

[_All sing a Christmas carol._

FATHER. Listen, do you hear anything? [_Silence._]

CHILDREN. No, no!

FATHER. Well, let's sing something about Santa Claus, and see if that will bring him. [_They sing a Santa Claus song._]

[_Enter_ SANTA CLAUS _through fireplace. Children all jump up and gather around him._

SANTA CLAUS. Whew! What a large party! Do you think my pack will hold out for so many?

CHILDREN [_dancing excitedly_]. Yes! Yes!

DICK. Santa Claus, before you begin, I want to ask you a question. Here are Jim and Polly, and they have always wanted to see you, but you never went to their house, nor gave them any presents, and they say they know some more poor people that you never go to see. We thought you went everywhere and gave everybody presents! Why didn't you ever give anything to Jim and Polly? We don't think that's quite fair, Santa Claus!

SANTA CLAUS. I know, and I think I can explain to you. [_Recites._]

'Tis true, my child, I can't but say I have a very curious way Of bringing presents to girls and boys Who have least need of pretty toys, And giving books, and dolls, and rings, To those who already have such things. 'Tis done for a very curious reason, Suggested by the Christmas season. Should I make my gifts to those who need, 'Twould become a time of general greed, When all would think, "What shall we get?" "What shall we give?" they would quite forget. So when I send my gifts to-day, 'Tis a hint "You have plenty to give away." And then I leave some poor ones out, That the richer may find, as they look about, Their opportunities close at hand, In every corner of the land. My token to those who in plenty live Is a gentle reminder, meaning, GIVE.[11]

[Footnote 11: Quoted from _St. Nicholas_, by courtesy of Tudor Jenks and The Century Company.]

CHILDREN. Oh, yes, we see, and we'll try to remember.

SANTA CLAUS. That's right. Now, can't we have another song? I like to hear you singing. Let's have....

[_Carol, and distribution of presents._[12]

[Footnote 12: See note on Tree, p. 314, and on Carols, p. 315.]

NOTES ON COSTUME AND SCENERY

Ordinary costumes. Santa Claus (see note on costume, p. 313) should be taken by a man, but the other adult parts are for boys and girls from fourteen to eighteen. Two or three older boys enact the homeward-bound pedestrians who merely cross the stage in Act I, and Father Browne and John, in coats and hats, may be among these.

The groups of children who come in at the end range from the very smallest up to ten years.

If scenery is available, place grocery store in first scene, at the back, and keep the children well in the center. In changing the scene, time can be gained by setting the first scene in front of the interior, as very little space is needed for the first act.

If scenery is not to be used, set grocery store less conspicuously [_Right_], using screens and placing boxes and barrels before them.

THE CHRISTMAS BROWNIE

IN ONE ACT

CHARACTERS

FATHER BIRD. MOTHER BIRD. KITTY } { About twelve years old. TED } { Boy of ten. MARJORIE } The little Birds { Eight years old. ROBIN } { Boy of seven. LITTLE ROSE } { Little girl of six. NURSE MAGGIE. THE CHRISTMAS BROWNIE. (Boy of ten.) _And_ SANTA CLAUS.

CHARACTERS IN TED'S DREAM

(Series of tableaux at back of stage)

I. Jack Horner. II. Mrs. Santa Claus. III. When Santa was Young. IV. "Merry Christmas." (Little boy.) V. "No Christmas." (Little boy and girl.) VI. The Christmas Waits. (Four boys and four girls from six to twelve years, who can sing.)

The other children in the "Dream" should not be over eight years old.

THE CHRISTMAS BROWNIE

TIME: _Christmas Eve. The story begins at tea-time in the nursery, and ends on Christmas morning, the night being bridged over by_ TED'S _dream._

SCENE: _Nursery, with fireplace,[13] across corner [Right], nursery pictures on the walls, and toys scattered about. The children seated on little chairs around a low table [L.], having just finished their tea_--TED _at one end_, KITTY _opposite him_, MARJORIE _and_ ROSE _on one side [facing the audience], and_ ROBIN _with his chair half turned away from the table. Curtain rises, showing the children singing a Christmas song, while the nurse goes in and out with a tray, clearing the table. The little girls sit with hands folded_, KITTY _sometimes helping the nurse, and the boys lounge comfortably in their chairs. When the song is ended_, TED _leans his elbows on the table._

[Footnote 13: See note on Fireplace, p. 313.]

Any Christmas song will do. "Oh, Ring, Glad Bells" (from _Songs and Games for Little Ones_[14]) is a very good one.

[Footnote 14: See note on Carols, p. 315.]

KITTY. Oh, I do wish Papa and Mamma would get done their supper and come up here!

MARJORIE. Seems to me it takes twice as long to eat supper in the dining-room as it does up here in the nursery!

TED. Grown folks are so slow about it!

ROBIN. Guess they have more to eat, too.

NURSE. No, indeed, Master Robin, it's because they're polite and don't eat so fast!

MARJORIE. We do gobble just like Thanksgiving turkeys!

KITTY. Rosy-posy never does. [_Patting little_ ROSE.]

TED. Pooh! Rosebud doesn't eat more'n a bite, anyway!

ROSE. Maggie, please untie my bib.

TED. I'll do it for you. [_Jumps up and unties it. The others take theirs off, and the nurse carries them all away._]

KITTY. Oh, I'm so excited! I don't believe I can sleep a wink.

MARJORIE. Don't you wish to-morrow would come quick?

BOYS. You bet!

MARJORIE. Santa Claus!

KITTY. Christmas Tree!

ROBIN. Sleds!

TED. Candy!

ROBIN. Big drums!

BOYS [_drumming with fists on table_]. B-r-r-rum! B-r-rum! Brum! Brum! Brum!

KITTY [_covering her ears_]. Mercy! what a racket! Do be quiet, boys!

ROSE [_shaking her finger_]. Santa Claus'll hear you 'way up at the North Pole!

TED. I hope he's started on his travels before this, or he won't get here for a week.

ROBIN. Wouldn't you like to ride with him in his old sleigh, though?

TED. And help him fill the stockings!

MARJORIE. I don't think I'd like going down chimneys much.

KITTY. What a good chimney-sweep Santa Claus must make.

ROBIN [_going to look up chimney_]. Oh, isn't it 'most time to hang up the stockings? [_Comes to stand beside_ MARJORIE.]

KITTY. Maggie has gone to get them, I think.

ROSE. But, Sister, how will Santa Claus know which is which?

KITTY. He'll know yours the minute he sees it, Pet.

ROSE. Will he?

TED. Sure!

ROBIN. Oh, I say, Ted, wouldn't it be a joke if he got 'em all mixed up, and put my things in Marjorie's stocking, and yours in Kitty's!

KITTY. He won't. He's such a wise old fellow that he always knows, somehow.

MARJORIE. Well, I should think it would be lots easier if we marked them! It must be dreadfully hard for him to remember.

TED. I'll tell you what! S'posing we write a list of the things we want him to bring, too?

ROBIN. Good for you, Ted. Then he won't have to remember all the letters we've been writing him.

MARJORIE. Give us some paper, quick, Kitty!

KITTY [_gets paper and pencils from mantel_, TED _helping her_]. If Santa Claus has to remember all the letters all the children in the world write him every year, shouldn't you think his head must ache? [_Divides paper among children. All sit at table and write._]

TED. Put your name at the top.

MARJORIE. And the thing you want most, next.

ROSE [_to_ KITTY]. Will Santa Claus mind if I print mine?

KITTY. No, indeed. He likes printing.

[_All write busily for a few moments._

ROBIN. I'm done. Look at that! [_Holds it up._]

KITTY. My! what a long list!

ROSE. Oh-h-h! Santa Claus'll think you're greedy!

ROBIN. I don't expect him to give me all those things. That's just so he can choose.

KITTY. Here come Papa and Mamma. Now, Ted, go get the stockings.

[_Exit_ TED. _Enter_ FATHER _and_ MOTHER, _children crowding around them._

KITTY. Mamma, we've made lists----

ROBIN. Of the things we want----

KITTY. And we're going to pin them on our stockings----

MARJORIE. Because we thought we ought to save poor Santa Claus all the trouble we could.

MOTHER. What thoughtful children! I'm sure Santa Claus will appreciate it.

ROBIN. Now, sit down and write your lists, quick!

FATHER [_laughing_]. Santa Claus will be frightened by such an array of wants. [FATHER _and_ MOTHER _sit down and write._]

FATHER. Do you think his pack will hold out?

ROBIN [_with scorn_]. 'Course it will! That pack hasn't any bottom at all.

MARJORIE _and_ ROSE [_taking hands and dancing_]. Oh, goody! goody! goody!

[_Enter_ TED, _with_ MAGGIE, _who gives stockings to the children and helps them to pin on the lists._

FATHER. I don't see my sock anywhere. This surely isn't mine! [_Holds up a long stocking._]

MARJORIE. Oh, Papa, it would be too mean to hang up one of your horrid little ones!

ROBIN. No, sir!

TED. Socks are no good on Christmas Eve. We've got one of Mamma's for you.

FATHER [_laughing_]. Oh, I see. Very well. But it's lucky they're to be marked. Santa Claus would never in the world recognize this one.

MOTHER [_to_ ROBIN, _who is stretching his stocking as much as possible_]. Robin, what are you doing?

ROBIN. Just making it bigger. Now, come along. Papa's on the first hook. [_All go to fireplace and hang stockings_, NURSE _helping_ ROSE. _All stand back to gaze._]

KITTY. Don't they make a fine show?

BOYS. Hurrah! Hurrah! [_Children all clap._]

MOTHER. Softly, children! [_To_ NURSE.] Maggie, they will never go to sleep if they are so excited! [_To children._] Sit down here a little while and sing some of your Christmas songs before you go to bed.

KITTY. Oh, no, Mamma, let Rosebud sing her song for us, and we'll be quiet.

MOTHER. Very well, dear.

TED. Let her stand on the table, so everybody can hear. Come, Rosy! [TED _and_ KITTY _help her up._ FATHER _stands by fire_, MARJORIE _with her arm about_ MOTHER, NURSE _in door_, KITTY _sits on a corner of the table_, ROBIN _in a chair_, TED _leaning over the back of it._ ROSE _sings, "In another land and time." (From "Songs for Little Children.")[15] When the song is ended_, MOTHER _comes forward, kisses_ ROSE, _and lifts her down._]

[Footnote 15: See p. 315.]

MOTHER. Now, Maggie, take her to bed. [NURSE _leads her out._]

FATHER. Yes, it's high time you all went. Good-night, all of you!

CHILDREN. Good-night, Papa! Good-night, Mamma!

ROBIN [_runs to fireplace, and bends over, shouting_]. Good-night, Santa Claus!

FATHER. Now, scamper, every one of you! [_Chases them out_, MOTHER _follows. Stage darkened somewhat. Enter the_ BROWNIE _suddenly, through fireplace. Stands (Center) for a moment, finger on lips, then rushes to door, peeps out, comes back, looks under table, and then, as if satisfied, goes to stockings, and stands examining them, feet wide apart, and hands on hips. Comes to_ FATHER'S, _measures it with his hands, then lifts it by the toe, and points to it, grinning. Doubles up with laughter. Suddenly puts his hand to his ear, and bends over, listening. Rushes to door, runs back, and vanishes in chimney. Enter_ TED.]

TED [_softly_]. I just can't go to bed yet. Robin went to sleep the very minute he got into bed. Don't see how he could. Maggie thinks I'm all nicely tucked in, and she's gone downstairs. [_Goes to fireplace and looks up chimney._] I do wish I could catch Santa Claus. No signs of him yet, and I don't hear the sleigh-bells. I think I'll just sit down and wait. [_Crosses to his own chair, and sits facing audience, with one elbow on table._] I believe I could give Santa Claus a few pointers, anyway. [BROWNIE _puts his head out of fireplace, and then shows himself entirely, gradually creeping nearer and nearer_ TED, _as if irresistibly drawn by his remarks._] He does give people pretty much what they ask for, but [_slowly_] if he just stopped a minute to think about it, he'd find out what silly things they do think they want, sometimes. But [_sighs_] he's getting so old that he doesn't find it out at all. [BROWNIE, _behind him, raises his hands in horror, then shakes his fist at_ TED.] I really think it would be a good thing for Santa Claus to choose one person in each family to help him out,--with the planning, anyway, if he doesn't like to have anyone else fill the stockings. S'posing he chose me! I could help him a lot! [BROWNIE _springs excitedly on the table, and bends over_ TED, _shaking his fist in his face._]

TED [_jumps up, and stands off a little way_]. Wow! Wha--wha---- Who are you?

BROWNIE [_folds his arms and looks contemptuously down on_ TED]. _Who_ is this impertinent snip of a boy who dares to insinuate that my master, Santa Claus, is too old and decrepit to do his work any longer?

TED. Indeed, indeed, I didn't say that!

BROWNIE [_wrathfully_]. What did you say, then? It sounded very much like it. [_Shakes his head fiercely._]

TED. I--I--I just said--that I think he makes mistakes sometimes.

BROWNIE [_sitting down cross-legged on the table_]. Very well, we'll just have this matter settled at once. Sit down, now, and let me hear what you have to say. [TED _backs away from his chair._] No, that won't do. Sit down, I tell you. [TED _reluctantly obeys, pulling his chair to a safe distance, and sitting astride of it._] Now then, young sir, will you tell me what complaints you have to register against your last year's stocking? Wasn't everything in it that you asked for?

TED [_anxious to appease_]. Oh, yes! and more, too!

BROWNIE. And wasn't everything in it in perfect order? Was anything broken?

TED [_emphatically_]. No! Everything was just out of sight!

BROWNIE. And weren't all the cracks stuffed tight with candy and nuts and raisins?

TED. I should say they were!

BROWNIE. Then I'd like to know the meaning of this discontent! You twentieth-century boys are a set of ungrateful young scamps, who get the best of everything, and then complain of it, and break it up in three days' time. Santa Claus is spoiling you, _I_ say! Boys a hundred years ago were thankful for the slates and schoolbooks we gave them, and the girls were happy enough over corncob dolls. Now you must have steam-engines, and motors, and automobiles, and dolls that walk and talk, and are so full of cogs and wheels that no real flesh-and-blood little girl could love them at all. I tell you, in all my thousand years of existence, I have never met anything so grasping as the modern children! [_Talks so loud and gesticulates so wildly that_ TED _backs away again._]

TED [_meekly_]. Please, Mr.--Mr. Brownie, I didn't mean that! Honest Injun, I didn't!

BROWNIE. Well, then, explain yourself!

TED. I--I--I was just thinking that people ask Santa Claus for such f-foolish things that it's a wonder he gives them anything at all.

BROWNIE. Foolish! I should think they were!

TED. And if there was anybody that could tell Santa Claus about it, it would save him a lot of trouble.

BROWNIE. And you think you could manage things better, do you?

TED. I didn't say that,--I said I would like to help.

BROWNIE [_scratches his nose, scowling very hard_]. See here. Suppose I let you try. Santa Claus is unusually busy to-night, and is sending a great number of his Brownies out to fill stockings. I was to look out for this house, among several hundred others, and I--a--well, I have a fancy that I should enjoy letting you help.

TED. Oh, _will_ you, really?

BROWNIE [_jumping off table_]. Yes, I have about made up my mind to let you into the secrets of the business. You can learn a few things, I think.

TED. Good for you! Thank you, ever so much.

BROWNIE. Never mind. Wait till to-morrow before you thank me. [_Grins meaningly._] Now, let's be quick about this--the time is getting short. We'll just go over these lists together, and you can tell me what improvements to make. [_They go to the first stocking._]

TED. Shall I get you a paper to write things down, so you won't forget?

BROWNIE [_shouts angrily_]. Forget!

TED. Yes, I thought maybe since you're so old----

BROWNIE. That shows all you know about it! Of course there's some excuse for _your_ forgetting, since your memory is only ten years long, but _mine's_ a thousand years long, and I never forget anything! Come, read me this list.

TED [_reading_]. "Encyclopedia Britannica." Now Papa can't possibly want that, because he knows all about everything already. And besides, I heard Mamma say she hadn't a bit of room for any more books. "New knife." He did say his old one was dull, but it's altogether too sharp for Robin and me to use, and that's sharp enough for anybody! "New pocketbook." Why, he said the other day he hadn't any money to put into it, so I don't see what good that'll do him. "Key ring." If he has that, he'll put _all_ the keys on it, and there won't be any for Robin and me to drop lead through. [_Turns to the_ BROWNIE.] So, you see, there isn't a thing that he really wants on that list.

BROWNIE. Oh, certainly not!

TED. Now, Mamma's. "Half a dozen new bibs." Bibs! They don't belong on her list. She can't have that! "Little rocking-chair." Now, if she has a _little_ rocking-chair, there won't be any room for us on the arms of it,--that wouldn't do at all. "A rose vase." All her vases are broken now, and if she had another, Maggie'd just smash it, too, so what's the use in giving it to her? [_Turns to list._] What's all this at the bottom? "Most of all, five _good_ boys and girls to live with till next Christmas"! Jiminy Christopher, how _can_ she want five more?

BROWNIE [_significantly_]. She didn't say "_more_."

TED [_claps his hand over his mouth_]. Oh!... P'r'aps she didn't mean that! P'r'aps she meant _us_! [_Stares thoughtfully before him._]

BROWNIE. Hurry up! Look at this one.

TED. That's Kitty's. Let's see. "A boy doll and a girl doll." Now, don't you think Kitty's altogether too big for dolls? I suppose _little_ girls must have dolls, but they're terribly silly things. "Half a Dozen Girls." That's nothing but an old girl's book. Give her stories about fights and Indians and bears to read to us. "Paper dolls." There it is again. "Napkin ring." Now, that's the only sensible thing she's got down.... This one's mine. I won't stop to read that, because I only put down the things I've _got_ to have. Let's see if I can read Robin's. [_Puzzles over it._]

BROWNIE [_reading_ TED'S _list_]. "Boxing-gloves. Baseball. Roller-coaster. Skates. Boots. Marbles."

TED. Oh, now I see what it is. "Rubber boots." He doesn't need those. I'm going to have some new ones, and my others aren't much too big for him. "Marbles." He's got more marbles now 'n' any boy I know. "Top. Kite"--this isn't the time of year for those things. Never mind, I'll tell you what he wants in a minute. Now, Margie. "Dolls" again. She's got three dozen if she's got one! "Music-box." Pshaw! they just go and smash right away. "Paints." She'd paint up all the chairs and tables in the house and nobody would like it a bit. "Little stove"--that might be nice,--but I'm afraid she'd burn herself. You see, _she_ hasn't got anything good on her list, either. Now, Rose comes last of all. [_Looks at_ ROSE'S _list a moment._] Well, I guess Rosebud ought to have everything she's asked for. [_Turns to_ BROWNIE, _and the two walk away from the fire._] Now, didn't I tell you how it was? People want such silly things! Now, I'll tell you what to bring instead. [_Puts his arm across_ BROWNIE'S _shoulder, and whispers in his ear, pointing to one stocking after another._] ... Now, I guess that's all. It was awfully good of you to let me help, and I know they'll all be pleased. [_Walks around table, sits with his back to audience. Stretches his arms above his head, and yawns aloud._] I really believe I could go to sleep now. [_Drops his head on his hands._ BROWNIE _waves his wand above_ TED, _who gradually sinks down, head on arms, fast asleep._]

BROWNIE. Now I guess he's in for a good night's sleep. Little scamp! He ought to have some kind of a trick played on him, but Santa Claus forbids any pranks on Christmas Eve. [_Crosses to fireplace._] What _shall_ I do about these stockings, anyway? These poor children are going to be dreadfully disappointed to-morrow if I keep my promise to that scallywag, Ted. Perhaps I'd better telephone Santa Claus about it. [_Takes up the toe of a stocking and speaks through it, moving it from mouth to ear as he speaks or listens._] Hello! Hello, there! North Pole! Please connect me with Santa Claus.... Hello, is that you, Santa? I want to consult you about some doubtful business.... Yes, sir, Mr. Bird's house.... His boy is making a dreadful mess with these stockings.... He wants them all filled with presents for himself.... What's that you say? Let him try it?... Be a good lesson for him?... All right, sir! Thank you. Any trouble with icebergs? No?... That's good.... All right, good-by! [_Drops stocking._] Well, I must see it through, then, I suppose. [_Takes down the stockings and carries them into the chimney two at a time. When the last is carried out, he brings them back in the same order, filled. To avoid delay, a double set is prepared, the_ BROWNIE _leaving the empty ones and bringing the full ones instead._] Well, he's pretty generous to himself, anyway. And he thinks it's all for their good! [_Walks over and stands looking at_ TED.] I'll just say good-night to you, now, young man.... No! before I go, I believe I'll give you a few Christmas dreams. [_Waves his wand and walks slowly to back of stage. Scene darkened, lights thrown on secondary stage, where the curtains part and reveal tableaux as the_ BROWNIE'S _song calls for them.[16] He stands at back, unseen. Raise curtain before the end of verse describing picture._]

[Footnote 16: See note, p. 119.]

BROWNIE'S SONG

Air: "Fly, Little Birds."[17]

[Footnote 17: "Songs and Games for Little Ones" (p. 89). See Suggestions for Carols, p. 315.]

Come, Christmas dreams, from Fairyland! Come, at the beckoning of my wand. 'Tis Christmas Eve, so bring with you Bright holly-berries and mistletoe, too.

I. Now first we have, all full of glee, A youth well known to you and me. His fondest hopes have now become Reality--he's found a plum!

Tableau: Jack Horner.

II. Dear Santa Claus we've always known, But Mrs. Santa, full of fun, Helps her good husband every year, Or else he'd never get done, I fear.

Tableau: Mrs. Santa Claus.

III. When Santa Claus was young and gay, And full of fun, like boys to-day, He learned that youth's the key to joy, And so, you see, he's still a boy.

Tableau: When Santa Claus was young.

IV. This little lad, with happy smile, Of toys and candies has a pile. Good Santa filled his stocking, so-- A Merry Christmas he has, I know.

Tableau: "Merry Christmas."

V. But there are children not far away, Who scarce know the meaning of Christmas Day. O share with these, ye whose plenteous store Can fill a dozen homes or more.

Tableau: "No Christmas."

VI. The Christmas Waits, in times of old, Sang carols sweet, though the night was cold, And wandered thus, from door to door, Till morning dawned, in days of yore.

Tableau: The Christmas Waits. [_The curtain does not rise until the verse is ended, then shows empty stage. The_ WAITS _begin their carol behind the scenes, marching single file till the first couple is opposite the opening, when they turn, join hands, and enter two by two. The march of the_ WAITS _may be as simple or as elaborate as desired, or as the size of the stage permits. Or they may walk to the footlights, and stand there during a part of their song. The smallest couple should, of course, lead. The stage, darkened for the earlier tableaux, should be made bright for this march. At the end of the march, the_ WAITS _pass out as they entered, and the back curtain is dropped._][18]

[Footnote 18: Carol used by Waits: "Noël! Noël! the Christ is born" (p. 62, "Songs and Games for Little Ones"). No better marching song can be found. See Suggestions for Carols, p. 315.]

[_The_ BROWNIE _comes forward and stands by_ TED, _tapping him with the wand._

BROWNIE. Merry Christmas, Ted! It has come at last! [_Rushes away and vanishes in chimney._]

TED [_sits up, stretches, yawns, rubs his eyes, and looks around_]. Why! I do believe I've slept here all night! [_Sits on table._] And, my! maybe you think I haven't been dreaming! Guess I'll go see what time it is. [_Goes to door, turns, and sees stockings._] Jiminy Christmas, just look at those stockings! [_Exit._]

[_Enter_ NURSE _with duster. Sees stockings._

NURSE. Well, well! did I ever! Santa Claus has been pretty good to them this year.

MARJORIE [_without, calling_]. Maggie! Maggie! Mamma says we may have our stockings right off now. Please bring them to us, quick!

NURSE. That I will, Miss Margie, fast as ever I can! [_Lifts them down._] Crammed full, I declare! and heavy!--heavy as that good-for-nothing Bridget's cake!

[_Exit_ NURSE. _Enter_ BROWNIE, _cautiously following her to door._

BROWNIE [_peeping out_]. I've got to see the end of this experiment! [_Flies back to chimney and hides._]

[_Enter_ NURSE.

NURSE [_dusting_]. Old Santa Claus is mighty good to these children. Fills up stockings like those, and then comes himself and brings a tree on top of all that. They must be pets of his.

[_Enter_ TED _dejectedly, sits down, and drops his head on his arms._

NURSE. Dear, dear! whatever is the matter, Master Ted?

TED [_darkly_]. Oh, go downstairs, Maggie, and you'll see!

NURSE. Mercy on us! what's happened? [_Shakes him._]

TED. Oh, dear, oh, dear! the children don't like their stockings!

NURSE. What's that you say?

TED [_very despairingly_]. Oh, go away! Go downstairs, and you'll see.

NURSE [_in tragic tones_]. Such a thing never happened in this blessed house before! [_Rushes out._]

TED [_sitting up_]. Oh, dear, what shall I do about it? It's just dreadful, and it's all my fault. [BROWNIE _pokes his head out._] They don't want my things, either, or I'd be glad to give them all I got. [_Puts his head down again. Enter_ KITTY, MARJORIE, _and_ ROBIN, _disconsolately. Girls sit by fire_, ROBIN _at table._]

ROBIN. Well, Kitty, do you think Santa Claus couldn't _read_ our letters?

KITTY. I don't know _what_ to think!

MARJORIE. Well, how could he make such dreadful mistakes?

ROBIN [_rubbing his eyes_]. Didn't bring one single thing I asked for--didn't bring a thing but books and puzzles!

KITTY [_elbows on knees and chin in hands_]. Brought me a box of fishing tackle--and I just _hate_ to fish!

MARJORIE [_putting handkerchief to eyes_]. He gave me big rubber boots--and I don't _like_ to wade in the brook--I'm afraid of _snakes_!

[TED, _in the depths of woe, slips to the floor and rests his head on his chair._

ROBIN. Don't see why Ted feels so badly--Santa Claus gave him everything he asked for!

KITTY. Yes, and Rosy's stocking was all right. I'm glad she got what she wanted--bless her little heart!

MARJORIE [_suddenly_]. Oh, Kitty, what shall we do when Santa Clans comes and asks us how we liked them?

KITTY. I don't care--I _can't_ thank him for those horrid old fish-hooks!

ROBIN [_with decision_]. I'm just going to tell him he can take his puzzles and give them to some other boy!

[_Enter_ FATHER _and_ MOTHER, _sharing the general gloom._

FATHER [_in a puzzled tone_]. It's the most singular thing!

MOTHER. I never heard of Santa Claus making a mistake before.

FATHER. Two empty cigar boxes in my stocking!

TED [_aside, dismally_]. Those were for Robin and me to make lanterns of!

FATHER. I'm sure I don't know who wants those!

MOTHER. And a roll of the muslin I make sails of for the boys' boats, in my stocking! With some old rags!

TED [_aside again_]. Kite-tails!

FATHER. Well, Santa Claus has certainly lost his mind!

MOTHER. Well, he'll be here very soon, and perhaps we shall find out what these queer presents mean. [_Looks at her watch._] Come, children, you must get your faces washed, and look as bright as you can for him.

FATHER. Perhaps, after all, it's just some joke of his.

[_Exeunt all but_ TED.

TED [_jumping up_]. I know! I'll see Santa Claus first, and _beg_ him to take back these things---- [_Runs to fireplace, calling softly._] Oh, Santa Claus! Santa Claus! _do_ hurry! [_Sleigh bells in distance._] Oh, Santa Claus!

SANTA CLAUS [_up chimney_]. Who's that I hear calling me?

TED. It's me--me--me! Ted Bird! Oh, _please_ hurry!

SANTA CLAUS. Yes, yes! But this chimney's such a tight squeeze! [_Loud jingling._]

TED. Oh, please be quiet! Please don't make such a noise!

[_Enter_ SANTA CLAUS, _through fireplace, bowing low to_ TED.

SANTA CLAUS. Not make a noise? I'd just like to know who has a better right to make a noise than I?

TED. Oh, yes, I know, but I _must_ speak to you before the others come in! [_Pulls up a chair, stands on it, and puts his arm across_ SANTA CLAUS' _shoulders._]

SANTA CLAUS. What's all this secrecy about?

TED. It's just this, Santa Claus. The Brownie let me help him last night, and I told him such nice things to put in the stockings, and now nobody likes them, and everything's in a terrible muddle!

SANTA CLAUS. Oho! So you've been finding out that it isn't so easy, after all, to give people what they want, have you?

TED. But, Santa Claus, I truly thought they would like it, and now it's just dreadful! What shall I do? If you'll only give them what they _do_ want, you can take back all my things! I wish you would! Don't you think you could, just for this once? [ROSE _runs in._]

ROSE. Oh, Santa Claus! Santa Claus! [_Exit, calling._] Come, Papa, come, Mamma, here's Santa Claus! Robin! Marjorie! Kitty! [_Enter all. The older children hang back_, ROSE _runs to_ SANTA CLAUS _and stands by him._]

FATHER [_shaking hands with_ SANTA CLAUS]. How do you do, sir, how do you do?

MOTHER. We're very glad to see you again, Santa Claus. [_Motions others to come_, NURSE _also urging them in pantomime._]

SANTA CLAUS [_patting_ ROSE'S _head, and looking at other children_]. I hear there are some children here who weren't pleased with what I brought them. How's this? [_Children turn away, and hang their heads in embarrassment._]

SANTA CLAUS [_to_ FATHER]. What does this mean? Can you explain it, Mr. Bird?

FATHER. Well--a--you see, the stockings really weren't filled after your usual thoughtful manner.

SANTA CLAUS [_bursts into a loud laugh, at which the children turn in injured astonishment_]. Well, well! That's a good joke!

KITTY [_in an injured tone_]. We didn't think it was a joke at all, Santa Claus.

SANTA CLAUS. Well, my dear, you will when I tell you about it. You see, I had a new helper, last night, and it wasn't to be expected that one so new to the business wouldn't make some mistakes. Well, this one made a good many,---- [_to_ TED] didn't he?

TED [_dolefully_]. I should think he did! He didn't do anything else at all!

SANTA CLAUS. But when he found out about it, he felt very badly, indeed,---- [_to_ TED] didn't he?

TED. He never felt worse in his life!

SANTA CLAUS. So he came to me and begged me to fix the matter for him, and I've agreed to do it. He never suspected that I knew about it before he told me, but I did know, all the time, and so I've come prepared to make it up to you for all the trouble Ted caused----

ALL. _Ted!_

SANTA CLAUS. Yes, Ted. [_With pretended fierceness._] He meddled with my business last night.

CHILDREN [_shocked_]. Oh, Santa Claus!

SANTA CLAUS. But I'm going to forgive him, because I think he learned a good many things about Christmas while he was at it. And I never _could_ bear to see anyone unhappy when I pay my yearly call, so come along, children, come, Father and Mother Bird, and we'll see if we can't find something to suit you all under the branches of my Tree![19]

[Footnote 19: See note on Tree, p. 314, and Tree-song, p. 315.]

[_Unveiling of Christmas Tree follows. Children mingle with audience, and general distribution of presents takes place._

NOTES ON COSTUME, SETTING, AND PRESENTATION

For the parents, nurse, and children, ordinary costumes. Adult parts taken by older girls and boy. Ages of children as indicated in cast.

BROWNIE. Wears a close-fitting suit of dark brown canton flannel, with trimmings of lighter brown or tan--a small collar, cuffs, and a belt with long points. The shoes are long, with points turned up at the toes, and the cap, close-fitting, hides the hair and covers the neck at the back, but allows the ears to show. It is finished with a point (stuffed and wired to keep it upright) which comes from the back and curves above the head.

All the Brownie's actions and motions should be startlingly sudden and swift. He should alternate between absolute stillness, and a quickness like a wild bird's.

A great deal of humor can be put into the scene of disappointment over the stockings, especially by the older girls and boy who play the adult parts.

Prepare a double set of stockings, one empty, the other filled; the Brownie carries out the empty ones, and returns with the full ones. As these are not examined on the stage, they may be stuffed with anything that is most convenient. Have in readiness a row of small hooks on the mantel, for hanging them.

For SANTA CLAUS' costume, see note, p. 313.

COSTUMES IN THE "DREAM"

JACK HORNER. May be dressed, if desired, in Kate Greenaway style, but ordinary costume is all that is required. Jack recites the nursery rhyme, at the end pulling a large plum out of a brown paper pie.

MRS. SANTA CLAUS. A plump little girl in a long dark dress, white apron and kerchief, big white cap with wide frill, and large spectacles on her nose. One hand holds the corner of her apron full of toys, the other is stretched out as if dispensing gifts to the children.

YOUNG SANTA CLAUS. Little boy in boots, thick coat, toboggan cap and mittens, well covered with white cotton snow, and sprinkled at the last moment with diamond dust. He stands with one hand on a tall red chimney, the other just lifting his heavy pack of toys. Make chimney by covering a long dry-goods box with red, and painting bricks with ordinary black ink. Set on stage for this tableau.

"Merry Christmas." Little boy, daintily dressed, his arms full of toys, with a drum, a horse, etc., piled at his feet.

"No Christmas." A very ragged boy and girl. The boy stands with his left arm around his little sister, his right hand holding hers. The child looks up into his face confidingly.

The Christmas Waits. Four boys and four girls between six and twelve years of age. These children may be elaborately dressed, after Seventeenth Century pictures, or very simply--the girls in white kerchiefs and caps, the boys in short capes of any dull black material, with steeple hats, made of cardboard covered with black. These children should have good voices for the carol, "Noël! Noël! the Christ is born!"[20] March as described in text.

[Footnote 20: See note, p. 315.]

These tableaux are arranged on a small stage or platform behind scene at back, upon which the light is concentrated, the main stage being darkened. Properties should be in readiness, and the children must be taught to take their poses quickly and without noise.

For this small stage or platform a kindergarten table serves excellently, covered with dark green, a step being placed for the use of the Waits in their march. If practicable, a curtain made to match the scene, and rise for the tableaux, may be used, but plain curtains, hung like portières, and parting in the center, are also effective. Attention should not in any way be drawn to this curtain, in order that the first tableau may come as a surprise to the audience. The point of chief importance is that, whatever the arrangement of the curtain, it should work silently and without hitch.

A PURITAN CHRISTMAS

IN TWO ACTS

CHARACTERS

MISTRESS DELIGHT GOODSPEEDE. ROGER } MYLES } NATHAN } Her children. PATIENCE } PRUDENCE } EAGLEFEATHER, son of an Indian chief. ELDER JONATHAN HOPKINS } DEACON WILLIAM PORTER } GOODMAN JOHN TURNER } DOMINIE PETER COBB } GILBERT APPLETON, a hunter } MISTRESS SUBMIT WELLS } Colonists MISTRESS PRAISEVER PORTER } DESIRE PORTER } } and REUBEN TURNER } GERSHOM PORTER } JARED PERKINS } Children JANE PORTER } PRISCILLA WELLS }

_The action takes place in a small New England village, not far from Boston, in the early days of the colonies._

A PURITAN CHRISTMAS

Suggested by a story in _St. Nicholas_ for December, 1880, by S.J. Prichard.[21]

[Footnote 21: By courtesy of Miss K.A. Prichard and The Century Company.]