Brownie monologue (Act 6) — Christmas Candles: Plays for Boys and Girls

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._]