Toinette monologue (Act 1) — Christmas Candles: Plays for Boys and Girls

[_covering table and slapping bowls and spoons pettishly down upon it_] Work quickly! Don't I work and work all the time? And I'm never done. The work seems hard because it _is_ hard, that's why. Oh, if we weren't so poor, and didn't have to work so hard! [_Relaxes her efforts and stands before the fire, dish in hand._] And if we could have beautiful Christmas presents to-morrow, instead of just--anything. [_A very gentle knock at the door._] Oh, what was that? [_Opens._] The boys must be playing tricks on me. [_Knocks again._] Surely, there is someone there. [_Opens door and steps outside._ HOLLYBERRY _slips in behind her and hides behind the door. Re-enter_ TOINETTE.] It must be the fairies, I think. [_Stands looking out._] This is Christmas Eve and of course it's the right time for good fairies to be about. How I wish I could see one!