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

[_slowly_] Mother thinks I dreamed it--or that I'm sick. But I'm not. It's all true, it's all true. [_Covers her face with her hands._] How could the children be so unkind?... But perhaps I'm not always kind to the children. The boys are so provoking--but then I needn't scold them even if they are. And Marie must care a little, for she hoped I was happy somewhere. Happy! How can I be happy? [_Gazes at the fire._] Perhaps if I began now, and tried and tried every day, I could be kinder--to the children--and then they would love me more--and I could try to help Mother--and then she needn't be so tired all the time---- And surely, then I would be happy. [_Brightly, facing audience, hands clasped on one knee._] Yes, that's just what I'll do. And now, perhaps I can help Mother this very minute---- I'll take the candle up to her. [_Jumps up, takes candle from table, pauses in center of the stage._] It is Christmas--I do think that if I begin to-morrow to try to be kind, I will surely succeed. Because Christmas is the very best and happiest day in all the whole year. It was on Christmas Day the angels first sang about Peace on earth, good will to men.