MOTHER. Try to remember to brush your shoes next time, Pierre. And, Marc, it's better not to bring the whittling into the house.
PIERRE [_getting up_]. I'm sorry I forgot, Mother. Come along, Marc, we'll go out in the woodshed.
MARC [_giving the chips a brush towards the fireplace with his cap and then following_ PIERRE]. It's pretty cold in the woodshed. [_Looking resentfully at_ TOINETTE.] I'd rather be cold than get scolded all the time. [_Exeunt boys._]
MOTHER [_rises, lights candle, puts saucepan over the fire_]. Now, Toinette, I have other work to do. Finish brushing up [TOINETTE _puts down broom_], and set the table. The porridge is over the fire and will be done soon. If you would put your mind on it, daughter, and work quickly, you would get done quickly, and the work would not seem so hard. [_Exit._]
TOINETTE [_seizes a tablecloth and approaches the table_]. Work quickly! Marie, how ever can I set the table with you and Jeannette in the way, I'd like to know?
MARIE. We'll go in Mother's room, Toinette. [_Takes_ JEANNETTE _by the hand. Exeunt._]
TOINETTE [_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!
HOLLYBERRY. Do you, Toinette? Just open your eyes and you will, then.
TOINETTE [_jumping, rubs her eyes and looks about_]. Where? Oh, where?
[HOLLYBERRY _comes from behind the door and makes a low bow._
TOINETTE [_clasping her hands with delight_]. Oh, are you really a fairy?
HOLLYBERRY [_hands on hips_]. Yes, I think I'm a pretty real sort of a fairy. We elves have heard you talking about us and you always tell what's true, so we like you.