MARTHA. Don't forget the collection, Master Ableways.
PETER. Ay, the collection. (He takes off his hat and places it on the ground.)
HUMPHREY. Nay, not so fast, Master Peter. It would be ill if the good folk thought that our success this night were to be estimated by an empty hat. Place some of our money in it, Master Ableways. Where money is, money will come.
PETER. True, Mistress Jennifer. Master Humphrey speaks true. (He pours some coppers from his pockets into his hat.)
MARTHA. Are we to go on, Master Ableways? My feet are cold.
PETER (shaking the hat). So, a warming noise.
PETER. Are all ready? One--two--three! (They carol.)
HUMPHREY. Have you the hat, Master Peter?
PETER (picking it up). Ay, friend, all is ready.
(The door opens and MR. HUBBARD appears at the entrance.)
PETER. Good evening, sir. (He holds out the hat.)
MR. HUBBARD (looking at it). What is this? (PETER shakes it) Aha! Money!
MR. HUBBARD (helping himself). My dear friends, I will always remember you. This is most generous. I shall never forget your kindness. This is most unexpected. But not the less welcome, not the less--I think there's a ha'penny down there that I missed--thank you. As I was saying, unexpected but welcome. I thank you heartily. Good evening, friends.
PETER (who has been too surprised to do anything but keep his mouth open). Well! . . . Well! . . . Well, friends, let us to the next house. We have got all that we can get here.
MARTHA (as they go off). Master Ableways!
(But this is to be an exciting night. As soon as they are gone, a Burglar and a Burglaress steal into view)
BILL. Wotcher get, Liz? (She holds up a gold watch and chain. He nods and holds up a diamond necklace) 'Ow's that?
BILL (desperately). 'Ere, quick, get rid of these. 'Ide 'em in the snow, or---
LIZ. Bill! (He turns round) Look! (She points to the stocking and sock hanging up) We can come back for 'em as soon as 'e's gone.
(BILL looks at them, and back at her, and grins. He drops the necklace into one and the watch into the other. As the POLICEMAN approaches they strike up, "While shepherds watched their flock by night," with an air of great enthusiasm.)
(They move along. The POLICEMAN flashes his light on the door to see that all is well. The stocking and sock are revealed. He beams sentimentally at them.)