_Bess_: Not have Santa Claus any more? Isn't he coming to-night?
(_Cries_.)

_John_: Oh yes, he'll remember you if you're a good little girl and
stop crying. Dora, help Bess to fasten up her stocking.

(_After the stocking is fixed, Bess faces the audience and recites_.)

_Bess_: I do hope dear old Santa
Will come this way to-night,
And come here to my stocking,
To fill it nice and tight.

I'd like to watch and see him,
But I know I must wait
Till shines the Christmas sunshine--
I hope he won't be late.

_Tom_: Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us
vote for something different.

_Harry_: I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made
lots of sport for the infants, but I'm ready for a change myself.

_Dora_: Don't count me in to help out your majority; Santa Claus seems
to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us
greater pleasure.

_Katie_: Well, I'll side with the boys this time and see if there is