dishes, which the Mother is washing when the curtain opens.

The first one to speak is the GRANDMOTHER, and this is what she
says: Haven't you nearly finished, Mary?

Yes, almost, answers MOTHER: only a few more things to be washed,
and then I can sit down and rest.

GRANDMOTHER asks, Is everything ready for the Christmas dinner
tomorrow?

Every single thing, MOTHER answers. The goose is ready to go on the
fire; the apple sauce is made; the bread and the pies are baked; and
the plum pudding--well, you saw the pudding yourself, so that I don't
need to tell you about that. It's a beauty, if I do say so.

At this moment the outside door opens, and the two children, Walter
and Gertrude, run in. Their coats and mittens show that they have been
playing in the snow.

Oh, Mother, says WALTER, it's getting dark outside. May we come in
now? Is your work all done?

Not quite yet, dears, his MOTHER answers. Run out, both of you,
for ten minutes more, and then I'll have everything cleared away. It
makes me nervous to have you about while things are in a mess.

All right, mother, says GERTRUDE. Come on, Walter, I'll race you to
the gate. And both the children go out-of-doors again, running.
Gertrude was nearer the door, and gets out first.