Interlude


_Again while the curtain is closed_ MOTHER GOOSE _comes out, and
this is what she says:_

My dears, we must hurry back to the house where Jack and Polly live, for
Santa Claus's sleigh is going so fast through the sky, that it will be
there before us, unless we are quick about it. It is still dark night
there, and nothing has happened since we were there before, except that
Dr. John has come home from seeing sick old Mrs. Cavendish, and he has
let himself in with his key, and has felt his way in the dark to his own
door, and has gone to bed. He and Mother are both fast asleep, and they
haven't an idea but that Jack and Polly are fast asleep in their beds
too. But you and I know that they are in the reindeer sleigh with Santa
Claus. And all the time they are coming nearer and nearer. Listen for
the sleighbells, for now it is going to begin.

* * * * *




The Third Scene


_When the curtain opens you can see nothing at all at first, for the
room is all dark, just as Mother left it, you remember, when she went
out and took the light with her. But after a moment you can hear
something--the sleighbells far away. Nearer and nearer they come; then