BETTY. [_Excitedly, to_ DICK.] Oh, do you hear? Perhaps we’ll see him, if he passes near!
JACK. Of course you will! To-morrow’s Christmas Day; On Christmas Eve he always comes this way, For through this quiet wood he likes to ride, To reach the villages on either side.
QUEEN. Pray run and call him, Jack! He’ll surely know These little folk, and tell them where to go.
[JACK _and_ ELVES _run off, Left. Shouts and a loud “Whoa!” are heard outside, and then_ SANTA, _enters, with a triumphant escort, and comes to front_.]
SANTA. [_Bowing to_ QUEEN, _while the children peep out from behind her, in great excitement_.]
Greetings, Your Majesty! I understand You called me; so I’ve come at your command! [_Sees children._] Two mortal children! Who are these, fair Queen? Astray, on Christmas Eve? What can it mean?
QUEEN. [_Coaxingly._] That’s just the reason why we sent for you; So please advise us what we ought to do! You see, these little ones have strayed so far, They’ve lost their way, and don’t know where they are.
SANTA. [_Looks at them intently, walks around them, and finally consults a pocket memorandum book._]
You’re Dick and Betty Martin? [_They nod shyly._] Yes, that’s right: They’re miles away from home—a pretty plight! Good youngsters, too; I’ve got ’em on my list; And just to think, my call they might have missed! Suppose I let you have your presents now— [_To children._]
QUEEN. [_Interrupting._] But, Santa dear, that doesn’t fix it! How Can they get home to-night?
JACK. For, don’t you see, It’s late, and they’re as weary as can be?
CRYSTAL. Their mother’s getting anxious too, they say—
QUEEN. [_With decision._] You’ll simply _have_ to take them in your sleigh!
[_The children clutch one another in wonder and suspense, while the others nod their heads at_ SANTA, _with determination_.]
SANTA. [_Starts with surprise, then strokes his beard thoughtfully._] I wish I might! But if the truth be told, My sleigh is just as full as it will hold, Of gifts for all the folk for miles around: To duty false I’ve never yet been found. And yet—[_looking at children_] to leave them in this lonely wood— I’d love to take them—
BETTY. [_Shyly taking his hand and looking up at him adoringly._] If you only could!