Christmas Entertainments Part 6

Mr. and Mrs. Bird and the doctor are seated around a library-table in earnest conference.

THIRD PICTURE.

Carol's "Circulating Library." (Page 16.)

Carol is lying in an easy-chair beside a case filled with books. The description of her room should be carried out on the stage as far as practicable.

FOURTH PICTURE.

"The children took their places." (Page 36.)

The nine Ruggles children are seated in a row facing the audience.

Mrs. Ruggles stands before them, giving instructions about their behavior at Carol's dinner party. The costumes must be fantastic, following the description in the story--green gla.s.s breastpin, the purple necktie, and much-braided hair.

FIFTH PICTURE.

"The feast being over," etc. (Page 35.)

Carol's room is shown again. The Ruggles children are seated around Carol, with Mr. Bird and Mrs. Bird and Uncle Jack in the background.

SIXTH PICTURE.

"There stood the brilliantly lighted tree." (Page 55.)

The same characters that appeared in the preceding scene are shown in att.i.tudes of delight and astonishment as the second curtain is drawn aside to show the Christmas tree.

SEVENTH PICTURE.

"Softly, Uncle Jack." (Page 63.)

The library is shown again. Mr. and Mrs. Bird, Uncle Jack, Donald, Hugh, and Paul are grouped as if listening attentively. At the right of the platform a leaded-window effect is made with a slender wood frame covered with black gauze. Behind this stands a small boy in choir vestments, holding a music book and singing "My Ain Countree" to organ accompaniment.

=The Brownie Men.=

By M. NORA BOYLAN.

(An exercise for four little boys. They wear padded trousers of some cheap brown material and a loose shirt of same material in place of the school jacket. Skull-caps of same material, worn jauntily. Broad white rings about the eyes and charcoal lines upon face to produce resemblance to pictured Brownies. Jolly smiles and capers. Join hands and hop on one foot around tree or leader, before, between, and after verses.)

Merry, merry sprites are we, Dancing round the Christmas tree.

We've a gift for every one Though the last one is just done.

This has been a busy year, And we hope we bring you cheer, And when Christmas comes again, Look for us--The Brownie men.

=Winter's Children.=

By J.D. MOORE.

(The children should wear some indication of the several characters they impersonate. Most elaborate and beautiful costumes might be used, but the simple device of a placard upon each child's breast bearing the name of his part will answer the purpose.)

_Wind_: I come from the cold and stormy North, With a rush and a roar I hurry forth, I toss from the trees the dead leaves down, The withered leaves all sere and brown, And sway the branches to and fro As on my way I whirling go.

At crack and crevice I slip in, And make a lively sounding din.

Swift I come and swift away, With you I can no longer stay, For I am wanted elsewhere now, And so good-bye, I make my bow.

_Frost (taking Wind's hand)_: Hand in hand we ever go Through the season to and fro.

I breathe upon the streams. They cease Their murmurings and are at peace.

Upon each window pane I trace The finest filmy glistening lace.

Each boy and girl, 'tis plain to see, Hath still a welcome kind for me.

For on the lake they whirl and wheel, You hear the click of polished steel As swift upon their skates they fly With joyous heart and flashing eye.

My breath blows cold. Health, joy, delight, Follow my silvery sparkles bright.

Now Snow, who is my guardian sweet, Will all my young friends fondly greet.

_Snow (a little girl)_: Over the earth so bare and brown I spread a robe as soft as down.

Drifting, drifting down through s.p.a.ce, Hiding each unsightly place, Touched to shimmering radiance bright, In the moonbeam's mellow light, By my brother Frost, for we (_they join hands_) Both go hand in hand, you see.

North Wind goes gaily with us both, To help us he is nothing loath.

And he and Frost and Rain combine To give what in the clear sunshine Shimmers sparkling--pure and nice, Transparent, white, and glistening Ice.

_Ice_: I cling to lofty gables, I rustle 'mid the snow, I weave a gleaming covering For lakes and streams. They know That all must cease their murmuring When Frost and I appear, For we will hold them firm and fast As long as we are here.

Gleaming, glistening, sparkling, Yet pure and clear and bright.

You'll find me 'neath a silver moon, Each crisp, fresh winter night.

(_Enter Old Winter_)

_Winter_: What, ho! my children, here I am, I've sought you everywhere.

And now to busy work away, For you must all prepare To do your duty while I hold In check your enemy, The great round sun, whose rays with you.

My children, disagree.

Now up, away! Wind, to the west And come again in glee; And join with Frost and Snow and Ice, In one grand jubilee.

And paint the cheeks with roses Of all these children who, Right joyously will run and shout, _My_ children dear, with you.

Away! to work, you must not shirk Your duties, dears; and now, To these, your firmest friends, make each Your most engaging bow.

(_All bow and retire Old Winter following_.)

=Santa Claus.=

(Let the first line be given by a small boy as a herald, carrying a trumpet, and dressed in tunic, tights, and velvet cap. The second line it taken up by Santa Claus, in costume of fur, with white beard and hair.)