Scene—A sitting-room at Isabel’s home

Isabel (Isabel, Julia, Hazel busy with Christmas gifts). I suppose, Julia, you have finished all the Christmas presents that you intend to make this year. You certainly have been very industrious for the past few weeks.

Julia. Industrious is the right way to put it, Isabel; I certainly have been very busy. But when this pair of mittens and wristlets that I am making for Tom are finished, I can say I am through for this year.

Hazel. Have you made many presents this year, Julia?

Julia. Yes, quite a number of them, Hazel. I don’t remember just how many, but I surely have been busy.

Hazel (teasingly, looking at Julia). I have heard say that it don’t take much to keep some people busy. For instance, now, there is——

Julia (quickly). Now that’s not me, Hazel, not at all. When I work, I work.

Isabel. So does a pump-handle, Julia. But then some one must take hold of it.

Julia. I see you girls just want to tease me. Well go ahead, I don’t care.

(Enter Jessie, excitedly, laying aside her wraps.)

Hazel. Well, well! If here isn’t the sluggard at last. We thought you were never, never, going to come. What detained you so long?

Jessie (flurried and excitedly). Oh, girls, you couldn’t ever—ever guess. In a year’s time you couldn’t ever—ever—ever guess.

Isabel. An engine down on the railroad crossing?

Jessie. No!—No! (Shaking her head.)

Julia. Had to wait for your mother to fix your hair, or tie your hair ribbons?