Sweeting:  The Christmas pie!

Head Cook:  Yes, madame, from ze Brownies.  He has consent, now I have told him of ze pepper-pot.

Greening:  The pepper-pot!  You may go, fellow!

(The Cook retires up back, annoyed; bullies Kitchenmaid and Cooklet, R. Prince and Princess center, making pie.  Prince helps her.  Head Cook furious.)

Greening:  Listen, I have an idea!  That man is no scullion!

Sweeting:  No scullion?

Greening:  I am sure of it!  See how he holds himself!  How easily he talks with the Princess!  I believe he is some prince who has made his way into the castle in disguise—­

Sweeting:  Yes, look!  His sword peeps out beneath his rags!  When did a scullion ever wear a sword?  Oh, what are we to do?

Greening:  I told you I had an idea. (To dresser.) He is to watch the pie to-night!  We’ll take the pepper-pot!

Sweeting:  But they’ll see us!

Greening:  Not if you stand before me!

(Sweeting stands before Greening, holding out her dress while Greening reaches down pepper-pot from dresser.)

Greening:  Now when the Brownies come, he’ll find his sword will be of little use!  See, let us make the Princess come, or she will talk all night!

Sweeting:  Your Highness—­

Greening:  Your Highness!

Sweeting:  If Your Highness is quite finished, I pray that Your Highness will not tarry longer in this odious kitchen!  The heat is overpowering!

Greening:  And I could never stand the smell of raw pastry!

Sweeting:  So if Your Highness has quite finished—­

Princess (regretfully):  Oh, dear, I suppose I must go then!  And you will guard the pie to-night!  You are sure you are not afraid!

Prince:  Afraid!  Of course not!  If the Brownies come I have the pepper-pot!

Greening (vindictively, aside, and holding the pepper-pot):  Have you. (To Princess) Princess, I faint for want of sleep!

Sweeting:  And I expire! (Yawning) I droop—­I yawn!

Princess:  Yes, I see you do!  As you’re so sleepy, I must consider you and go to bed (sighing).  But oh, I shall be glad when morning comes (to Prince), and I am sure you’re safe again!

(Graceful march again played.  The Princess goes out, followed by ladies; she turns at door, and looks at Prince and sighs, then exit followed by Greening and Sweeting.  The Prince stands gazing after her.)

Head Cook:  Come, come, come, young man; ’tis time the lights were out and other folk in bed besides Her Highness!  And if, instead of staring after her, you’d lend a hand and set the kitchen straight, it would be more seemly.

(Cook, Kitchenmaid and Cooklet bustle about, putting cooking things away from table, leaving only pie.)