JONAS.  An entertainment well devised, Master Ableways, sobeit the words of the second song remain with me after I am delivered of the first.

MARTHA.  Are we to begin soon, Master Ableways?  My feet are cold.

PETER.  Are we all ready, friends?  I will say one—­two—­three—­and at “three” I pray you all to give it off in a hearty manner from the chest.  One—­two—­

JONAS.  Hold, hold, Master Ableways!  Does it begin—­No, that’s the other one. (JENNIFER whispers the first line to him) Ay, ay—­I have it now—­and bursting to get out of me.  Proceed, Peter Ableways.

PETER.  One—­two—­three—­(They carol.)

PETER.  Well sung, all.

HUMPHREY.  The applause followed, good Master Peter, as ordained.  Moreover, I have the tune of the second song ready within me.  Likewise a la-la-la or two to replace such words as I have forgotten.

MARTHA.  Don’t forget the collection, Master Ableways.

PETER.  Ay, the collection. (He takes off his hat and places it on the ground.)

HUMPHREY.  Nay, not so fast, Master Peter.  It would be ill if the good folk thought that our success this night were to be estimated by an empty hat.  Place some of our money in it, Master Ableways.  Where money is, money will come.

JENNIFER.  Ay, it makes a pleasing clink.

PETER.  True, Mistress Jennifer.  Master Humphrey speaks true. (He pours some coppers from his pockets into his hat.)

MARTHA.  Are we to go on, Master Ableways?  My feet are cold.

PETER (shaking the hat).  So, a warming noise.

HUMPHREY.  To it again, gentles.

PETER.  Are all ready?  One—­two—­three! (They carol.)

PETER.  Well sung, all.

HUMPHREY.  Have you the hat, Master Peter?

PETER (picking it up).  Ay, friend, all is ready.

(The door opens and MR. HUBBARD appears at the entrance.)

MR. HUBBARD.  Good evening, friends.

PETER.  Good evening, sir. (He holds out the hat.)

MR. HUBBARD (looking at it).  What is this? (PETER shakes it) Aha! 
Money!

PETER.  Remember the carol singers, sir.

MR. HUBBARD (helping himself).  My dear friends, I will always remember you.  This is most generous.  I shall never forget your kindness.  This is most unexpected.  But not the less welcome, not the less—­I think there’s a ha’penny down there that I missed—­thank you.  As I was saying, unexpected but welcome.  I thank you heartily.  Good evening, friends.

    [He goes in and shuts the door.

PETER (who has been too surprised to do anything but keep his mouth open).  Well! . . .  Well! . . .  Well, friends, let us to the next house.  We have got all that we can get here.

    [They trail off silently.

MARTHA (as they go off).  Master Ableways!

PETER.  Ay, lass!

MARTHA.  My feet aren’t so cold now.