(But this is to be an exciting night.  As soon as they are gone, a
Burglar and a Burglaress steal into view)

BILL.  Wotcher get, Liz? (She holds up a gold watch and chain.  He nods and holds up a diamond necklace) ’Ow’s that?

LIZ (starting suddenly).  H’st!

BILL (in a whisper).  What is it?

LIZ.  Copper!

BILL (desperately).  ’Ere, quick, get rid of these.  ’Ide ’em in the snow, or—–­

LIZ.  Bill! (He turns round) Look! (She points to the stocking and sock hanging up) We can come back for ’em as soon as ’e’s gone.

(BILL looks at them, and back at her, and grins.  He drops the necklace into one and the watch into the other.  As the POLICEMAN approaches they strike up, “While shepherds watched their flock by night,” with an air of great enthusiasm.)

POLICEMAN.  Now then, move along there.

(They move along.  The POLICEMAN flashes his light on the door to see that all is well.  The stocking and sock are revealed.  He beams sentimentally at them.)

SCENE III.—­We are inside the house again.  MRS. HUBBARD is still reading a page of the magazine.  In dashes MR. HUBBARD with the sock and stocking.

MR. HUBBARD.  My darling, what do you think?  Father Christmas has sent you a little present. (He hands her the stocking.)

MRS. HUBBARD.  Henry!  Has he sent you one too?

MR. HUBBARD (holding up his sock).  Observe!

MRS. HUBBARD.  How sweet of him!  I wonder what mine is.  What is yours, darling?

MR. HUBBARD.  I haven’t looked yet, my love.  Perhaps just a few nuts or something of that sort, with a card attached saying, “To wish you the old, old wish.”  We must try not to be disappointed, whatever it is, darling.

MRS. HUBBARD.  Of course, Henry.  After all, it is the kindly thought which really matters.

MR. HUBBARD.  Certainly.  All the same, I hope—­Will you look in yours, dear, first, or shall I?

MRS. HUBBARD.  I think I should like to, darling. (Feeling it) It feels so exciting. (She brings out a diamond necklace) Henry!

MR. HUBBARD.  My love! (They embrace) Now you will be able to go to Court.  You must say that your husband is unfortunately in bed with a bad cold.  You can tell me all about it when you come home.  I shall be able to amuse myself with—­(He is feeling in his sock while talking, and now brings out the watch and chain.)

MRS. HUBBARD.  Henry!  My love!

MR. HUBBARD.  A gentleman’s gold hunter and Albert watch-chain.  My darling!

(They put down their presents on the table and embrace each other again.)

MRS. HUBBARD.  Let’s put them on at once, Henry, and see how they suit us.

MR. HUBBARD.  Allow me, my love. (He fastens her necklace.)

MRS. HUBBARD (happily).  Now I feel really dressed again!  Oh, I wish we had a looking-glass.

MR. HUBBARD (opening his gold watch).  Try in here, my darling.