SCENE IV.—A room. Enter Belle and Scrooge's former self, at twenty-five years of age.
Scro.It is Belle, as sure as I am a living sinner.
Belle.It matters little to you. To you very little. Another idol has displaced me; and if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve.
Young S.What idol has displaced you?
Belle.A golden one.
Young S.This is the even-handed dealing of the world. There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity, as the pursuit of wealth.
Belle.You fear the worldtoomuch. All your otherhopes have merged into the hope of being beyond the chance of its sordid reproach. I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master passiongain, engrosses you. Have I not?
Young S.What then? Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? I am not changed toward you, (She shakes her head.) Am I?
Belle.Our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so, until in good season, we could improve our worldly fortune by our patient industry. Youarechanged. When it was made you were another man.
Young S.I was a boy.
Belle.Your own feeling tells you that you were not what you are. I am. That which promised happiness when we were one in heart is fraught with misery now that we are two. How often and how keenly I have thought of this, I will not say. It is enough that Ihavethought of it, and can release you.
Young S.Have I ever sought release?
Belle.In words; no, never.
Young S.In what, then?
Belle.In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in another atmosphere of life; another hope as to its great end. In everything that made my love of any worth or value in your sight. If this had never been between us, tell me, would you seek me out and try to win me now? Ah, no!
Young S.You think not?
Belle.I would gladly think otherwise, if I could; Heaven knows. When I have learned a truth like this, I know how strong and irresistible it must be. But if you were free to-day, to-morrow, yesterday, can even I believe that you would choose a dowerless girl—you, who, in your very confidence with her, weigh everything by gain; orchoosingher, if for a moment you were false enough to your one guiding principle to do so, do I not know that your repentance and regret would surely follow? I do; and I release you, with a full heart, for the love of him you once were. (He is about to speak, but with her head turned from him she resumes.) You may—the memory of what is past half makes me hope you will—have pain in this. A very, very brief time, and you will dismiss the recollection of it, gladly, as an unprofitabledream, from which it happened well that you awoke. May you be happy in the life you have chosen. Fare well. [Exit.]
Young S.(Following) Belle, Belle! Hear me. Let me explain. [Exit.]
[Scene Closes.]
Scro.Spirit, show me no more! Conduct me home. Why do you delight to torture me?
Spir.O, mortal, what a treasure didst thou cast away. She, whom you resigned for paltry gold, became the happy wife of your former schoolmate, Kemper. One shadow more. Behold now the tender mother of smiling children, in their joyous home—a home that might have been your own.
Scro.No more! no more! I don't wish to see it.
Spir.Behold. (Waves Wand.)
SCENE V.—Drawing room. Six or eight children, of various sizes, in groups, playing with toys. A Christmas tree, trimmed and lighted. Mr. and Mrs. Kemper seated at table; their daughter Belle seated at fire, dressing a doll for one of the girls.
Mr. K.Belle, I saw an old friend of yours this afternoon.
Mrs. K.Who was it?
Mr. K.Guess?
Mrs. K.How can I? Tut, don't I know (laughingly), Mr. Scrooge?
Mr. K.Mr. Scrooge it was—your old sweetheart (laughing). I passed his office window, and as it was not shut up, and he had a candle inside, I could scarcely help seeing him. His partner, old Jacob Marley, lies upon the point of death, I hear. And there he sat, alone. Quite alone in the world, I do believe.
Mrs. K.Poor old man.
[Scene Closes.]
Scro.Spirit (in a broken voice), remove me from this place.
Spir.I told you these were shadows of the things thathave been. That they are what they are, do not blame me.
Scro.I am to blame for what they are, and now that I see what they might have been, I am more wretched than ever. Remove me! I can not bear it. (Turns upon the spirit, and struggles with it.) Leave me! Take me back! Haunt me no longer! (Seizes the extinguisher-cap, presses it down, while spirit sinks through trap, and disappears. When trap is replaced, Scrooge reels to the bedstead, apparently exhausted, and with the cap grasped in his hand, falls asleep.)
CURTAIN.
SCENE I.—Adjoining room in Scrooge's house. Flat to represent piles of turkeys, geese, game, poultry, joints of meat, sucking-pigs, strings of sausages, oysters, mince pies, plum-puddings, pears, apples, oranges, cakes and bowls of punch; also holly,mistletoeand ivy.
The Spirit of Christmas PresentR.[a giant],discovered holding a glowing torch—shaped like a cornucopia, to shed its light on Scrooge's entrance.
Spir.Come in!
Enter Scrooge, timidly,L.
Spir.Come in, and know me better, man. You have never seen the like of me before.
Scro.Never.
Spir.Have never walked forthwith the younger members of my family, meaning—for I am very young—my elder brothers, born in these later years?
Scro.I don't think I have. I am afraid I have not. Have you had many brothers, Spirit?
Spir.More than eighteen hundred.
Scro.A tremendous family to provide for. Spirit, conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion, and I learned a lesson which is working now.To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.
Spir.Touch my robe, and remember that we are invisible, and unable to manifest our presence to those with whom we come in contact. Loose not your hold, lest you should lose yourself. [ExeuntL.]
SCENE II.—Bob Cratchit's home. Mrs. Cratchit discovered laying cloth. Belinda assisting her. Master Peter Cratchit blowing the fire.
Mrs. C.What has ever got your precious father, then? And your brother, Tiny Tim! And Martha warn't as late last Christmas Day by half an hour?
Enter Little Cratchit and Martha. Door in flat.
Little C.Here's Martha, mother! Here's Martha Hurrah! Oh, Martha, there's such a big goose at the bakers, next door. I smelt it cooking.
Mrs. C.Why, bless your heart alive, my dear, how late you are! (Kissing her and taking off her bonnet and shawl.)
Martha.We'd a deal of work to finish up last night, and had to clear away this morning, mother.
Mrs. C.Well, never mind, so long as you are come. Sit ye down before the fire, my dear, and have a warm, Lord bless ye.
Little C.No, no! There's father coming. Hide, Martha, hide. (Martha gets behind the door.)
Enter Bob Cratchit with Tiny Tim on his shoulder and little crutch in his hand. Spirit and Scrooge following, coming down front, and observing with interest all that passes.
Bob.Why, where's our Martha? (Looking around and putting Tiny Tim down.)
Little C.Come, Tiny Tim, and see the pudding boil. [Exeunt children.]
Mrs. C.Not coming.
Bob.Not coming! not coming, on Christmas Day?
Mar.(Running into his arms.) Dear father! I could not see you disappointed, if it were only in joke.
Bob.(Embraces her.) You're a good girl, Martha,and a great comfort to us all. (Commences to mix a bowl of punch.)
Mrs. C.And how did little Tim behave?
Bob.As good as gold, and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. Tiny Tim is growing strong and hearty.
Enter Little Cratchit and Peter Cratchit with the goose, followed by Tiny Tim.
Little C.Hurrah! Hurrah! Here's Peter with the big goose.
Tiny Tim.Hurrah!
(Children place chairs around the table; Bob puts Tiny Tim in a high chair beside him, and Peter on his left, facing front, Belinda and Little Cratchit opposite. Mrs. C. and Martha at the end of the table. Bob carves and serves the goose, Mrs. C. the gravy and mashed potatoes, and Martha the apple-sauce.)
Little C.Oh! oh! Look at the stuffing.
Tiny T.Hurrah!
Bob.I don't believe there ever was such a goose as this cooked. It's more tender than a woman's love, and only cost two and sixpence. A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us.
All.God bless us.
Tiny T.God bless us every one.
Scro.Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live?
Spir.I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney-corner and a crutch without an owner carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, none other of my race will find him here. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.
Scro.(Hangs his head.) My very words.
Spir.Man—if man you be in heart, not adamant—forbear that wicked cant until you have discovered what the surplus is, and where it is. Will you decide whatmen shall live, what men shall die. It may be, in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child. Oh, Heaven! to hear the insect on the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers of the dust!
Mrs. C.Now, Martha and Belinda, change the plates, while I bring the nuts, apples and oranges.
Bob.(Rising and placing the punch-bowl on the table.) Here is what will remind us it is Christmas. (Fills three tumblers and custard-cup without a handle, and passes them to Mrs. C., Peter and Martha.) I'll give you Mr. Scrooge, the founder of the feast.
Mrs. C.The founder of the feast, indeed! I wish I had him here, I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast upon, and I hope he'd have a good appetite for it.
Bob.My dear, the children! Christmas Day.
Mrs. C.It should be Christmas Day, I am sure, on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know he is, Robert. Nobody knows it better than you, poor fellow.
Bob.My dear. Christmas Day.
Mrs. C.I'll drink his health for your sake and the day's, not for his. Long life to him. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! He'll be very merry and very happy, I have no doubt.
All.A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Scro.Spirit, take me away. I see the very mention of my name casts a gloom on what, were it not for me, would be a very happy party.
Spir.Wait; they will soon put the memory of you aside, and will be ten times merrier than before,andTiny Tim will sing.
Scro.No, no; take me hence.
(As they retire toward the door, the spirit shakes his torch toward the party, which restores good humor.)
Little C.Oh! we forgot the pudding!
All.The pudding! the pudding! (Laughter and confusion.)
SCENE III.—A street. Mansion with lighted window, showing shadow of a group. Sounds of music inside.
Enter Spirit and ScroogeL.A lamp-lighter with torch and ladderR;as he passes them, the spirit waves his torch, and the lamp-lighter exits singing a carol. Enter two men, quarreling.
First Man.But, I know better, it is not so.
Second Man.It is so, and I will not submit to contradiction.
(Spirit waves his torch over them.)
First Man.Well, I declare, here we are, old friends, quarreling on Christmas Day. It is a shame to quarrel on Christmas Day.
Second Man.So it is a shame to quarrel on this day. God love it, so it is; come, and if we are not merry for the rest of it, it shall not be my fault. [Exeunt.]
Scro.Spirit, is there a peculiar flavor in what you sprinkle from your torch?
Spir.There is. My own.
Scro.I notice that you sprinkle it to restore good humor, and over dinners. Would it apply to any kind of dinner on this day?
Spir.To any kindly given. To a poor one most.
Scro.Why to a poor one most?
Spir.Because it needs it most.
Enter Ignorance and Want; approaching the Spirit, they kneel at his feet. Scrooge starts back appalled.
Spir.Look here! oh, man, look here! Look! look down here. Behold, where graceful youth should have filled their features out and touched them with its freshest tints; a stale and shriveled hand, like that of age, has pinched and twisted them and pulled them into shreds. Where angels might have sat enthroned, devils lurk and glare out, menacing. No change, no degradation, no perversion of humanity, in any grade, through all the mysteries of wonderful creation, has monsters half so horrible and dread.
Scro.They are fine-looking children. Spirit, are they yours?
Spir.They are man's. And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance, this girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree; but most of all, beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which isdoom, unless the writing be erased.Deny it, great city. Slander those who tell it ye. Admit it for your factious purposes, make it worse, and abide the end.
Scro.Have they no refuge or resource?
Spir.Are there no prisons? Are there no work-houses?
Scro.My very words, again.
Spir.Begone! hideous, wretched creatures, your habitation should not be in a Christian land. (Ignorance and Want slouch off.) Let us proceed, time is passing, and my life is hastening to an end.
Scro.Are spirit's lives so short?
Spir.My life on this globe is very brief. It ends to-night.
Scro.To-night?
Spir.To-night, at midnight. (Exeunt.)
SCENE IV—Drawing room. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Merry, Miss Julia Kemper, Miss Sarah Kemper, Mr. Thomas Topper, Mr. Henry Snapper, discovered seated around thedesserttable. Servant serving coffee.
All.(Laughing) Ha, ha! ha, ha, ha, ha!
Enter Spirit and Scrooge,L.
Fred.He said Christmas was a humbug, as I live.
All.Ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Fred.He believed it, too.
Mrs. M.More shame for him, Fred!
Fred.He's a comical old fellow, that's the truth; and not so pleasant as he might be; however, his offenses carry their own punishment, and I have nothing to say against him.
Mrs. M.I'm sure he's very rich, Fred. At least you always tellmeso.
Fred.What of that, my dear. His wealth is of no use to him. He don't do any good with it. He don't make himself comfortable with it. He hasn't the satisfaction of thinking—ha, ha, ha, ha!—that he is ever going to benefit us with it.
Mrs. M.I have no patience with him.
Julia.Neither have I for such a stingy old wretch!
Fred.Oh, I have. I am sorry for him; I couldn't be angry with him if I tried. Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself, always. Here he takes it into his head to dislike us, and he won't come and dine with us. What's the consequence? He don't lose much of a dinner.
Mrs. M.Indeed, I think he loses a very good dinner.
Sarah.A much better one than he could have served up in his old dingy chambers.
Fred.Well, I'm very glad to hear it, because I haven't great faith in these younghousekeepers. What doyousay, Topper?
Topper.A bachelor like myself is a wretched outcast, and has no right to express an opinion on such an important subject.
Mrs. M.Do go on, Fred. He never finishes what he begins to say. He is such a ridiculous fellow.
Fred.I was only going to say, that the consequence of our uncle taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us,is, as I think, that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him no harm. I am sure he loses pleasanter companions than he finds in his own thoughts, either in his moldy old office or his dusty chambers. I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him. He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can't help thinking better of it—I defy him—if he finds me going there, in good temper, year after year, and saying, Uncle Scrooge, I wish you A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! If it only puts him in theveinto leave his poor clerk fifty pounds,that'ssomething; and I think I shook him yesterday.—Come, let us have some music. Here, Thomas, clear away.
[All rise and go to the piano. Waiter clears table during the singing of a Christmas carol or any selected piece.]
Fred.We must not devote the whole evening to music. Suppose we have a game?
All.Agreed.
Spir.Time flies; I have grown old. We must hasten on.
Scro.No, no! One half hour, Spirit, only one.
Fred.I have a new game to propose.
Sarah.What is it?
Fred.It is a game called Yes and No. I am to thinkof something and you are all to guess what it is. I am thinking of an animal, a live animal, rather a disagreeable animal, a savage animal that growls and grunts sometimes, and talks sometimes, and lives in London, and walks about the streets, and is not made a show of, and is not led by anybody and don't live in a menagerie, and is not a horse, a cow or a donkey or a bull. There, now guess?
Mrs. M.Is it a pig?
Fred.No.
Julia.Is it a tiger?
Fred.No.
Topper.Is it a dog?
Fred.No.
Sarah.Is it a cat?
Snapper.It's a monkey.
Fred.No.
Mrs. M.Is it a bear?
Fred.No.
Julia.I have found it out! I know what it is, Fred! I know what it is!
Fred.What is it?
Julia.It's your uncle Scro-o-o-oge!
Fred.Yes.
All.Ha, ha, ha! ha, ha, ha!
Mrs. M.It is hardly fair, you ought to have said yes, when I said, it's a bear.
Fred.He has given us plenty of merriment, I'm sure, and it would be ungrateful not to drink his health. Here is some mulled wine ready to our hand at the moment; and when you are ready I say uncle Scrooge! (Servant brings wine forward.)
All.Well! Uncle Scrooge!
Fred.A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to the old man. He wouldn't take it from me, but may he have it, nevertheless. Uncle Scrooge!
All.Uncle Scrooge, uncle Scrooge!
(Scrooge seems to make efforts to reply to the toast, while spirit drags him away.)
CURTAIN.
SCENE I.—Scrooge's chambers.Scrooge discovered upon his knees.
Scro.Can this be the Spirit of Christmas Future that I see approaching? shrouded in a black garment, which conceals its head, its form, its face, and leaves nothing visible save one outstretched hand. I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. It points onward with its hand. You are about to show me the shadows of things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us. Is that so, Spirit? (Rises and stands trembling.) Ghost of the Future, I fear you more than any spectre I have seen; but as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I ampreparedto bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me? It will not speak. The hand points straightbeforeus. Lead on! Lead on! The night is waning fast, and it is precious time to me, I know. Lead on, Spirit.
(Scrooge crosses stage, as if following Spirit to tormentor entrance, and remains while the scene changes.)
SCENE II.—A Street.
Scro.Ah, here comes Stevens and there Jones. I have always made it a point to stand well in their esteem—that is in a business point of view.
Enter Mr. StevensR.and Mr. JonesL.,meeting.
Stevens.How are you?
Jones.Pretty well. So Old Scratch has got his own, at last, hey?
Stev.So I am told. Cold, isn't it?
Jones.Seasonable for Christmas-time. You're not a skater, I suppose?
Stev.No, no. Something else to think of. Good morning. [Exeunt in opposite directions.]
Scro.Ah, here are more of my old business friends; the Spirit directs me to hear what they say.
Enter Mr. Fatchin, Mr. Snuffer and Mr. Redface.
Mr. F.No; I don't know much about it, either way; I only know he's dead.
Mr. R.When did he die?
Mr. F.Last night, I believe.
Mr. S.Why, what was the matter with him? (Takes snuff out of a large snuff-box.) I thought he would never die.
Mr. F.I did not take the trouble to inquire.
Mr. R.What has he done with his money?
Mr. F.I haven't heard (yawning); left it to his company, perhaps. He hasn't left it tome. That's all I know. (All laugh.) It's likely to be a very cheap funeral, for upon my life I don't know of any body to go to it. Suppose we make up a party and volunteer?
Mr. R.I don't mind going if a lunch is provided. I must be fed if I make one. (All laugh.)
Mr. F.Well, I am the most disinterested, after all, for I never wear black gloves and I never eat lunch. But I'll offer to go, if any body else will. When I come to think of it, I am not at all sure that I wasn't his most particular friend; for we used to stop and speak whenever we met.
Mr. S.I would volunteer, but that I have another little matter to attend to that will prevent me. However, I have no objections to joining you in a drink to his memory.
Mr. R.I am with you. Let us adjourn to the punch bowl. [Exeunt.]
Scro.To whom can these allusions refer; Jacob Marley has been dead these seven years, and surely those whom I have considered my best friends would not speak of my death so unfeelingly. I suppose, however, that these conversations have some latent moral for my own improvement, and as I have now resolved upon a change of life, I shall treasure up all I see and hear. Lead on, Shadow, I follow! (Crosses to the opposite entrance and remains.)
SCENE III.—Interior of a junk or pawn-shop.Enter Old Joe, ushering in Mrs. Mangle, Mrs. Dilber and Mr. Shroud, door in flat.
Old Joe.You couldn't have met in a better place; come in. You were made free here long ago, you know, and the other two ain't strangers. Stop till I shut the door of the shop. Ah! how itshrieks! There isn't such a rusty bit of metal in the place as its own hinges, I believe, and I'm sure there's no such old bones here as mine. Ha, ha! We're all suitable to our calling, we're well matched. Come, come! we are at home here. (Trims smoky lamp at table.)
Mrs. M.What odds, then! What odds, Mrs. Dilber? (Throws her bundle on the floor and sits on a stool, resting her elbows on her knees.) Every person has a right to take care of themselves.Healways did.
Mrs. D.That's true, indeed! No man cared for himself more than he did.
Mrs. M.Why, then, don't stand staring as if you was afraid, woman; who's the wiser? We're not going to pick holes in each other's coats, I suppose?
Mr. Shroud.No, indeed! We should hope not.
Mrs. M.Very well, then: that's enough. Who's the worse for the loss of a few things like these? Not a dead man, I suppose.
Mr. S.(Laughing.) No, indeed.
Mrs. M.If he wanted to keep 'em after he was dead, the wicked old Screw, why wasn't he natural in his life time? If he had been, he'd have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with death, instead of lying gasping out his last there, alone by himself.
Mrs. D.It's the truest word ever was spoke. It's a judgment on him.
Mrs. M.I wish it was a little heavier judgment, and it should have been, you may depend upon it, if I could have laid my hands on anything else. Open that bundle, Old Joe, and let me know the value of it. Speak out plain. I'm not afraid to be the first, nor afraid to let them see it. We knew pretty well that we were helping ourselves, before we met here, I believe. It's no sin. Open the bundle, Joe.
Mr. S.Oh, no; we don't mind showing what we have.Here, Joe, value these. (Mrs. D. and Mr. S. lay their packages on the table and Joe proceeds to examine them.)
Joe.(Chalking the figures on the wall as he names them.) A seal, eight shillings; pencil-case, three and six pence; pair of sleeve-buttons, five and four-pence; scarf-pin, ninepence. Nine and four, thirteen, and six, is nineteen—seven. One and five's six, and thirteen is nine, and eight makes seventeen. That's your account, and I wouldn't give another sixpence if I was to be boiled for it. Who's next?
Mrs. D.I hope you'll be more liberal with me, Mr. Joe. I'm a poor, lone widow, and it's hard for me to make a living.
Joe.I always give too much to the ladies. It's a weakness of mine, and that's the way I ruinmyself. Under-clothing, sheets, towels, sugar-tongs; these tea-spoons are old-fashioned, and the boots won't bear mending. One pound six, that's your account. If you asked me another penny, and made it an open question I'd repent of being liberal, and knock off half a crown.
Mrs. M.Now, undomybundle, Joe.
Joe.(Opening bundle.) What do you call this? Bed curtains?
Mrs. M.Ah! (Laughing.) Bed curtains.
Joe.You don't mean to say you took 'em down, rings and all, with Old Scrooge lying there?
Mrs. M.Yes I do. Why not?
Joe.You were born to make your fortune, and you'll certainly do it.
Mrs. M.I certainly shan't hold my hand, when I can get anything in it by reaching it out, for the sake of such a man ashewas, I promise you, Joe. Don't drop that oil upon the blanket, now.
Joe.His blankets?
Mrs. M.Whose else's do you think? He isn't likely to take cold without 'em, I dare say.
Joe. I hope he didn't die of anything catching. Eh? (Stopping his work and looking up.)
Mrs. M.Don't you be afraid of that: I ain't so fond of his company that I'd loiter about him for such things if he did. Ah, you may look through that shirt till your eyes ache, but you won't find a hole in it nor a thread-bare place. It's the best he had, and a fine one, too. They'd have wasted it if it hadn't been for me.
Joe.What do you call wasting of it?
Mrs. M.(laughing.) Putting it on him to be buried in, to be sure. Somebody was fool enough to do it, but I took it off again. If calico ain't good enough for such a purpose, it isn't good enough for anything. It's as becoming to the body. He can't look uglier than he did in that one.
Joe.Well, well! I'll ruin myself again. I'll give you two guineas for the lot, and go to the bankrupt court. (Takes bag of coin and counts out their amounts.)
Mrs. M.Ha, ha! This is the end of it, you see. He frightened every one away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead.
All.Ha, ha, ha! [Exeunt door in flat, old Joe lighting them out.]
Scro.Spirit! I see, I see. This is my own case, if nothing happens to change it. My life tends this way. Spirit, in leaving this. I shall not leave its lesson; trust me. If there is any person in the city who feels the least emotion for the death here announced, show that person to me. [Crosses toL.,while scene closes in.]
SCENE IV.—Street. Exterior of Scrooge & Marley's Counting House.
Scro.Why, here is my place of business, and has been occupied by Scrooge & Marley for many years. I see the house, let me behold what I shall be in the days to come. Why, Spirit, the house is yonder. Why do you point away? (Goes to the window and looks in.) It is the old office still; the same furniture; but no one occupies my chair. Ah! some one comes.
Enter James Badger from Counting House, going off right, meets Mrs. Badger at right entrance.
Mrs. B.Ah! James. I have waited for you so long. What news? Is it good or bad?
James.Bad.
Mrs B.We are quite ruined?
James.No. There is hope yet, Caroline.
Mrs. B.Ifherelents, there is. Nothing is past hope, if such a miracle has happened.
James.He is past relenting. He is dead.
Mrs. B.Dead! Thank Heaven; we are saved. (Pause.) I pray forgiveness, I am sorry that I gave expression to the emotions of my heart.
James.What the half drunken woman, whom I told you of last night, said to me when I tried to see him and obtain a week's delay, and what I thought was a mere excuse to avoid me, turns out to have been quite true. He was not only very ill, but dying then.
Mrs. B.To whom will our debt be transferred?
James.I don't know, and I have been unable to ascertain. At all events, before that time we shall be ready with the money; and even though we were not, it would be a bad fortune indeed to find so merciless a creditor in his successor. We may sleep to-night with light hearts, Caroline!
Mrs. B.Yes; and our dear children will be brighter when they find the gloom dispelled from the minds of their parents. We cannot deny that this man's death has occasioned some happiness.
James.Come, let us hurry home [Exeunt,R.]
Scro.Spirit, it is evident that the only emotion you can show me, caused by the event foreshadowed, is one of pleasure. Let me see some tenderness connected with the death of another, or what has just been shown me will be forever present in my mind.
SCENE V.—Bob Cratchit's home. Mrs. Cratchit, Belinda, Little Cratchit and Peter Cratchit discovered at table, the two former sewing and the latter reading a book.
Peter.(Reading.) And he took a child and set him in the midst of them.
Scro.Where have I heard those words? I have not dreamed them. Why does he not go on?
Mrs C.(Betrays emotions; lays her work upon the table, and puts her hand to her face.) The color hurts my eyes.
Bel.Yes, poor Tiny Tim!
Mrs. C.They're better now. It makes them weak by candle-light; and I wouldn't show weak eyes to your father when he comes home, for the world. It must be near his time. (Resumes her work.)
Peter.Past it, rather (shutting up book), but I thinkhe has walked a little slower than he used, these last few evenings, mother.
Mrs. C.(In a faltering voice.) I have known him walk with—I have known him walk with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder very fast indeed.
Peter.And so have I, often.
Bel.And so have I.
Mrs. C.But he was very light to carry, and his father loved him so, that it was no trouble; no trouble. And there is your father at the door.
Enter Bob Cratchit. Belinda and Little Cratchit meet him; Peter places a chair for him, and Mrs. C. averts her head to conceal her emotion. Bob kisses Belinda, and takes Little C. on his knees, who lays his little cheek against his face.
Bob.Hard at work, my dears; hard at work. Why, how industrious you are, and what progress you are making. You will be done long before Sunday.
Mrs. C.Sunday! You went to-day, then, Robert?
Bob.Yes, my dear; I wish you could have gone, it would have done you good to see how green a place it is. But you'll see it often. I promised him that I would walk there on a Sunday. My little, little child! my little child! (Rises and retires up stage to compose himself; returns and resumes his place at the table.) Oh, I must tell you of the extraordinary kindness of Mr Scrooge's nephew, whom I have scarcely seen but once, and who, meeting me in the street, and seeing that I looked a little—just a little—down, you know, inquired what had happened to distress me. On which, for he is the pleasantest-spoken gentleman you ever heard, I told him. I am heartily sorry for it, Mr. Cratchit, he said, and heartily sorry for your good wife. By-the-bye, how he ever knewthat, I don't know.
Mrs. C.Knew what, my dear?
Bob.Why, that you were a good wife.
Peter.Everybody knows that!
Bob.Very well observed, my boy. I hope they do. Heartily sorry, he said, for your good wife. If I can be of service to you in any way, he said, giving me his card, that's where I live; pray come to me. Now, itwasn't for the sake of anything he might be able to do for us, so much as for his kind way, that this was quite delightful. It really seemed as if he had known our Tiny Tim, and felt with us.
Mrs. C.I'm sure he's a good soul.
Bob.You would be sure of it, my dear, if you saw and spoke to him. I shouldn't be at all surprised—mark my words—if he got Peter a better situation.
Mrs. C.Only hear that, Peter.
Bel.And then Peter will be keeping company with some one, and setting up for himself.
Peter.(Grinning.) Get along with you!
Bob.It's just as likely as not, one of these days; though there's plenty of time for that, my dear. But, however and whenever we part from one another, I am sure we shall none of us forget poor Tiny Tim, shall we?
All.Never, father.
Bob.And I know, I know, my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was—although he was a little child—we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves, and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it.
All.No, never, father. (All rise.)
Bob.I am very happy. I am very happy! (Kisses Mrs C., Belinda, Young C. and shakes hands with Peter.) Spirit of Tiny Tim, thy childish essence is from above.
CURTAIN.
SCENE I.—Scrooge's chamber. Scrooge discovered on his knees at the easy chair.
Scro.Spirit! Hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been, but for this intercourse. Why have shown me all that you have, if I am past all hope? Good Spirit, your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change the shadows you have shown me, by an altered life.Your hand trembles. I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh! tell me I may sponge away the shadows of the future. (Grasps the easy chair in his agony, as if struggling to detain it.) Do not go, I entreat you. It shrinks, it has collapsed, it has dwindled down into an easy chair. Yes! my own chair, my own room and best—and happiest of all—my own time before me to make amends in. Oh, Jacob Marley, Heaven and the Christmas time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob; on my knees! (Rises and goes and opens doorR., 2dE.) They are not torn down—the bed curtains are not torn down, rings and all. They are there—I am here—the shadows of the things that would have been, may be dispelled. They will be; I know they will! (Commences to dress himself, putting everything on wrong, etc.) I don't know what to do! (Laughing and crying.) I am as light as a feather; I am as happy as an angel; I am as merry as a school boy; I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to every body! A Happy New year to all the world! Halloo here! Waoop! Halloo! (Dancing and capering around the room.) There's the saucepan that the gruel was in; there's the door by which the Ghost of Jacob Marley entered; there's the corner (pointing into adjoining room) where the Ghost of Christmas Past sat. It's all right; it's all true; it all happened. Ha, ha, ha! (Laughing heartily.) I don't know what day of the month it is. I don't know how long I've been among the Spirits. I don't know any thing. I'm quite a baby. Never mind; I don't care. I'd rather be a baby. Haloo! whoop! Halloo here! (Bells or chimes commences to ring. Goes to window and opens it.) No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; golden sunlight, heavenly sky; sweet, fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious! glorious! (Looking out of window) Hey! you boy in your Sunday clothes, what's to-day?
Voice outside.Eh?
Scro.What's to day my fine fellow?
Voice outside.To-day! why. Christmas Day.
Scro.It's Christmas Day; I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like. Of course they can. Of course they can. (Returns to window.) Halloo, my fine fellow!
Voice outside.Halloo!
Scro.Do you know the poulterers in the next street but one, at the corner?
Voice outside.I should hope I did.
Scro.An intelligent boy! a remarkable boy! Do you know whether they've sold the prize turkey that was hanging up there? Not the little prize turkey; the big one?
Voice outside.What the one as big as me?
Scro.What a delightful boy. It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck.
Voice outside.It's hanging there now.
Scro.Is it? Go and buy it.
Voice outside.What do you take me for?
Scro.No, no. I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it here, that I may give them the directions where to take it. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes, and I'll gave you half a crown. That boy's off like a shot. I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's. (Rubbing his hands and chuckling.) He shan't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be. I must write the directions for that turkey. (Sits at table to write.)