Scr. (Aside.) There's another fellow, my clerk, with fifteen shillings a week, and a wife and family, talking about a merry Christmas. I'll retire to Bedlam.
Bob. Two gentlemen want you, sir, as fat as prize beef—shall I call 'em in? (Goes to side.) Walk this way if you please, gentlemen.
Enter Mr. Cheerly and Mr. Heartly, 2 e. l. h., with books and papers.
Cheer. Scrooge and Marley's—I believe I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Marley!
Scr. Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years.
Cheer. At this festive season of the year, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute—many thousands are in want of common necessaries—hundreds of thousands are in want of common comfort, sir.
Scr. Are there no prisons? and the union workhouses, are they still in operation?
Cheer. They are still—I wish I could say they were not.
Scr. The treadmill and the poor law are in full vigour then?
Cheer. Both very busy, sir.