Scr. Who and what are you?
1st Spirit. I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. Your welfare—your reclamation brings me here. Turn, and behold! (The Stage, becomes dark—a strong light is seen behind—the wall of the Miser's chamber fades away and discovers a school-room—a child is seated reading by a fire.) All have departed but this poor boy.
Scr. My poor forgotten self—and as I used to be!
1st Spirit. Look again! (A figure of Ali Baba is shown beyond the Child.)
Scr. Why it's dear old honest Ali Baba! Yes, one Christmas time, when yonder poor child was left alone, he did come just like that! (The figures of Valentine and Orson appear.) Ha! and Valentine and his wild brother Orson, too! (Robinson Crusoe and Friday appear.) Ha! and Robinson Crusoe, and his man Friday! Poor boy! he was left alone, while all the rest were making holiday. (The figures of Ali Baba, etc., disappear. As he speaks, a little Girl enters the school-room, and approaches the Boy.)
Girl. I am come to bring you home, dear brother—we are to be together this Christmas, and be so merry! (She leads him out. Scene fades away.)
Scr. My sister! poor little Fanny!
1st Spirit. A delicate creature, whom a breath might have withered. She died a woman, and had, as I think, children.
Scr. One child!
1st Spirit. True—your nephew. Know you this place? (The Scene at back is again lighted up, and discovers Fezziwig's warehouse. Fezziwig and Characters grouped as in Frontispiece of Work. Scrooge, as a young man.)