Bob. Stole my Christmas dinner—my—salary—I mean my fifteen shillings, that your uncle paid me not an hour ago.
Frank. That's unfortunate!
Bob. Unfortunate! Think of Tiny Tim's disappointment—no goose—no pudding—no nothing!
Frank. Tiny Tim shall not go without his Christmas dinner notwithstanding your loss—no, nor you either—nor any of your family, Bob Cratchit. At such a time as this, no one should be unhappy—not even my hard-hearted uncle, much less a worthy fellow like you. Here, Bob, here's a sovereign—you can return it when my uncle raises your wages—no thanks, but go and be as happy as you deserve to be—once more, a merry Christmas to you! (Exit r. h.
Bob. He's a regular trump! I wanted to thank him, and couldn't find the words! I should like to laugh, and I feel as if I could cry. If Tiny Tim don't bless you for this my name's not Bob Cratchit! I've lost fifteen shillings, and I've found a sovereign! (Dances.) Tol lol li do! Oh, Mrs. Cratchit! Oh, my little Cratchit! what a happy Christmas Day we shall spend, surely! What a pity Christmas don't last all the year round! (Exit l. h.)
SCENE III.—Scrooge's chamber, as before.
Scrooge discovered, sleeping in a chair. The Stage becomes suddenly quite light, and the Ghost of Christmas Present discovered, as in Work, page 78, the wall at back covered with ivy, holly, and mistletoe—heaped upon the floor, almost to form a throne, are turkeys, geese, plum puddings, twelfth cake, etc. (See Page 78.)
2nd Spirit. Know me, man? I am the ghost of Christmas Present. Look upon me. (Scrooge rises, approaches, and gazes at the figure.) You have never seen the like of me before?
Scr. Never!
2nd Spirit. Have never walked forth with the younger members of my family, meaning, for I am very young, my elder brothers born in these latter years.