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—ha, ha, ha! (All laugh.)
Scr. (Shuddering.) Spirit, I see—I see! The case of this unhappy man might be my own—my life tends that way now. Let us be gone. (The Spirit points onward. The Scene changes.)
SCENE IV.—A chamber. Curtain drawn over recess. The Spirit points to it—then approaches it, followed by Scrooge trembling. The curtain is withdrawn—a bed is seen—a pale, light shows a figure, covered with a sheet upon it.
Scr. (Recoiling in terror.) Ah! a bare uncurtained bed, and something there, which, though dumb, announces itself in awful language! Yes, plundered and bereft, unwatched, unwept, uncared for, is the body of this man! (The Spirit points towards the bed.) It points towards the face—the slightest movement of my hand would instantly reveal it—I long yet dread to do it. Oh, could this man be raised up and see himself! Avarice, hard dealing, griping cares! They have brought him to a rich end, truly! He lays alone in a dark empty house, with not a man, woman, or a child, to say—"He was kind to me—I will be kind to him!" Spirit, this is a fearful place! in leaving it, I shall not leave its lesson. Let us hence. If there is any person in the town who feels emotion caused by this man's death, show that person to me, I beseech you. (As he speaks the Scene changes.)
SCENE V.—A chamber. Scrooge and Spirit on l. h.
Enter Ellen, r. h., second dress, followed by Euston, l. h.
Ellen. What news my love—is it good or bad?
Eus. Bad!
Ellen. We are quite ruined!
Eus. No! there is hope yet, Ellen!