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.