Mrs. B. And A Happy New Year. [Exeunt L.]
Scro. I guess they are glad, now, that I am alive, and will be really sorry when I die. Halloo! Whoop!
Enter Mr. Barnes, L., passes across stage; Scrooge follows and stops him.
Scro. My dear sir (taking both, his hands), how do you do? I hope you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of you. A Merry Christmas to you, sir.
Mr. B. Mr. Scrooge?
Scro. Yes. That is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you. Allow me to ask your pardon. And will you have the goodness—(Scrooge whispers in his ear.)
Mr. B. Lord bless me—you take my breath away. My dear Mr. Scrooge, are you really serious?
Scro. If you please. Not a farthing less. A great many back payments are included in it, I assure you. Will you do me the favor?
Mr. B. My dear sir (shaking hands with him), I don't know what to say to such munifi—