Scrooge (looking round). Here, you! don't you do it; don't you do it! Haven't I told you, that, if you venture to waste my coals, 'twill be necessary for us to part? Haven't I?
(Bob drops the poker, gets upon stool, and tries to
warm his hands at the candle.)
[Exit, R.
STAVE TWO.
Lively music. Curtain rises, showing Scrooge's office, as before. Scrooge sitting in chair, looking at back stage, the curtains of which are drawn, disclosing the Ghost of Christmas Present, who sits upon a seat covered with red, his right arm leaning upon a barrel. In his lap is a bowl of steaming punch; in his left hand, a torch [red fire, such as is used in tableaux, placed in a hollow at the end of a stick, will produce the desired effect]; round him are strewn articles, such as are given for presents. After a few seconds, Christmas Present rises, and comes forward. The curtains close.
Spirit. Look up, look up, and know me better, man. I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Look upon me. (Scrooge slowly rises, and moves round him, looking closely at him. Music continues. This is to give an opportunity to set the stage for the next picture.) You have never seen the like of me before? Scrooge. Never. Spirit. Have never walked forth with the younger members of my family; meaning (for I am very young) my elders born in these later years? Scrooge. I don't think I have. I'm afraid I have not. Have you had many brothers, Spirit? Spirit. More than eighteen hundred. Scrooge. A tremendous family to provide for. Spirit, show me what you will. Last night I learnt a lesson which is working now. To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it. Spirit. Look well upon the pictures I disclose.
[Spirit retires R., Scrooge, L.
(Front curtain descends quickly.)