Scrooge (flinging open door L. at this point). Get away from my door. Begone, ye beggars! I've nothing for you.
First Wait (sticking his head in door at L.). Only a shillin', sir, for a merry Christmas, yer honor.
Scrooge. Get away from there or I'll call the police.
First Wait. Only a shillin', sir.
Scrooge. Not a penny. I have other places to put my money. Go on, now. You don't get a cent. Not a penny!
First Wait. All right, sir. Merry Christmas, just the same, sir. (Exits L.)
Scrooge (comes down to his desk at L., muttering). Howling idiots! Give 'em a shilling, hey? I'd like to give 'em six months in the work'us, that I would. Paupers! I'd show 'em what a merry Christmas is. (Cratchit gets down from stool and starts to slink out L.) Hey!
Cratchit (pauses, turns to Scrooge). Yes, sir.
Scrooge. Where you goin'?
Cratchit. I was just goin' to get a few coals, sir. Just to warm us up a bit, sir.