Cratchit (crosses to door L.). I'm going, sir.
Scrooge. All right.
Cratchit (shields face with arm as though he were afraid Scrooge might throw something at him). Merry Christmas, sir! (Runs out L.)
Scrooge. Bah! Humbug! (He works at ledger. Finally drops his head on his arms and sleeps. The light of his candle goes out. Note: Scrooge might blow it out unseen by audience.)
The stage is now in darkness. A musical bell tolls off L. After a pause another bell tolls off R. The clinking of chains is heard. When the stage is completely darkened the Ghost of Marley slips in and sits at R. He is entirely covered with black, face and all, as he slips in, so as to be quite invisible.
Mysterious music. Sudden clap of thunder heard. An auto light from the wings at R. is thrown on the Ghost's face. This light should be green. The thunder dies away. Clanking of chains heard.
Ghost (groans).
Scrooge (starts up, looks at Ghost, pauses). How now! What do you want with me?
Ghost. Much.
Scrooge. Who are you?