Sheclappedherhandsandlaughed，andtriedtotouchhishead；butbeingtoolittle，laughedagain，andstoodontiptoetoembracehim。Thenshebegantodraghim，inherchildisheagerness，towardsthedoor；andhe，nothinglothtogo，accompaniedher。
Aterriblevoiceinthehallcried。``BringdownMasterScrooge’sbox，there!’’andinthehallappearedtheschoolmasterhimself，whoglaredonMasterScroogewithaferociouscondescension，andthrewhimintoadreadfulstateofmindbyshakinghandswithhim。Hethenconveyedhimandhissisterintotheveriestoldwellofashiveringbest—parlourthateverwasseen，wherethemapsuponthewall，andthecelestialandterrestrialglobesinthewindows，werewaxywithcold。Hereheproducedadecanterofcuriouslylightwine，andablockofcuriouslyheavycake，andadministeredinstalmentsofthosedaintiestotheyoungpeople：atthesametime，sendingoutameagreservanttoofferaglassofsomethingtothepostboy，whoansweredthathethankedthegentleman，butifitwasthesametapashehadtastedbefore，hehadrathernot。MasterScrooge’strunkbeingbythistimetiedontothetopofthechaise，thechildrenbadetheschoolmastergood—byerightwillingly；andgettingintoit，drovegailydownthegarden—sweep：thequickwheelsdashingthehoar—frostandsnowfromoffthedarkleavesoftheevergreenslikespray。
``Alwaysadelicatecreature，whomabreathmighthavewithered，’’saidtheGhost。``Butshehadalargeheart!’’
``Soshehad，’’criedScrooge。``You’reright，Iwillnotgainsayit，Spirit。Godforbid!’’
``Shediedawoman，’’saidtheGhost，``andhad，asIthink，children。’’
``Onechild，’’Scroogereturned。
``True，’’saidtheGhost。``Yournephew!’’
Scroogeseemeduneasyinhismind；andansweredbriefly，``Yes。’’
Althoughtheyhadbutthatmomentlefttheschoolbehindthem，theywerenowinthebusythoroughfaresofacity，whereshadowypassengerspassedandrepassed；whereshadowycartsandcoachesbattlefortheway，andallthestrifeandtumultofarealcitywere。Itwasmadeplainenough，bythedressingoftheshops，thatheretooitwasChristmastimeagain；
butitwasevening，andthestreetswerelightedup。
TheGhoststoppedatacertainwarehousedoor，andaskedScroogeifheknewit。
``Knowit!’’saidScrooge。``WasIapprenticedhere!’’
Theywentin。AtsightofanoldgentlemaninaWelchwig，sittingbehindsuchahighdesk，thatifhehadbeentwoinchestallerhemusthaveknockedhisheadagainsttheceiling，Scroogecriedingreatexcitement：
``Why，it’soldFezziwig!Blesshisheart；it’sFezziwigaliveagain!’’
OldFezziwiglaiddownhispen，andlookedupattheclock，whichpointedtothehourofseven。Herubbedhishands；adjustedhiscapaciouswaistcoat；
laughedalloverhimself，fromhisshowstohisorganofbenevolence；andcalledoutinacomfortable，oily，rich，fat，jovialvoice：
``Yoho，there!Ebenezer!Dick!’’
Scrooge’sformerself，nowgrownayoungman，camebrisklyin，accompaniedbyhisfellow—’prentice。
``DickWilkins，tobesure!’’saidScroogetotheGhost。``Blessme，yes。Thereheis。Hewasverymuchattachedtome，wasDick。PoorDick!
Dear，dear!’’
``Yoho，myboys!’’saidFezziwig。``Nomoreworkto—night。ChristmasEve，Dick。Christmas，Ebenezer!Let’shavetheshuttersup，’’criedoldFezziwig，withasharpclapofhishands，``beforeamancansay，JackRobinson!’’
Youwouldn’tbelievehowthosetwofellowswentatit!Theychargedintothestreetwiththeshutters——one，two，three——had’emupintheirplaces——four，five，six——barred’emandpinned’em——seven，eight，nine——andcamebackbeforeyoucouldhavegottotwelve，pantinglikerace—horses。
``Hilli—ho!’’criedoldFezziwig，skippingdownfromthehighdesk，withwonderfulagility。``Clearaway，mylads，andlet’shavelotsofroomhere!Hilli—ho，Dick!Chirrup，Ebenezer!’’
Clearaway!Therewasnothingtheywouldn’thaveclearedaway，orcouldn’thaveclearedaway，witholdFezziwiglookingon。Itwasdoneinaminute。
Everymovablewaspackedoff，asifitweredismissedfrompubliclifeforevermore；thefloorwassweptandwatered，thelampsweretrimmed，fuelwasheapeduponthefire；andthewarehousewasassnug，andwarm，anddry，andbrightaball—room，asyouwoulddesiretoseeuponawinter’snight。
Incameafiddlerwithamusic—book，andwentuptotheloftydesk，andmadeanorchestraofit，andtunedlikefiftystomach—aches。IncameMrs。Fezziwig，onevastsubstantialsmile。IncamethethreeMissFezziwigs，beamingandlovable。Incamethesixyoungfollowerswhoseheartstheybroke。Incamealltheyoungmenandwomenemployedinthebusiness。Incamethehousemaid，withhercousin，thebaker。Incamethecook，withherbrother’sparticularfriend，themilkman。Incametheboyfromovertheway，whowassuspectedofnothavingboardenoughfromhismaster；
tryingtohidehimselfbehindthegirlfromnextdoorbutone，whowasprovedtohavehadherearspulledbyherMistress。Intheyallcame，oneafternother；someshyly，someboldly，somegracefully，someawkwardly，somepushing，somepulling；intheyallcame，anyhowandeveryhow。Awaytheyallwent，twentycoupleatonce；handshalfroundandbackagaintheotherway；downthemiddleandupagain；roundandroundinvariousstagesofaffectionategrouping；oldtopcouplealwaysturningupinthewrongplace；newtopcouplestartingoffagain，assoonastheygotthere；alltopcouplesatlast，andnotabottomonetohelpthem。Whenthisresultwasbroughtabout，oldFezziwig，clappinghishandstostopthedance，criedout，``Welldone!’’andthefiddlerplungedhishotfaceintoapotofporter，especiallyprovidedforthatpurpose。Butscorningrest，uponhisreappearance，heinstantlybeganagain，thoughtherewerenodancersyet，asiftheotherfiddlerhadbeencarriedhome，exhausted，onashutter，andhewereabran—newmanresolvedtobeathimoutofsight，orperish。
Thereweremoredances，andtherewereforfeits，andmoredances，andtherewascake，andtherewasnegus，andtherewasagreatpieceofColdRoast，andtherewasagreatpieceofColdBoiled，andthereweremince—pies，andplentyofbeer。ButthegreateffectoftheeveningcameaftertheRoastandBoiled，whenthefiddler（anartfuldog，mind!ThesortofmanwhoknewhisbusinessbetterthanyouorIcouldhavetoldithim!）struckup``SirRogerdeCoverley。’’ThenoldFezziwigstoodouttodancewithMrs。Fezziwig。Topcouple，too；withagoodstiffpieceofworkcutoutforthem；threeorfourandtwentypairofpartners；peoplewhowerenottobetrifledwith；peoplewhowoulddance，andhadnonotionofwalking。
Butiftheyhadbeentwiceasmany：ah，fourtimes：oldFezziwigwouldhavebeenamatchforthem，andsowouldMrs。Fezziwig。Astoher，shewasworthytobehispartnerineverysenseoftheterm。Ifthat’snothighpraise，tellmehigher，andI’lluseit。ApositivelightappearedtoissuefromFezziwig’scalves。Theyshoneineverypartofthedancelikemoons。Youcouldn’thavepredicted，atanygiventime，whatwouldbecomeof’emnext。AndwhenoldFezziwigandMrs。Fezziwighadgoneallthroughthedance；advanceandretire，holdhandswithyourpartner，bowandcurtsey；corkscrew；thread—the—needle，andbackagaintoyourplace；Fezziwigcut——cutsodeftly，thatheappearedtowinkwithhislegs，andcameuponhisfeetagainwithoutastagger。
Whentheclockstruckeleven，thisdomesticballbrokeup。MrandMrsFezziwigtooktheirstations，oneoneithersideofthedoor，andshakinghandswitheverypersonindividuallyasheorshewentout，wishedhimorheraMerryChristmas。Wheneverybodyhadretiredbutthetwo’prentices，theydidthesametothem；andthusthecheerfulvoicesdiedaway，andtheladswerelefttotheirbeds；whichwereunderacounterintheback—shop。
Duringthewholeofthistime，Scroogehadactedlikeamanoutofhiswits。Hisheartandsoulwereinthescene，andwithhisformerself。Hecorroboratedeverything，rememberedeverything，enjoyedeverything，andunderwentthestrangestagitation。Itwasnotuntilnow，whenthebrightfacesofhisformerselfandDickwereturnedfromthem，thatherememberedtheGhost，andbecameconsciousthatitwaslookingfulluponhim，whilethelightuponitsheadburntveryclear。
``Asmallmatter，’’saidtheGhost，``tomakethesesillyfolkssofullofgratitude。’’
``Small!’’echoedScrooge。
TheSpiritsignedtohimtolistentothetwoapprentices，whowerepouringouttheirheartsinpraiseofFezziwig：andwhenhehaddoneso，said，``Why!Isitnot？Hehasspentbutafewpoundsofyourmortalmoney：
threeorfourperhaps。Isthatsomuchthathedeservesthispraise？’’
``Itisn’tthat，’’saidScrooge，heatedbytheremark，andspeakingunconsciouslylikehisformer，nothislatter，self。``Itisn’tthat，Spirit。
Hehasthepowertorenderushappyorunhappy；tomakeourservicelightorburdensome；apleasureoratoil。Saythathispowerliesinwordsandlooks；inthingssoslightandinsignificantthatitisimpossibletoaddandcount’emup：whatthen？Thehappinesshegives，isquiteasgreatasifitcostafortune。’’
HefelttheSpirit’sglance，andstopped。
``Whatisthematter？’’askedtheGhost。
``Nothingparticular，’’saidScrooge。
``Something，Ithink？’’theGhostinsisted。
``No，’’saidScrooge，``No。Ishouldliketobeabletosayawordortwotomyclerkjustnow!That’sall。’’
Hisformerselfturneddownthelampsashegaveutterancetothewish；
andScroogeandtheGhostagainstoodsidebysideintheopenair。
``Mytimegrowsshort，’’observedtheSpirit。``Quick!’’
ThiswasnotaddressedtoScrooge，ortoanyonewhomhecouldsee，butitproducedanimmediateeffect。ForagainScroogesawhimself。Hewasoldernow；amanintheprimeoflife。Hisfacehadnottheharshandrigidlinesoflateryears；butithadbeguntowearthesignsofcareandavarice。Therewasaneager，greedy，restlessmotionintheeye，whichshowedthepassionthathadtakenroot，andwheretheshadowofthegrowingtreewouldfall。
Hewasnotalone，butsatbythesideofafairyounggirlinamourning—dress：
inwhoseeyesthereweretears，whichsparkledinthelightthatshoneoutoftheGhostofChristmasPast。
``Itmatterslittle，’’shesaid，softly。``Toyou，verylittle。Anotheridolhasdisplacedme；andifitcancheerandcomfortyouintimetocome，asIwouldhavetriedtodo，Ihavenojustcausetogrieve。’’
``WhatIdolhasdisplacedyou？’’herejoined。
``Agoldenone。’’
``Thisistheeven—handeddealingoftheworld!’’hesaid。``Thereisnothingonwhichitissohardaspoverty；andthereisnothingitprofessestocondemnwithsuchseverityasthepursuitofwealth!’’
``Youfeartheworldtoomuch，’’sheanswered，gently。``Allyourotherhopeshavemergedintothehopeofbeingbeyondthechanceofitssordidreproach。Ihaveseenyournobleraspirationsfalloffonebyone，untilthemaster—passion，Gain，engrossesyou。HaveInot？’’
``Whatthen？’’heretorted。``EvenifIhavegrownsomuchwiser，whatthen？Iamnotchangedtowardsyou。’’
Sheshookherhead。
``AmI？’’
``Ourcontractisanoldone。Itwasmadewhenwewerebothpoorandcontenttobeso，until，ingoodseason，wecouldimproveourworldlyfortunebyourpatientindustry。Youarechanged。Whenitwasmade，youwereanotherman。’’
``Iwasaboy，’’hesaidimpatiently。
``Yourownfeelingtellsyouthatyouwerenotwhatyouare，’’shereturned。
``Iam。Thatwhichpromisedhappinesswhenwewereoneinheart，isfraughtwithmiserynowthatwearetwo。HowoftenandhowkeenlyIhavethoughtofthis，Iwillnotsay。ItisenoughthatIhavethoughtofit，andcanreleaseyou。’’
``HaveIeversoughtrelease？’’
``Inwords。No。Never。’’
``Inwhat，then？’’
``Inachangednature；inanalteredspirit；inanotheratmosphereoflife；anotherHopeasitsgreatend。Ineverythingthatmademyloveofanyworthorvalueinyoursight。Ifthishadneverbeenbetweenus，’’
saidthegirl，lookingmildly，butwithsteadiness，uponhim；``tellme，wouldyouseekmeoutandtrytowinmenow？Ah，no!’’
Heseemedtoyieldtothejusticeofthissupposition，inspiteofhimself。
Buthesaidwithastruggle，``Youthinknot。’’
``IwouldgladlythinkotherwiseifIcould，’’sheanswered，``Heavenknows!WhenIhavelearnedaTruthlikethis，Iknowhowstrongandirresistibleitmustbe。Butifyouwerefreeto—day，to—morrow，yesterday，canevenIbelievethatyouwouldchooseadowerlessgirl——youwho，inyourveryconfidencewithher，weigheverythingbyGain：or，choosingher，ifforamomentyouwerefalseenoughtoyouroneguidingprincipletodoso，doInotknowthatyourrepentanceandregretwouldsurelyfollow？
Ido；andIreleaseyou。Withafullheart，fortheloveofhimyouoncewere。’’
Hewasabouttospeak；butwithherheadturnedfromhim，sheresumed。
``Youmay——thememoryofwhatispasthalfmakesmehopeyouwill——havepaininthis。Avery，verybrieftime，andyouwilldismisstherecollectionofit，gladly，asanunprofitabledream，fromwhichithappenedwellthatyouawoke。Mayyoubehappyinthelifeyouhavechosen!’’
Shelefthim，andtheyparted。
``Spirit!’’saidScrooge，``showmenomore!Conductmehome。Whydoyoudelighttotortureme？’’
``Oneshadowmore!’’exclaimedtheGhost。
``Nomore!’’criedScrooge。``Nomore。Idon’twishtoseeit。Showmenomore!’’
ButtherelentlessGhostpinionedhiminbothhisarms，andforcedhimtoobservewhathappenednext。
Theywereinanothersceneandplace；aroom，notverylargeorhandsome，butfullofcomfort。Neartothewinterfiresatabeautifulyounggirl，solikethatlastthatScroogebelieveditwasthesame，untilhesawher，nowacomelymatron，sittingoppositeherdaughter。Thenoiseinthisroomwasperfectlytumultuous，forthereweremorechildrenthere，thanScroogeinhisagitatedstateofmindcouldcount；and，unlikethecelebratedherdinthepoem，theywerenotfortychildrenconductingthemselveslikeone，buteverychildwasconductingitselflikeforty。Theconsequenceswereuproariousbeyondbelief；butnooneseemedtocare；onthecontrary，themotheranddaughterlaughedheartily，andenjoyeditverymuch；andthelatter，soonbeginningtomingleinthesports，gotpillagedbytheyoungbrigandsmostruthlessly。WhatwouldInothavegiventooneofthem!ThoughInevercouldhavebeensorude，no，no!Iwouldn’tforthewealthofalltheworldhavecrushedthatbraidedhair，andtornitdown；andforthepreciouslittleshoe，Iwouldn’thavepluckeditoff，Godblessmysoul!
tosavemylife。Astomeasuringherwaistinsport，astheydid，boldyoungbrood，Icouldn’thavedoneit；Ishouldhaveexpectedmyarmtohavegrownrounditforapunishment，andnevercomestraightagain。AndyetIshouldhavedearlyliked，Iown，tohavetouchedherlips；tohavequestionedher，thatshemighthaveopenedthem；tohavelookeduponthelashesofherdowncasteyes，andneverraisedablush；tohaveletloosewavesofhair，aninchofwhichwouldbeakeepsakebeyondprice：inshort，Ishouldhaveliked，Idoconfess，tohavehadthelightestlicenceofachild，andyettohavebeenmanenoughtoknowitsvalue。
Butnowaknockingatthedoorwasheard，andsucharushimmediatelyensuedthatshewithlaughingfaceandplundereddresswasbornetowardsitthecentreofaflushedandboisterousgroup，justintimetogreetthefather，whocamehomeattendedbyamanladenwithChristmastoysandpresents。Thentheshoutingandthestruggling，andtheonslaughtthatwasmadeonthedefencelessporter!Thescalinghim，withchairsforladders，todiveintohispockets，despoilhimofbrown—paperparcels，holdontightbyhiscravat，hughimroundtheneck，pommelhisback，andkickhislegsinirrepressibleaffection!Theshoutsofwonderanddelightwithwhichthedevelopmentofeverypackagewasreceived!Theterribleannouncementthatthebabyhadbeentakenintheactofputtingadoll’sfrying—panintohismouth，andwasmorethansuspectedofhavingswallowedafictitiousturkey，gluedonawoodenplatter!Theimmensereliefoffindingthisafalsealarm!Thejoy，andgratitude，andecstasy!Theyareallindescribablealike。Itisenoughthatbydegreesthechildrenandtheiremotionsgotoutoftheparlour，andbyonestairatatime，uptothetopofthehouse；
wheretheywenttobed，andsosubsided。
AndnowScroogelookedonmoreattentivelythanever，whenthemasterofthehouse，havinghisdaughterleaningfondlyonhim，satdownwithherandhermotherathisownfireside；andwhenhethoughtthatsuchanothercreature，quiteasgracefulandasfullofpromise，mighthavecalledhimfather，andbeenaspring—timeinthehaggardwinterofhislife，hissightgrewverydimindeed。
``Belle，’’saidthehusband，turningtohiswifewithasmile，``Isawanoldfriendofyoursthisafternoon。’’
``Whowasit？’’
``Guess!’’
``HowcanI？Tut，don’tIknow。’’sheaddedinthesamebreath，laughingashelaughed。``MrScrooge。’’
``MrScroogeitwas。Ipassedhisofficewindow；andasitwasnotshutup，andhehadacandleinside，Icouldscarcelyhelpseeinghim。Hispartnerliesuponthepointofdeath，Ihear；andtherehesatalone。Quitealoneintheworld，Idobelieve。’’
``Spirit!’’saidScroogeinabrokenvoice，``removemefromthisplace。’’
``Itoldyouthesewereshadowsofthethingsthathavebeen，’’saidtheGhost。``Thattheyarewhattheyare，donotblameme!’’
``Removeme!’’Scroogeexclaimed，``Icannotbearit!’’
HeturnedupontheGhost，andseeingthatitlookeduponhimwithaface，inwhichinsomestrangewaytherewerefragmentsofallthefacesithadshownhim，wrestledwithit。
``Leaveme!Takemeback。Hauntmenolonger!’’
Inthestruggle，ifthatcanbecalledastruggleinwhichtheGhostwithnovisibleresistanceonitsownpartwasundisturbedbyanyeffortofitsadversary，Scroogeobservedthatitslightwasburninghighandbright；anddimlyconnectingthatwithitsinfluenceoverhim，heseizedtheextinguisher—cap，andbyasuddenactionpresseditdownuponitshead。
TheSpiritdroppedbeneathit，sothattheextinguishercovereditswholeform；butthoughScroogepresseditdownwithallhisforce，hecouldnothidethelight，whichstreamedfromunderit，inanunbrokenfloodupontheground。
Hewasconsciousofbeingexhausted，andovercomebyanirresistibledrowsiness；and，further，ofbeinginhisownbedroom。Hegavethecapapartingsqueeze，inwhichhishandrelaxed；andhadbarelytimetoreeltobed，beforehesankintoaheavysleep。PreviousChapterNextChapterAChristmasCarol—Chapter3—TheSecondoftheThreeSpiritsPreviousChapterNextChapterChapter3—TheSecondoftheThreeSpiritsAwakinginthemiddleofaprodigiouslytoughsnore，andsittingupinbedtogethisthoughtstogether，ScroogehadnooccasiontobetoldthatthebellwasagainuponthestrokeofOne。Hefeltthathewasrestoredtoconsciousnessintherightnickoftime，fortheespecialpurposeofholdingaconferencewiththesecondmessengerdespatchedtohimthroughJacobMarley’sintervention。But，findingthatheturneduncomfortablycoldwhenhebegantowonderwhichofhiscurtainsthisnewspectrewoulddrawback，heputthemeveryoneasidewithhisownhands；andlyingdownagain，establishedasharplook—outallroundthebed。ForhewishedtochallengetheSpiritonthemomentofitsappearance，anddidnotwishtobetakenbysurprise，andmadenervous。
Gentlemenofthefree—and—easysort，whoplumethemselvesonbeingacquaintedwithamoveortwo，andbeingusuallyequaltothetime—of—day，expressthewiderangeoftheircapacityforadventurebyobservingthattheyaregoodforanythingfrompitch—and—tosstomanslaughter；betweenwhichoppositeextremes，nodoubt，thereliesatolerablywideandcomprehensiverangeofsubjects。WithoutventuringforScroogequiteashardilyasthis，I
don’tmindcallingonyoutobelievethathewasreadyforagoodbroadfieldofstrangeappearances，andthatnothingbetweenababyandrhinoceroswouldhaveastonishedhimverymuch。
Now，beingpreparedforalmostanything，hewasnotbyanymeanspreparedfornothing；and，consequently，whentheBellstruckOne，andnoshapeappeared，hewastakenwithaviolentfitoftrembling。Fiveminutes，tenminutes，aquaterofanhourwentby，yetnothingcame。Allthistime，helayuponhisbed，theverycoreandcentreofablazeofruddylight，whichstreameduponitwhentheclockproclaimedthehour；andwhich，beingonlylight，wasmorealarmingthanadozenghosts，ashewaspowerlesstomakeoutwhatitmeant，orwouldbeat；andwassometimesapprehensivethathemightbeatthatverymomentaninterestingcaseofspontaneouscombustion，withouthavingtheconsolationofknowingit。Atlast，however，hebegantothink——asyouorIwouldhavethoughtatfirst；foritisalwaysthepersonnotinthepredicamentwhoknowswhatoughttohavebeendoneinit，andwouldunquestionablyhavedoneittoo——atlast，Isay，hebegantothinkthatthesourceandsecretofthisghostlylightmightbeintheadjoiningroom，fromwhence，onfurthertracingit，itseemedtoshine。Thisideatakingfullpossessionofhismind，hegotupsoftlyandshuffledinhisslipperstothedoor。
ThemomentScrooge’shandwasonthelock，astrangevoicecalledhimbyhisname，andbadehimenter。Heobeyed。
Itwashisownroom。Therewasnodoubtaboutthat。Butithadundergoneasurprisingtransformation。Thewallsandceilingweresohungwithlivinggreen，thatitlookedaperfectgrove；fromeverypartofwhich，brightgleamingberriesglistened。Thecrispleavesofholly，mistletoe，andivyreflectedbackthelight，asifsomanylittlemirrorshadbeenscatteredthere；andsuchamightyblazewentroaringupthechimney，asthatdullpetrificationofahearthhadneverknowninScrooge’stime，orMarley’s，orformanyandmanyawinterseasongone。Heapeduponthefloor，toformakindofthrone，wereturkeys，geese，game，poultry，brawn，greatjointsofmeat，sucking—pigs，longwreathsofsausages，mince—pies，plum—puddings，barrelsofoysters，red—hotchesnuts，cherry—cheekedapples，juicyoranges，lusciouspears，immensetwelfth—cakes，andseethingbowlsofpunch，thatmadethechamberdimwiththeirdelicioussteam。Ineasystateuponthiscouch，theresatajollyGiant，glorioustosee：whoboreaglowingtorch，inshapenotunlikePlenty’shorn，andhelditup，highup，tosheditslightonScrooge，ashecamepeepingroundthedoor。
``Comein!’’exclaimedtheGhost。``Comein。andknowmebetter，man!’’
Scroogeenteredtimidly，andhunghisheadbeforethisSpirit。HewasnotthedoggedScroogehehadbeen；andthoughtheSpirit’seyeswereclearandkind，hedidnotliketomeetthem。
``IamtheGhostofChristmasPresent，’’saidtheSpirit。``Lookuponme!’’
Scroogereverentlydidso。Itwasclothedinonesimplegreenrobe，ormantle，borderedwithwhitefur。Thisgarmenthungsolooselyonthefigure，thatitscapaciousbreastwasbare，asifdisdainingtobewardedorconcealedbyanyartifice。Itsfeet，observablebeneaththeamplefoldsofthegarment，werealsobare；andonitsheaditworenoothercoveringthanahollywreath，sethereandtherewithshiningicicles。Itsdarkbrowncurlswerelongandfree：freeasitsgenialface，itssparklingeye，itsopenhand，itscheeryvoice，itsunconstraineddemeanour，anditsjoyfulair。Girdedrounditsmiddlewasanantiquescabbard；butnoswordwasinit，andtheancientsheathwaseatenupwithrust。
``Youhaveneverseenthelikeofmebefore!’’exclaimedtheSpirit。
``Never，’’Scroogemadeanswertoit。
``Haveneverwalkedforthwiththeyoungermembersofmyfamily；meaning（forIamveryyoung）myelderbrothersbornintheselateryears？’’pursuedthePhantom。
``Idon’tthinkIhave，’’saidScrooge。``IamafraidIhavenot。Haveyouhadmanybrothers，Spirit？’’
``Morethaneighteenhundred，’’saidtheGhost。
``Atremendousfamilytoprovidefor!’’mutteredScrooge。
TheGhostofChristmasPresentrose。
``Spirit，’’saidScroogesubmissively，``conductmewhereyouwill。
Iwentforthlastnightoncompulsion，andIlearntalessonwhichisworkingnow。To—night，ifyouhaveaughttoteachme，letmeprofitbyit。’’
``Touchmyrobe!’’
Scroogedidashewastold，andhelditfast。
Holly，mistletoe，redberries，ivy，turkeys，geese，game，poultry，brawn，meat，pigs，sausages，oysters，pies，puddings，fruit，andpunch，allvanishedinstantly。Sodidtheroom，thefire，theruddyglow，thehourofnight，andtheystoodinthecitystreetsonChristmasmorning，where（fortheweatherwassevere）thepeoplemadearough，butbriskandnotunpleasantkindofmusic，inscrapingthesnowfromthepavementinfrontoftheirdwellings，andfromthetopsoftheirhouses：whenceitwasmaddelighttotheboystoseeitcomeplumpingdownintotheroadbelow，andsplittingintoartificiallittlesnow—storms。
Thehousefrontslookedblackenough，andthewindowsblacker，contrastingwiththesmoothwhitesheetofsnowupontheroofs，andwiththedirtiersnowupontheground；whichlastdeposithadbeenploughedupindeepfurrowsbytheheavywheelsofcartsandwaggons；furrowsthatcrossedandrecrossedeachotherhundredsoftimeswherethegreatstreetsbranchedoff；andmadeintricatechannels，hardtotraceinthethickyellowmudandicywater。Theskywasgloomy，andtheshorteststreetswerechokedupwithadingymist，halfthawed，halffrozen，whoseheavierparticlesdescendedinshowerofsootyatoms，asifallthechimneysinGreatBritainhad，byoneconsent，caughtfire，andwereblazingawaytotheirdearhearts’
content。Therewasnothingverycheerfulintheclimateorthetown，andyetwasthereanairofcheerfulnessabroadthattheclearestsummerairandbrightestsummersunmighthaveendeavouredtodiffuseinvain。
Forthepeoplewhowereshovellingawayonthehousetopswerejovialandfullofglee；callingouttooneanotherfromtheparapets，andnowandthenexchangingafacetioussnowball——better—naturedmissilefarthanmanyawordyjest——laughingheartilyifitwentrightandnotlessheartilyifitwentwrong。Thepoulterers’shopswerestillhalfopen，andthefruiterers’wereradiantintheirglory。Thereweregreat，round，pot—belliedbasketsofchesnuts，shapedlikethewaistcoatsofjollyoldgentlemen，lollingatthedoors，andtumblingoutintothestreetintheirapoplecticopulence。Therewereruddy，brown—faced，broad—girthedSpanishOnions，shininginthefatnessoftheirgrowthlikeSpanishFriars，andwinkingfromtheirshelvesinwantonslynessatthegirlsastheywentby，andglanceddemurelyatthehung—upmistletoe。Therewerepearsandapples，clusteredhighinbloomingpyramids；therewerebunchesofgrapes，made，intheshopkeepers’benevolencetodanglefromconspicuoushooks，thatpeople’smouthsmightwatergratisastheypassed；therewerepilesoffilberts，mossyandbrown，recalling，intheirfragrance，ancientwalksamongthewoods，andpleasantshufflingsankledeepthroughwitheredleaves；
therewereNorfolkBiffins，squabandswarthy，settingofftheyellowoftheorangesandlemons，and，inthegreatcompactnessoftheirjuicypersons，urgentlyentreatingandbeseechingtobecarriedhomeinpaperbagsandeatenafterdinner。Theverygoldandsilverfish，setforthamongthesechoicefruitsinabowl，thoughmembersofadullandstagnant—bloodedrace，appearedtoknowthattherewassomethinggoingon；and，toafish，wentgaspingroundandroundtheirlittleworldinslowandpassionlessexcitement。
TheGrocers’!ohtheGrocers’!nearlyclosed，withperhapstwoshuttersdown，orone；butthroughthosegapssuchglimpses!Itwasnotalonethatthescalesdescendingonthecountermadeamerrysound，orthatthetwineandrollerpartedcompanysobriskly，orthatthecanisterswererattledupanddownlikejugglingtricks，oreventhattheblendedscentsofteaandcoffeeweresogratefultothenose，oreventhattheraisinsweresoplentifulandrare，thealmondssoextremelywhite，thesticksofcinnamonsolongandstraight，theotherspicessodelicious，thecandiedfruitssocakedandspottedwithmoltensugarastomakethecoldestlookers—onfeelfaintandsubsequentlybilious。Norwasitthatthefigsweremoistandpulpy，orthattheFrenchplumsblushedinmodesttartnessfromtheirhighly—decoratedboxes，orthateverythingwasgoodtoeatandinitsChristmasdress；butthecustomerswereallsohurriedandsoeagerinthehopefulpromiseoftheday，thattheytumbledupagainsteachotheratthedoor，crashingtheirwickerbasketswildly，andlefttheirpurchasesuponthecounter，andcamerunningbacktofetchthem，andcommittedhundredsofthelikemistakes，inthebesthumourpossible；whiletheGrocerandhispeopleweresofrankandfreshthatthepolishedheartswithwhichtheyfastenedtheirapronsbehindmighthavebeentheirown，wornoutsideforgeneralinspection，andforChristmasdawstopeckatiftheychose。
Butsoonthesteeplescalledgoodpeopleall，tochurchandchapel，andawaytheycame，flockingthroughthestreetsintheirbestclothes，andwiththeirgayestfaces。Andatthesametimethereemergedfromscoresofbye—streets，lanes，andnamelessturnings，innumerablepeople，carryingtheirdinnerstothebaker’shops。ThesightofthesepoorrevellersappearedtointeresttheSpiritverymuch，forhestoodwithScroogebesidehiminabaker’sdoorway，andtakingoffthecoversastheirbearerspassed，sprinkledincenseontheirdinnersfromhistorch。Anditwasaveryuncommonkindoftorch，foronceortwicewhentherewereangrywordsbetweensomedinner—carrierswhohadjostledeachother，heshedafewdropsofwateronthemfromit，andtheirgoodhumourwasrestoreddirectly。Fortheysaid，itwasashametoquarreluponChristmasDay。Andsoitwas!Godloveit，soitwas!
Intimethebellsceased，andthebakers’wereshutup；andyettherewasagenialshadowingforthofallthesedinnersandtheprogressoftheircooking，inthethawedblotchofwetaboveeachbaker’soven；wherethepavementsmokedasifitsstoneswerecookingtoo。
``Isthereapeculiarflavourinwhatyousprinklefromyourtorch？’’
askedScrooge。
``Thereis。Myown。’’
``Woulditapplytoanykindofdinneronthisday？’’askedScrooge。
``Toanykindlygiven。Toapooronemost。’’
``Whytoapooronemost？’’askedScrooge。
``Becauseitneedsitmost。’’
``Spirit，’’saidScrooge，afteramoment’sthought，``Iwonderyou，ofallthebeingsinthemanyworldsaboutus，shoulddesiretocrampthesepeople’sopportunitiesofinnocentenjoyment。’’
``I!’’criedtheSpirit。
``Youwoulddeprivethemoftheirmeansofdiningeveryseventhday，oftentheonlydayonwhichtheycanbesaidtodineatall，’’saidScrooge。
``Wouldn’tyou？’’
``I!’’criedtheSpirit。
``YouseektoclosetheseplacesontheSeventhDay？’’saidScrooge。
``Anditcomestothesamething。’’
``Iseek!’’exclaimedtheSpirit。
``ForgivemeifIamwrong。Ithasbeendoneinyourname，oratleastinthatofyourfamily，’’saidScrooge。
``Therearesomeuponthisearthofyours，’’returnedtheSpirit，``wholayclaimtoknowus，andwhodotheirdeedsofpassion，pride，ill—will，hatred，envy，bigotry，andselfishnessinourname，whoareasstrangetousandalloutkithandkin，asiftheyhadneverlived。Rememberthat，andchargetheirdoingsonthemselves，notus。’’
Scroogepromisedthathewould；andtheywenton，invisible，astheyhadbeenbefore，intothesuburbsofthetown。ItwasaremarkablequalityoftheGhost（whichScroogehadobservedatthebaker’s），thatnotwithstandinghisgiganticsize，hecouldaccommodatehimselftoanyplacewithease；
andthathestoodbeneathalowroofquiteasgracefullyandlikeasupernaturalcreature，asitwaspossiblehecouldhavedoneinanyloftyhall。
AndperhapsitwasthepleasurethegoodSpirithadinshowingoffthispowerofhis，orelseitwashisownkind，generous，heartynature，andhissympathywithallpoormen，thatledhimstraighttoScrooge’sclerk’s；
fortherehewent，andtookScroogewithhim，holdingtohisrobe；andonthethresholdofthedoortheSpiritsmiled，andstoppedtoblessBobCratchit’sdwellingwiththesprinklingofhistorch。Thinkofthat!Bobhadbutfifteenboba—weekhimself；hepocketedonSaturdaysbutfifteencopiesofhisChristianname；andyettheGhostofChristmasPresentblessedhisfour—roomedhouse!
ThenuproseMrsCratchit，Cratchit’swife，dressedoutbutpoorlyinatwice—turnedgown，butbraveinribbons，whicharecheapandmakeagoodlyshowforsixpence；andshelaidthecloth，assistedbyBelindaCratchit，secondofherdaughters，alsobraveinribbons；whileMasterPeterCratchitplungedaforkintothesaucepanofpotatoes，andgettingthecornersofhismonstrousshirtcollar（Bob’sprivateproperty，conferreduponhissonandheirinhonouroftheday）intohismouth，rejoicedtofindhimselfsogallantlyattired，andyearnedtoshowhislineninthefashionableParks。AndnowtwosmallerCratchits，boyandgirl，cametearingin，screamingthatoutsidethebaker’stheyhadsmeltthegoose，andknownitfortheirown；andbaskinginluxuriousthoughtsofsage—and—onion，theseyoungCratchitsdancedaboutthetable，andexaltedMasterPeterCratchittotheskies，whilehe（notproud，althoughhiscollarsnearlychokedhim）blewthefire，untiltheslowpotatoesbubblingup，knockedloudlyatthesaucepan—lidtobeletoutandpeeled。
``Whathasevergotyourpreciousfatherthen。’’saidMrsCratchit。
``Andyourbrother，TinyTim!AndMarthawarn’taslatelastChristmasDaybyhalf—an—hour!’’
``Here’sMartha，mother!’’saidagirl，appearingasshespoke。
``Here’sMartha，mother!’’criedthetwoyoungCratchits。``Hurrah!
There’ssuchagoose，Martha!’’
``Why，blessyourheartalive，mydear，howlateyouare!’’saidMrsCratchit，kissingheradozentimes，andtakingoffhershawlandbonnetforherwithofficiouszeal。
``We’dadealofworktofinishuplastnight，’’repliedthegirl，``andhadtoclearawaythismorning，mother!’’
``Well!Nevermindsolongasyouarecome，’’saidMrsCratchit。``Sityedownbeforethefire，mydear，andhaveawarm，Lordblessye!’’
``No，no!There’sfathercoming，’’criedthetwoyoungCratchits，whowereeverywhereatonce。``Hide，Martha，hide!’’
SoMarthahidherself，andincamelittleBob，thefather，withatleastthreefeetofcomforterexclusiveofthefringe，hangingdownbeforehim；andhisthreadbareclothesdarnedupandbrushed，tolookseasonable；andTinyTimuponhisshoulder。AlasforTinyTim，heborealittlecrutch，andhadhislimbssupportedbyanironframe!
``Why，where’sourMartha？’’criedBobCratchit，lookinground。
``Notcoming，’’saidMrsCratchit。
``Notcoming!’’saidBob，withasuddendeclensioninhishighspirits；
forhehadbeenTim’sbloodhorseallthewayfromchurch，andhadcomehomerampant。``NotcominguponChristmasDay!’’
Marthadidn’tliketoseehimdisappointed，ifitwereonlyinjoke；
soshecameoutprematurelyfrombehindtheclosetdoor，andranintohisarms，whilethetwoyoungCratchitshustledTinyTim，andborehimoffintothewash—house，thathemighthearthepuddingsinginginthecopper。
``AndhowdidlittleTimbehave？’’askedMrsCratchit，whenshehadralliedBobonhiscredulityandBobhadhuggedhisdaughtertohisheart’scontent。
``Asgoodasgold，’’saidBob，``andbetter。Somehowhegetsthoughtful，sittingbyhimselfsomuch，andthinksthestrangestthingsyoueverheard。
Hetoldme，cominghome，thathehopedthepeoplesawhiminthechurch，becausehewasacripple，anditmightbepleasanttothemtorememberuponChristmasDay，whomadelamebeggarswalk，andblindmensee。’’
Bob’svoicewastremulouswhenhetoldthemthis，andtrembledmorewhenhesaidthatTinyTimwasgrowingstrongandhearty。
Hisactivelittlecrutchwashearduponthefloor，andbackcameTinyTimbeforeanotherwordwasspoken，escortedbyhisbrotherandsistertohisstoolbeforethefire；andwhileBob，turninguphiscuffs——asif，poorfellow，theywerecapableofbeingmademoreshabby——compoundedsomehotmixtureinajugwithginandlemons，andstirreditroundandroundandputitonthehobtosimmer；MasterPeter，andthetwoubiquitousyoungCratchitswenttofetchthegoose，withwhichtheysoonreturnedinhighprocession。
Suchabustleensuedthatyoumighthavethoughtagoosetherarestofallbirds；afeatheredphenomenon，towhichablackswanwasamatterofcourse；andintruthitwassomethingverylikeitinthathouse。MrsCratchitmadethegravy（readybeforehandinalittlesaucepan）hissinghot；MasterPetermashedthepotatoeswithincrediblevigour；MissBelindasweeteneduptheapple—sauce；Marthadustedthehotplates；BobtookTinyTimbesidehiminatinycorneratthetable；thetwoyoungCratchitssetchairsforeverybody，notforgettingthemselves，andmountingguardupontheirposts，crammedspoonsintotheirmouths，lesttheyshouldshriekforgoosebeforetheirturncametobehelped。Atlastthedisheswereseton，andgracewassaid。Itwassucceededbyabreathlesspause，asMrsCratchit，lookingslowlyallalongthecarving—knife，preparedtoplungeitinthebreast；butwhenshedid，andwhenthelongexpectedgushofstuffingissuedforth，onemurmurofdelightaroseallroundtheboard，andevenTinyTim，excitedbythetwoyoungCratchits，beatonthetablewiththehandleofhisknife，andfeeblycriedHurrah!
Thereneverwassuchagoose。Bobsaidhedidn’tbelievethereeverwassuchagoosecooked。Itstendernessandflavour，sizeandcheapness，werethethemesofuniversaladmiration。Ekedoutbyapple—sauceandmashedpotatoes，itwasasufficientdinnerforthewholefamily；indeed，asMrsCratchitsaidwithgreatdelight（surveyingonesmallatomofaboneuponthedish），theyhadn’tateitallatlast!Yeteveryonehadhadenough，andtheyoungestCratchitsinparticular，weresteepedinsageandoniontotheeyebrows!Butnow，theplatesbeingchangedbyMissBelinda，MrsCratchitlefttheroomalone——toonervoustobearwitnesses——totakethepuddingup，andbringitin。
Supposeitshouldnotbedoneenough!Supposeitshouldbreakinturningout!Supposesomebodyshouldhavegotoverthewalloftheback—yard，andstolenit，whiletheyweremerrywiththegoose：asuppositionatwhichthetwoyoungCratchitsbecamelivid!Allsortsofhorrorsweresupposed。
Hallo!Agreatdealofsteam!Thepuddingwasoutofthecopper。Asmelllikeawashing—day!Thatwasthecloth。Asmelllikeaneating—houseandapastrycook’snextdoortoeachother，withalaundress’snextdoortothat!Thatwasthepudding。InhalfaminuteMrsCratchitentered：flushed，butsmilingproudly：withthepudding，likeaspeckledcannon—ball，sohardandfirm，blazinginhalfofhalf—a—quarternofignitedbrandy，andbedightwithChristmashollystuckintothetop。
Oh，awonderfulpudding!BobCratchitsaid，andcalmlytoo，thatheregardeditasthegreatestsuccessachievedbyMrsCratchitsincetheirmarriage。MrsCratchitsaidthatnowtheweightwasoffhermind，shewouldconfessshehadhadherdoubtsaboutthequantityofflour。Everybodyhadsomethingtosayaboutit，butnobodysaidorthoughtitwasatallasmallpuddingforalargefamily。Itwouldhavebeenflatheresytodoso。AnyCratchitwouldhaveblushedtohintatsuchathing。
Atlastthedinnerwasalldone，theclothwascleared，thehearthswept，andthefiremadeup。Thecompoundinthejugbeingtasted，andconsideredperfect，applesandorangeswereputuponthetable，andashovel—fullofchesnutsonthefire。ThenalltheCratchitfamilydrewroundthehearth，inwhatBobCratchitcalledacircle，meaninghalfaone；andatBobCratchit’selbowstoodthefamilydisplayofglass；twotumblers，andacustard—cupwithoutahandle。
Theseheldthehotstufffromthejug，however，aswellasgoldengobletswouldhavedone；andBobserveditoutwithbeaminglooks，whilethechesnutsonthefiresputteredandcrackednoisily。ThenBobproposed：
``AMerryChristmastousall，mydears。Godblessus!’’
Whichallthefamilyre—echoed。
``Godblessuseveryone!’’saidTinyTim，thelastofall。
Hesatveryclosetohisfather’ssideuponhislittlestool。Bobheldhiswitheredlittlehandinhis，asifhelovedthechild，andwishedtokeephimbyhisside，anddreadedthathemightbetakenfromhim。
``Spirit，’’saidScrooge，withaninteresthehadneverfeltbefore，``tellmeifTinyTimwilllive。’’
``Iseeavacantseat，’’repliedtheGhost，``inthepoorchimney—corner，andacrutchwithoutanowner，carefullypreserved。IftheseshadowsremainunalteredbytheFuture，thechildwilldie。’’
``No，no，’’saidScrooge。``Oh，no，kindSpirit!sayhewillbespared。’’
``IftheseshadowsremainunalteredbytheFuture，noneotherofmyrace，’’returnedtheGhost，``willfindhimhere。Whatthen？Ifhebeliketodie，hehadbetterdoit，anddecreasethesurpluspopulation。’’
ScroogehunghisheadtohearhiswnwordsquotedbytheSpirit，andwasovercomewithpenitenceandgrief。
``Man，’’saidtheGhost，``ifmanyoubeinheart，notadamant，forbearthatwickedcantuntilyouhavediscoveredWhatthesurplusis，andWhereitis。Willyoudecidewhatmenshalllive，whatmenshalldie？Itmaybe，thatinthesightofHeaven，youaremoreworthlessandlessfittolivethanmillionslikethispoorman’schild。OhGod!toheartheInsectontheleafpronouncingonthetoomuchlifeamonghishungrybrothersinthedust!’’
ScroogebentbeforetheGhost’srebuke，andtremblingcasthiseyesupontheground。Butheraisedthemspeedily，onhearinghisownname。
``MrScrooge!’’saidBob；``I’llgiveyouMrScrooge，theFounderoftheFeast!’’
``TheFounderoftheFeastindeed!’’criedMrsCratchit，reddening。
``IwishIhadhimhere。I’dgivehimapieceofmymindtofeastupon，andIhopehe’dhaveagoodappetiteforit。’’
``Mydear，’’saidBob，``thechildren；ChristmasDay。’’
``ItshouldbeChristmasDay，Iamsure，’’saidshe，``onwhichonedrinksthehealthofsuchanodious，stingy，hard，unfeelingmanasMrScrooge。Youknowheis，Robert!Nobodyknowsitbetterthanyoudo，poorfellow!’’
``Mydear，’’wasBob’smildanswer，``ChristmasDay。’’
``I’lldrinkhishealthforyoursakeandtheDay’s，’’saidMrsCratchit，``notforhis。Longlifetohim。AmerryChristmasandahappynewyear!
He’llbeverymerryandveryhappy，Ihavenodoubt!’’
Thechildrendrankthetoastafterher。Itwasthefirstoftheirproceedingswhichhadnoheartiness。TinyTimdrankitlastofall，buthedidn’tcaretwopenceforit。ScroogewastheOgreofthefamily。Thementionofhisnamecastadarkshadowontheparty，whichwasnotdispelledforfullfiveminutes。
Afterithadpassedaway，theyweretentimesmerrierthanbefore，fromthemerereliefofScroogetheBalefulbeingdonewith。BobCratchittoldthemhowhehadasituationinhiseyeforMasterPeter，whichwouldbringin，ifobtained，fullfive—and—sixpenceweekly。ThetwoyoungCratchitslaughedtremendouslyattheideaofPeter’sbeingamanofbusiness；andPeterhimselflookedthoughtfullyatthefirefrombetweenhiscollars，asifheweredeliberatingwhatparticularinvestmentsheshouldfavourwhenhecameintothereceiptofthatbewilderingincome。Martha，whowasapoorapprenticeatamilliner’s，thentoldthemwhatkindofworkshehadtodo，andhowmanyhourssheworkedatastretch，andhowshemeanttoliea—bedto—morrowmorningforagoodlongrest；to—morrowbeingaholidayshepassedathome。Alsohowshehadseenacountessandalordsomedaysbefore，andhowthelord``wasmuchaboutastallasPeter；’’
atwhichPeterpulleduphiscollarssohighthatyoucouldn’thaveseenhisheadifyouhadbeenthere。Allthistimethechesnutsandthejugwentroundandround；andbyeandbyetheyhadasong，aboutalostchildtravellinginthesnow，fromTinyTim；whohadaplaintivelittlevoice，andsangitverywellindeed。
Therewasnothingofhighmarkinthis。Theywerenotahandsomefamily；
theywerenotwelldressed；theirshoeswerefarfrombeingwater—proof；
theirclotheswerescanty；andPetermighthaveknown，andverylikelydid，theinsideofapawnbroker’s。But，theywerehappy，grateful，pleasedwithoneanother，andcontentedwiththetime；andwhentheyfaded，andlookedhappieryetinthebrightsprinklingsoftheSpirit’storchatparting，Scroogehadhiseyeuponthem，andespeciallyonTinyTim，untilthelast。
Bythistimeitwasgettingdark，andsnowingprettyheavily；andasScroogeandtheSpiritwentalongthestreets，thebrightnessoftheroaringfiresinkitchens，parlours，andallsortsofrooms，waswonderful。Here，theflickeringoftheblazeshowedpreparationsforacosydinner，withhotplatesbakingthroughandthroughbeforethefire，anddeepredcurtains，readytobedrawntoshutoutcoldanddarkness。Thereallthechildrenofthehousewererunningoutintothesnowtomeettheirmarriedsisters，brothers，cousins，uncles，aunts，andbethefirsttogreetthem。Here，again，wereshadowsonthewindow—blindofguestsassembling；andthereagroupofhandsomegirls，allhoodedandfur—booted，andallchatteringatonce，trippedlightlyofftosomenearneighbour’shouse；where，woeuponthesinglemanwhosawthementer——artfulwitches，welltheyknewit——inaglow!
But，ifyouhadjudgedfromthenumbersofpeopleontheirwaytofriendlygatherings，youmighthavethoughtthatnoonewasathometogivethemwelcomewhentheygotthere，insteadofeveryhouseexpectingcompany，andpilingupitsfireshalf—chimneyhigh。Blessingsonit，howtheGhostexulted!Howitbareditsbreadthofbreast，andopeneditscapaciouspalm，andfloatedon，outpouring，withageneroushand，itsbrightandharmlessmirthoneverythingwithinitsreach!Theverylamplighter，whoranonbefore，dottingtheduskystreetwithspecksoflight，andwhowasdressedtospendtheeveningsomewhere，laughedoutloudlyastheSpiritpassed：
thoughlittlekennedthelamplighterthathehadanycompanybutChristmas!
Andnow，withoutawordofwarningfromtheGhost，theystooduponableakanddesertmoor，wheremonstrousmassesofrudestonewerecastabout，asthoughitweretheburial—placeofgiants；andwaterspreaditselfwheresoeveritlisted；orwouldhavedoneso，butforthefrostthathelditprisoner；
andnothinggrewbutmossandfurze，andcoarse，rankgrass。Downinthewestthesettingsunhadleftastreakoffieryred，whichglareduponthedesolationforaninstant，likeasulleneye，andfrowninglower，lower，loweryet，waslostinthethickgloomofdarkestnight。
``Whatplaceisthis？’’askedScrooge。
``AplacewhereMinerslive，wholabourinthebowelsoftheearth，’’
returnedtheSpirit。``Buttheyknowme。See!’’
Alightshonefromthewindowofahut，andswiftlytheyadvancedtowardsit。Passingthroughthewallofmudandstone，theyfoundacheerfulcompanyassembledroundaglowingfire。Anold，oldmanandwoman，withtheirchildrenandtheirchildren’schildren，andanothergenerationbeyondthat，alldeckedoutgailyintheirholidayattire。Theoldman，inavoicethatseldomroseabovethehowlingofthewinduponthebarrenwaste，wassingingthemaChristmassong：ithadbeenaveryoldsongwhenhewasaboy；
andfromtimetotimetheyalljoinedinthechorus。Sosurelyastheyraisedtheirvoices，theoldmangotquiteblitheandloud；andsosurelyastheystopped，hisvigoursankagain。
TheSpiritdidnottarryhere，butbadeScroogeholdhisrobe，andpassingonabovethemoor，spedwhither？Nottosea？Tosea。ToScrooge’shorror，lookingback，hesawthelastoftheland，afrightfulrangeofrocks，behindthem；andhisearsweredeafenedbythethunderingofwater，asitrolled，androared，andragedamongthedreadfulcavernsithadworn，andfiercelytriedtounderminetheearth。
Builtuponadismalreefofsunkenrocks，someleagueorsofromshore，onwhichthewaterschafedanddashed，thewildyearthrough，therestoodasolitarylighthouse。Greatheapsofsea—weedclungtoitsbase，andstorm—birds——bornofthewindonemightsuppose，assea—weedofthewater——roseandfellaboutit，likethewavestheyskimmed。
Butevenhere，twomenwhowatchedthelighthadmadeafire，thatthroughtheloopholeinthethickstonewallshedoutarayofbrightnessontheawfulsea。Joiningtheirhornyhandsovertheroughtableatwhichtheysat，theywishedeachotherMerryChristmasintheircanofgrog；andoneofthem：theelder，too，withhisfacealldamagedandscarredwithhardweather，asthefigure—headofanoldshipmightbe：struckupasturdysongthatwaslikeaGaleinitself。
AgaintheGhostspedon，abovetheblackandheavingsea——on，on——
until，beingfaraway，ashetoldScrooge，fromanyshore，theylightedonaship。Theystoodbesidethehelmsmanatthewheel，thelook—outinthebow，theofficerswhohadthewatch；dark，ghostlyfiguresintheirseveralstations；buteverymanamongthemhummedaChristmastune，orhadaChristmasthought，orspokebelowhisbreathtohiscompanionofsomebygoneChristmasDay，withhomewardhopesbelongingtoit。Andeverymanonboard，wakingorsleeping，goodorbad，hadhadakinderwordforanotheronthatdaythanonanydayintheyear；andhadsharedtosomeextentinitsfestivities；andhadrememberedthosehecaredforatadistance，andhadknownthattheydelightedtorememberhim。
ItwasagreatsurprisetoScrooge，whilelisteningtothemoaningofthewind，andthinkingwhatasolemnthingitwastomoveonthroughthelonelydarknessoveranunknownabyss，whosedepthsweresecretsasprofoundasDeath：itwasagreatsurprisetoScrooge，whilethusengaged，tohearaheartylaugh。ItwasamuchgreatersurprisetoScroogetorecogniseitashisownnephew’sandtofindhimselfinabright，dry，gleamingroom，withtheSpiritstandingsmilingbyhisside，andlookingatthatsamenephewwithapprovingaffability!
``Ha，ha!’’laughedScrooge’snephew。``Ha，ha，ha!’’
Ifyoushouldhappen，byanyunlikelychance，toknowamanmoreblestinalaughthanScrooge’snephew，allIcansayis，Ishouldliketoknowhimtoo。Introducehimtome，andI’llcultivatehisacquaintance。
Itisafair，even—handed，nobleadjustmentofthings，thatwhilethereisinfectionindiseaseandsorrow，thereisnothingintheworldsoirresistiblycontagiousaslaughterandgood—humour。WhenScrooge’snephewlaughedinthisway：holdinghissides，rollinghishead，andtwistinghisfaceintothemostextravagantcontortions：Scrooge’sniece，bymarriage，laughedasheartilyashe。Andtheirassembledfriendsbeingnotabitbehindhand，roaredoutlustily。
``Ha，ha!Ha，ha，ha，ha!’’
``HesaidthatChristmaswasahumbug，asIlive!’’criedScrooge’snephew。``Hebelievedittoo!’’
``Moreshameforhim，Fred!’’saidScrooge’sniece，indignantly。Blessthosewomen；theyneverdoanythingbyhalves。Theyarealwaysinearnest。
Shewasverypretty：exceedinglypretty。Withadimpled，surprised—looking，capitalface；aripelittlemouth，thatseemedmadetobekissed——asnodoubtitwas；allkindsofgoodlittledotsaboutherchin，thatmeltedintooneanotherwhenshelaughed；andthesunniestpairofeyesyoueversawinanylittlecreature’shead。Altogethershewaswhatyouwouldhavecalledprovoking，youknow；butsatisfactory，too。Oh，perfectlysatisfactory!
``He’sacomicaloldfellow，’’saidScrooge’snephew，``that’sthetruth：
andnotsopleasantashemightbe。However，hisoffencescarrytheirownpunishment，andIhavenothingtosayagainsthim。’’
``I’msureheisveryrich，Fred，’’hintedScrooge’sniece。``Atleastyoualwaystellmeso。’’
``Whatofthat，mydear!’’saidScrooge’snephew。``Hiswealthisofnousetohim。Hedon’tdoanygoodwithit。Hedon’tmakehimselfcomfortablewithit。Hehasn’tthesatisfactionofthinking——ha，ha，ha!——thatheisevergoingtobenefitUswithit。’’
``Ihavenopatiencewithhim，’’observedScrooge’sniece。Scrooge’sniece’ssisters，andalltheotherladies，expressedthesameopinion。
``Oh，Ihave!’’saidScrooge’snephew。``Iamsorryforhim；Icouldn’tbeangrywithhimifItried。Whosuffersbyhisillwhims？Himself，always。
Here，hetakesitintohisheadtodislikeus，andhewon’tcomeanddinewithus。What’stheconsequence？Hedon’tlosemuchofadinner。’’
``Indeed，Ithinkhelosesaverygooddinner，’’interruptedScrooge’sniece。Everybodyelsesaidthesame，andtheymustbeallowedtohavebeencompetentjudges，becausetheyhadjusthaddinner；and，withthedessertuponthetable，wereclusteredroundthefire，bylamplight。
``Well!I’mverygladtohearit，’’saidScrooge’snephew，``becauseIhaven’tgreatfaithintheseyounghousekeepers。Whatdoyousay，Topper？’’
TopperhadclearlygothiseyeupononeofScrooge’sniece’ssisters，forheansweredthatabachelorwasawretchedoutcast，whohadnorighttoexpressanopiniononthesubject。WhereatScrooge’sniece’ssister——theplumponewiththelacetucker：nottheonewiththeroses——blushed。
``Dogoon，Fred，’’saidScrooge’sniece，clappingherhands。``Heneverfinisheswhathebeginstosay。Heissucharidiculousfellow!’’
Scrooge’snephewrevelledinanotherlaugh，andasitwasimpossibletokeeptheinfectionoff；thoughtheplumpsistertriedhardtodoitwitharomaticvinegar；hisexamplewasunanimouslyfollowed。
``Iwasonlygoingtosay，’’saidScrooge’snephew，``thattheconsequenceofhistakingadisliketous，andnotmakingmerrywithus，is，asIthink，thathelosessomepleasantmoments，whichcoulddohimnoharm。Iamsurehelosespleasantercompanionsthanhecanfindinhisownthoughts，eitherinhismouldyoldoffice，orhisdustychambers。Imeantogivehimthesamechanceeveryyear，whetherhelikesitornot，forIpityhim。HemayrailatChristmastillhedies，buthecan’thelpthinkingbetterofit——Idefyhim——ifhefindsmegoingthere，ingoodtemper，yearafteryear，andsayingUncleScrooge，howareyou？Ifitonlyputshimintheveintoleavehispoorclerkfiftypounds，that’ssomething；andIthinkIshookhimyesterday。’’
ItwastheirturntolaughnowatthenotionofhisshakingScrooge。
Butbeingthoroughlygood—natured，andnotmuchcaringwhattheylaughedat，sothattheylaughedatanyrate，heencouragedthemintheirmerriment，andpassedthebottlejoyously。
Aftertea，theyhadsomemusic。Fortheywereamusicalfamily，andknewwhattheywereabout，whentheysungaGleeorCatch，Icanassureyou：especiallyTopper，whocouldgrowlawayinthebasslikeagoodone，andneverswellthelargeveinsinhisforehead，orgetredinthefaceoverit。Scrooge’snieceplayedwellupontheharp；andplayedamongothertunesasimplelittleair（amerenothing：youmightlearntowhistleitintwominutes），whichhadbeenfamiliartothechildwhofetchedScroogefromtheboarding—school，ashehadbeenremindedbytheGhostofChristmasPast。Whenthisstrainofmusicsounded，allthethingsthatGhosthadshownhim，cameuponhismind；hesoftenedmoreandmore；andthoughtthatifhecouldhavelistenedtoitoften，yearsago，hemighthavecultivatedthekindnessesoflifeforhisownhappinesswithhisownhands，withoutresortingtothesexton’sspadethatburiedJacobMarley。
Buttheydidn’tdevotethewholeeveningtomusic。Afterawhiletheyplayedatforfeits；foritisgoodtobechildrensometimes，andneverbetterthanatatChristmas，whenitsmightyFounderwasachildhimself。
Stop!Therewasfirstagameatblind—man’sbuff。Ofcoursetherewas。
AndInomorebelieveTopperwasreallyblindthanIbelievehehadeyesinhisboots。Myopinionis，thatitwasadonethingbetweenhimandScrooge’snephew；andthattheGhostofChristmasPresentknewit。Thewayhewentafterthatplumpsisterinthelacetucker，wasanoutrageonthecredulityofhumannature。Knockingdownthefire—irons，tumblingoverthechairs，bumpingagainstthepiano，smotheringhimselfamongthecurtains，wherevershewent，therewenthe。Healwaysknewwheretheplumpsisterwas。Hewouldn’tcatchanybodyelse。Ifyouhadfallenupagainsthim（assomeofthemdid），onpurpose，hewouldhavemadeafeintofendeavouringtoseizeyou，whichwouldhavebeenanaffronttoyourunderstanding，andwouldinstantlyhavesidledoffinthedirectionoftheplumpsister。Sheoftencriedoutthatitwasn’tfair；anditreallywasnot。Butwhenatlast，hecaughther；when，inspiteofallhersilkenrustlings，andherrapidflutteringspasthim，hegotherintoacornerwhencetherewasnoescape；thenhisconductwasthemostexecrable。Forhispretendingnottoknowher；hispretendingthatitwasnecessarytotouchherhead—dress，andfurthertoassurehimselfofheridentitybypressingacertainringuponherfinger，andacertainchainaboutherneck；wasvile，monstrous。
Nodoubtshetoldhimheropinionofit，when，anotherblind—manbeinginoffice，theyweresoveryconfidentialtogether，behindthecurtains。
Scrooge’sniecewasnotoneoftheblind—man’sbuffparty，butwasmadecomfortablewithalargechairandafootstool，inasnugcorner，wheretheGhostandScroogewereclosebehindher。Butshejoinedintheforfeits，andlovedherlovetoadmirationwithallthelettersofthealphabet。LikewiseatthegameofHow，When，andWhere，shewasverygreat，andtothesecretjoyofScrooge’snephew，beathersistershollow：thoughtheyweresharpgirlstoo，asToppercouldhavetoldyou。Theremighthavebeentwentypeoplethere，youngandold，buttheyallplayed，andsodidScrooge；for，whollyforgettingintheinteresthehadinwhatwasgoingon，thathisvoicemadenosoundintheirears，hesometimescameoutwithhisguessquiteloud，andveyoftenguessedquiteright，too；forthesharpestneedle，bestWhitechapel，warrantednottocutintheeye，wasnotsharperthanScrooge；bluntashetookitinhisheadtobe。
TheGhostwasgreatlypleasedtofindhiminthismood，andlookeduponhimwithsuchfavour，thathebeggedlikeaboytobeallowedtostayuntiltheguestsdeparted。ButthistheSpiritsaidcouldnotbedone。
``Hereisanewgame，’’saidScrooge。``Onehalfhour，Spirit，onlyone!’’
ItwasaGamecalledYesandNo，whereScrooge’snephewhadtothinkofsomething，andtherestmustfindoutwhat；heonlyansweringtotheirquestionsyesorno，asthecasewas。Thebriskfireofquestioningtowhichhewasexposed，elicitedfromhimthathewasthinkingofananimal，aliveanimal，ratheradisagreeableanimal，asavageanimal，ananimalthatgrowledandgruntedsometimes，andtalkedsometimes，andlivedinLondon，andwalkedaboutthestreets，andwasn’tmadeashowof，andwasn’tledbyanybody，anddidn’tliveinamenagerie，andwasneverkilledinamarket，andwasnotahorse，oranass，oracow，orabull，oratiger，oradog，orapig，oracat，orabear。Ateveryfreshquestionthatwasputtohim，thisnephewburstintoafreshroaroflaughter；andwassoinexpressiblytickled，thathewasobligedtogetupoffthesofaandstamp。
Atlasttheplumpsister，fallingintoasimilarstate，criedout：
``Ihavefounditout!Iknowwhatitis，Fred!Iknowwhatitis!’’
``Whatisit？’’criedFred。
``It’syourUncleScro—o—o—o—oge!’’
Whichitcertainlywas。Admirationwastheuniversalsentiment，thoughsomeobjectedthatthereplyto``Isitabear？’’oughttohavebeen``Yes；’’
inasmuchasananswerinthenegativewassufficienttohavedivertedtheirthoughtsfromMrScrooge，supposingtheyhadeverhadanytendencythatway。
``Hehasgivenusplentyofmerriment，Iamsure，’’saidFred，``anditwouldbeungratefulnottodrinkhishealth。Hereisaglassofmulledwinereadytoourhandatthemoment；andIsay，``UncleScrooge!’’’’
``Well!UncleScrooge。’’theycried。
``AMerryChristmasandaHappyNewYeartotheoldman，whateverheis!’’saidScrooge’snephew。``Hewouldn’ttakeitfromme，butmayhehaveit，nevertheless。UncleScrooge!’’
UncleScroogehadimperceptiblybecomesogayandlightofheart，thathewouldhavepledgedtheunconsciouscompanyinreturn，andthankedtheminaninaudiblespeech，iftheGhosthadgivenhimtime。Butthewholescenepassedoffinthebreathofthelastwordspokenbyhisnephew；andheandtheSpiritwereagainupontheirtravels。
Muchtheysaw，andfartheywent，andmanyhomestheyvisited，butalwayswithahappyend。TheSpiritstoodbesidesickbeds，andtheywerecheerful；
onforeignlands，andtheywerecloseathome；bystrugglingmen，andtheywerepatientintheirgreaterhope；bypoverty，anditwasrich。Inalmshouse，hospital，andjail，inmisery’severyrefuge，wherevainmaninhislittlebriefauthorityhadnotmadefastthedoorandbarredtheSpiritout，helefthisblessing，andtaughtScroogehisprecepts。
Itwasalongnight，ifitwereonlyanight；butScroogehadhisdoubtsofthis，becausetheChristmasHolidaysappearedtobecondensedintothespaceoftimetheypassedtogether。Itwasstrange，too，thatwhileScroogeremainedunalteredinhisoutwardform，theGhostgrewolder，clearlyolder。
Scroogehadobservedthischange，butneverspokeofit，untiltheyleftachildren’sTwelfthNightparty，when，lookingattheSpiritastheystoodtogetherinanopenplace，henoticedthatitshairwasgrey。
``Arespirits’livessoshort？’’askedScrooge。
``Mylifeuponthisglobe，isverybrief，’’repliedtheGhost。``Itendsto—night。’’
``To—night!’’criedScrooge。
``To—nightatmidnight。Hark!Thetimeisdrawingnear。’’
Thechimeswereringingthethreequarterspastelevenatthatmoment。
``ForgivemeifIamnotjustifiedinwhatIask，’’saidScrooge，lookingintentlyattheSpirit’srobe，``butIseesomethingstrange，andnotbelongingtoyourself，protrudingfromyourskirts。Isitafootoraclaw!’’
``Itmightbeaclaw，forthefleshthereisuponit，’’wastheSpirit’ssorrowfulreply。``Lookhere。’’
Fromthefoldingsofitsrobe，itbroughttwochildren；wretched，abject，frightful，hideous，miserable。Theykneltdownatitsfeet，andclungupontheoutsideofitsgarment。
``Oh，Man!lookhere。Look，look，downhere!’’exclaimedtheGhost。