Theywereaboyandgirl。Yellow，meagre，ragged，scowling，wolfish；
butprostrate，too，intheirhumility。Wheregracefulyouthshouldhavefilledtheirfeaturesout，andtouchedthemwithitsfreshesttints，astaleandshrivelledhand，likethatofage，hadpinched，andtwistedthem，andpulledthemintoshreds。Whereangelsmighthavesatenthroned，devilslurked，andglaredoutmenacing。Nochange，nodegradation，noperversionofhumanity，inanygrade，throughallthemysteriesofwonderfulcreation，hasmonstershalfsohorribleanddread。
Scroogestartedback，appalled。Havingthemshowntohiminthisway，hetriedtosaytheywerefinechildren，butthewordschokedthemselves，ratherthanbepartiestoalieofsuchenormousmagnitude。
``Spirit!aretheyyours？’’Scroogecouldsaynomore。
``TheyareMan’s，’’saidtheSpirit，lookingdownuponthem。``Andtheyclingtome，appealingfromtheirfathers。ThisboyisIgnorance。ThisgirlisWant。Bewarethemboth，andalloftheirdegree，butmostofallbewarethisboy，foronhisbrowIseethatwrittenwhichisDoom，unlessthewritingbeerased。Denyit!’’criedtheSpirit，stretchingoutitshandtowardsthecity。``Slanderthosewhotellitye!Admititforyourfactiouspurposes，andmakeitworse!Andbidetheend!’’
``Havetheynorefugeorresource？’’criedScrooge。
``Aretherenoprisons？’’saidtheSpirit，turningonhimforthelasttimewithhisownwords。``Aretherenoworkhouses？’’
Thebellstrucktwelve。
ScroogelookedabouthimfortheGhost，andsawitnot。Asthelaststrokeceasedtovibrate，herememberedthepredictionofoldJacobMarley，andliftinguphiseyes，beheldasolemnPhantom，drapedandhooded，coming，likeamistalongtheground，towardshim。PreviousChapterNextChapterAChristmasCarol—Chapter4PreviousChapterNextChapterChapter4—TheLastoftheSpiritsThePhantomslowly，gravely，silentlyapproached。Whenitcame，Scroogebentdownuponhisknee；forintheveryairthroughwhichthisSpiritmoveditseemedtoscattergloomandmystery。
Itwasshroudedinadeepblackgarment，whichconcealeditshead，itsface，itsform，andleftnothingofitvisiblesaveoneoutstretchedhand。
Butforthisitwouldhavebeendifficulttodetachitsfigurefromthenight，andseparateitfromthedarknessbywhichitwassurrounded。
Hefeltthatitwastallandstatelywhenitcamebesidehim，andthatitsmysteriouspresencefilledhimwithasolemndread。Heknewnomore，fortheSpiritneitherspokenormoved。
``IaminthepresenceoftheGhostofChristmasYetToCome？’’saidScrooge。
TheSpiritanswerednot，butpointedonwardwithitshand。
``Youareabouttoshowmeshadowsofthethingsthathavenothappened，butwillhappeninthetimebeforeus，’’Scroogepursued。``Isthatso，Spirit？’’
Theupperportionofthegarmentwascontractedforaninstantinitsfolds，asiftheSpirithadinclineditshead。Thatwastheonlyanswerhereceived。
Althoughwellusedtoghostlycompanybythistime，Scroogefearedthesilentshapesomuchthathislegstrembledbeneathhim，andhefoundthathecouldhardlystandwhenhepreparedtofollowit。TheSpiritpausedamoment，asobservinghiscondition，andgivinghimtimetorecover。
ButScroogewasalltheworseforthis。Itthrilledhimwithavagueuncertainhorror，toknowthatbehindtheduskyshroud，therewereghostlyeyesintentlyfixeduponhim，whilehe，thoughhestretchedhisowntotheutmost，couldseenothingbutaspectralhandandonegreatheapofblack。
``GhostoftheFuture!’’heexclaimed，``IfearyoumorethananyspectreIhaveseen。ButasIknowyourpurposesitodomegood，andasIhopetolivetobeanothermanfromwhatIwas，Iampreparedtobearyoucompany，anddoitwithathankfulheart。Willyounotspeaktome？’’
Itgavehimnoreply。Thehandwaspointedstraightbeforethem。
``Leadon!’’saidScrooge。``Leadon!Thenightiswaningfast，anditisprecioustimetome，Iknow。Leadon，Spirit!’’
ThePhantommovedawayasithadcometowardshim。Scroogefollowedintheshadowofitsdress，whichborehimup，hethought，andcarriedhimalong。
Theyscarcelyseemedtoenterthecity；forthecityratherseemedtospringupaboutthem，andencompassthemofitsownact。Buttheretheywere，intheheartofit；onChange，amongstthemerchants；whohurriedupanddown，andchinkedthemoneyintheirpockets，andconversedingroups，andlookedattheirwatches，andtrifledthoughtfullywiththeirgreatgoldseals；andsoforth，asScroogehadseenthemoften。
TheSpiritstoppedbesideonelittleknotofbusinessmen。Observingthatthehandwaspointedtothem，Scroogeadvancedtolistentotheirtalk。
``No，’’saidagreatfatmanwithamonstrouschin，``Idon’tknowmuchaboutit，eitherway。Ionlyknowhe’sdead。’’
``Whendidhedie？’’inquiredanother。
``Lastnight，Ibelieve。’’
``Why，whatwasthematterwithhim？’’askedathird，takingavastquantityofsnuffoutofaverylargesnuff—box。``Ithoughthe’dneverdie。’’
``Godknows，’’saidthefirst，withayawn。
``Whathashedonewithhismoney？’’askedared—facedgentlemanwithapendulousexcrescenceontheendofhisnose，thatshooklikethegillsofaturkey—cock。
``Ihaven’theard，’’saidthemanwiththelargechin，yawningagain。
``LeftittohisCompany，perhaps。Hehasn’tleftittome。That’sallIknow。’’
Thispleasantrywasreceivedwithagenerallaugh。
``It’slikelytobeaverycheapfuneral，’’saidthesamespeaker；``foruponmylifeIdon’tknowofanybodytogotoit。Supposewemakeupapartyandvolunteer？’’
``Idon’tmindgoingifalunchisprovided，’’observedthegentlemanwiththeexcrescenceonhisnose。``ButImustbefed，ifImakeone。’’
Anotherlaugh。
``Well，Iamthemostdisinterestedamongyou，afterall，’’saidthefirstspeaker，``forIneverwearblackgloves，andInevereatlunch。
ButI’lloffertogo，ifanybodyelsewill。WhenIcometothinkofit，I’mnotatallsurethatIwasn’thismostparticularfriend；forweusedtostopandspeakwheneverwemet。Bye，bye!’’
Speakersandlistenersstrolledaway，andmixedwithothergroups。Scroogeknewthemen，andlookedtowardstheSpiritforanexplanation。
ThePhantomglidedonintoastreet。Itsfingerpointedtotwopersonsmeeting。Scroogelistenedagain，thinkingthattheexplanationmightliehere。
Heknewthesemen，also，perfectly。Theyweremenofbusiness：verywealthy，andofgreatimportance。Hehadmadeapointalwaysofstandingwellintheiresteem：inabusinesspointofview，thatis；strictlyinabusinesspointofview。
``Howareyou？’’saidone。
``Howareyou？’’returnedtheother。
``Well!’’saidthefirst。``OldScratchhasgothisownatlast，hey？’’
``SoIamtold，’’returnedthesecond。``Cold，isn’tit？’’
``SeasonableforChristmastime。You’renotaskaiter，Isuppose？’’
``No。No。Somethingelsetothinkof。Goodmorning!’’
Notanotherword。Thatwastheirmeeting，theirconversation，andtheirparting。
ScroogewasatfirstinclinedtobesurprisedthattheSpiritshouldattachimportancetoconversationsapparentlysotrivial；butfeelingassuredthattheymusthavesomehiddenpurpose，hesethimselftoconsiderwhatitwaslikelytobe。TheycouldscarcelybesupposedtohaveanybearingonthedeathofJacob，hisoldpartner，forthatwasPast，andthisGhost’sprovincewastheFuture。Norcouldhethinkofanyoneimmediatelyconnectedwithhimself，towhomhecouldapplythem。Butnothingdoubtingthattowhomsoevertheyappliedtheyhadsomelatentmoralforhisownimprovement，heresolvedtotreasureupeverywordheheard，andeverythinghesaw；
andespeciallytoobservetheshadowofhimselfwhenitappeared。Forhehadanexpectationthattheconductofhisfutureselfwouldgivehimthecluehemissed，andwouldrenderthesolutionoftheseriddleseasy。
Helookedaboutinthatveryplaceforhisownimage；butanothermanstoodinhisaccustomedcorner，andthoughtheclockpointedtohisusualtimeofdayforbeingthere，hesawnolikenessofhimselfamongthemultitudesthatpouredinthroughthePorch。Itgavehimlittlesurprise，however；
forhehadbeenrevolvinginhismindachangeoflife，andthoughtandhopedhesawhisnew—bornresolutionscarriedoutinthis。
Quietanddark，besidehimstoodthePhantom，withitsoutstretchedhand。Whenherousedhimselffromhisthoughtfulquest，hefanciedfromtheturnofthehand，anditssituationinreferencetohimself，thattheUnseenEyeswerelookingathimkeenly。Itmadehimshudder，andfeelverycold。
Theyleftthebusyscene，andwentintoanobscurepartofthetown，whereScroogehadneverpenetratedbefore，althoughherecogniseditssituation，anditsbadrepute。Thewayswerefoulandnarrow；theshopsandhouseswretched；thepeoplehalf—naked，drunken，slipshod，ugly。Alleysandarchways，likesomanycesspools，disgorgedtheiroffencesofsmell，anddirt，andlife，uponthestragglingstreets；andthewholequarterreekedwithcrime，withfilth，andmisery。
Farinthisdenofinfamousresort，therewasalow—browed，beetlingshop，belowapent—houseroof，whereiron，oldrags，bottles，bones，andgreasyoffal，werebought。Uponthefloorwithin，werepiledupheapsofrustykeys，nails，chains，hinges，files，scales，weights，andrefuseironofallkinds。Secretsthatfewwouldliketoscrutinisewerebredandhiddeninmountainsofunseemlyrags，massesofcorruptedfat，andsepulchresofbones。Sittinginamongthewareshedealtin，byacharcoalstove，madeofoldbricks，wasagrey—hairedrascal，nearlyseventyyearsofage；
whohadscreenedhimselffromthecoldairwithout，byafrousycurtainingofmiscellaneoustatters，hunguponaline；andsmokedhispipeinalltheluxuryofcalmretirement。
ScroogeandthePhantomcameintothepresenceofthisman，justasawomanwithaheavybundleslunkintotheshop。Butshehadscarcelyentered，whenanotherwoman，similarlyladen，cameintoo；andshewascloselyfollowedbyamaninfadedblack，whowasnolessstartledbythesightofthem，thantheyhadbeenupontherecognitionofeachother。Afterashortperiodofblankastonishment，inwhichtheoldmanwiththepipehadjoinedthem，theyallthreeburstintoalaugh。
``Letthecharwomanalonetobethefirst!’’criedshewhohadenteredfirst。``Letthelaundressalonetobethesecond；andlettheundertaker’smanalonetobethethird。Lookhere，oldJoe，here’sachance!Ifwehaven’tallthreemetherewithoutmeaningit!’’
``Youcouldn’thavemetinabetterplace，’’saidoldJoe，removinghispipefromhismouth。``Comeintotheparlour。Youweremadefreeofitlongago，youknow；andtheothertwoan’tstrangers。StoptillIshutthedooroftheshop。Ah!Howitskreeks!Therean’tsucharustybitofmetalintheplaceasitsownhinges，Ibelieve；andI’msurethere’snosucholdboneshere，asmine。Ha，ha!We’reallsuitabletoourcalling，we’rewellmatched。Comeintotheparlour。Comeintotheparlour。’’
Theparlourwasthespacebehindthescreenofrags。Theoldmanrakedthefiretogetherwithanoldstair—rod，andhavingtrimmedhissmokylamp（foritwasnight），withthestemofhispipe，putitinhismouthagain。
Whilehedidthis，thewomanwhohadalreadyspokenthrewherbundleonthefloor，andsatdowninaflauntingmanneronastool；crossingherelbowsonherknees，andlookingwithabolddefianceattheothertwo。
``Whatoddsthen!Whatodds，MrsDilber？’’saidthewoman。``Everypersonhasarighttotakecareofthemselves。Healwaysdid!’’
``That’strue，indeed!’’saidthelaundress。``Nomanmoreso。’’
``Whythen，don’tstandstaringasifyouwasafraid，woman；who’sthewiser？We’renotgoingtopickholesineachother’scoats，Isuppose？’’
``No，indeed!’’saidMrsDilberandthemantogether。``Weshouldhopenot。’’
``Verywell，then!’’criedthewoman。``That’senough。Who’stheworseforthelossofafewthingslikethese？Notadeadman，Isuppose。’’
``No，indeed!’’saidMrsDilber，laughing。
``Ifhewantedtokeep’emafterhewasdead，awickedoldscrew，’’
pursuedthewoman，``whywasn’thenaturalinhislifetime？Ifhehadbeen，he’dhavehadsomebodytolookafterhimwhenhewasstruckwithDeath，insteadoflyinggaspingouthislastthere，alonebyhimself。’’
``It’sthetruestwordthateverwasspoke，’’saidMrsDilber。``It’sajudgmentonhim。’’
``Iwishitwasalittleheavierjudgment，’’repliedthewoman；``anditshouldhavebeen，youmaydependuponit，ifIcouldhavelaidmyhandsonanythingelse。Openthatbundle，oldJoe，andletmeknowthevalueofit。Speakoutplain。I’mnotafraidtobethefirst，norafraidforthemtoseeit。Weknowprettywellthatwewerehelpingourselves，beforewemethere，Ibelieve。It’snosin。Openthebundle，Joe。’’
Butthegallantryofherfriendswouldnotallowofthis；andthemaninfadedblack，mountingthebreachfirst，producedhisplunder。
Itwasnotextensive。Asealortwo，apencil—case，apairofsleeve—buttons，andabroochofnogreatvalue，wereall。TheywereseverallyexaminedandappraisedbyoldJoe，whochalkedthesumshewasdisposedtogiveforeach，uponthewall，andaddedthemupintoatotalwhenhefoundtherewasnothingmoretocome。
``That’syouraccount，’’saidJoe，``andIwouldn’tgiveanothersixpence，ifIwastobeboiledfornotdoingit。Who’snext？’’
MrsDilberwasnext。Sheetsandtowels，alittlewearingapparel，twoold—fashionedsilverteaspoons，apairofsugar—tongs，andafewboots。
Heraccountwasstatedonthewallinthesamemanner。
``Ialwaysgivetoomuchtoladies。It’saweaknessofmine，andthat’sthewayIruinmyself，’’saidoldJoe。``That’syouraccount。Ifyouaskedmeforanotherpenny，andmadeitanopenquestion，I’drepentofbeingsoliberalandknockoffhalf—a—crown。’’
``Andnowundomybundle，Joe，’’saidthefirstwoman。
Joewentdownonhiskneesforthegreaterconvenienceofopeningit，andhavingunfastenedagreatmanyknots，draggedoutalargeandheavyrollofsomedarkstuff。
``Whatdoyoucallthis。’’saidJoe。``Bed—curtains!’’
``Ah!’’returnedthewoman，laughingandleaningforwardonhercrossedarms。``Bed—curtains!’’
``Youdon’tmeantosayyoutookthemdown，ringsandall，withhimlyingthere？’’saidJoe。
``YesIdo，’’repliedthewoman。``Whynot？’’
``Youwereborntomakeyourfortune，’’saidJoe，``andyou’llcertainlydoit。’’
``Icertainlyshan’tholdmyhand，whenIcangetanythinginitbyreachingitout，forthesakeofsuchamanasHewas，Ipromiseyou，Joe，’’
returnedthewomancoolly。``don’tdropthatoilupontheblankets，now。’’
``Hisblankets？’’askedJoe。
``Whoseelse’sdoyouthink？’’repliedthewoman。``Heisn’tlikelytotakecoldwithout’em，Idaresay。’’
``Ihopehedidn’tdieofanythingcatching？Eh？’’saidoldJoe，stoppinginhiswork，andlookingup。
``Don’tyoubeafraidofthat，’’returnedthewoman。``Ian’tsofondofhiscompanythatI’dloiterabouthimforsuchthings，ifhedid。Ah!
youmaylookthroughthatshirttillyoureyesache；butyouwon’tfindaholeinit，norathreadbareplace。It’sthebesthehad，andafineonetoo。They’dhavewastedit，ifithadn’tbeenforme。’’
``Whatdoyoucallwastingofit？’’askedoldJoe。
``Puttingitonhimtobeburiedin，tobesure，’’repliedthewomanwithalaugh。``Somebodywasfoolenoughtodoit，butItookitoffagain。
Ifcalicoan’tgoodenoughforsuchapurpose，itisn’tgoodenoughforanything。It’squiteasbecomingtothebody。Hecan’tlookuglierthanhedidinthatone。’’
Scroogelistenedtothisdialogueinhorror。Astheysatgroupedabouttheirspoil，inthescantylightaffordedbytheoldman’slamp，heviewedthemwithadetestationanddisgust，whichcouldhardlyhavebeengreater，thoughtheyhadbeenobscenedemons，marketingthecorpseitself。
``Ha，ha!’’laughedthesamewoman，whenoldJoe，producingaflannelbagwithmoneyinit，toldouttheirseveralgainsupontheground。``Thisistheendofit，yousee!Hefrightenedeveryoneawayfromhimwhenhewasalive，toprofituswhenhewasdead!Ha，ha，ha!’’
``Spirit!’’saidScrooge，shudderingfromheadtofoot。``Isee，Isee。
Thecaseofthisunhappymanmightbemyown。Mylifetendsthatway，now。
MercifulHeaven，whatisthis!’’
Herecoiledinterror，forthescenehadchanged，andnowhealmosttouchedabed：abare，uncurtainedbed：onwhich，beneatharaggedsheet，therelayasomethingcoveredup，which，thoughitwasdumb，announceditselfinawfullanguage。
Theroomwasverydark，toodarktobeobservedwithanyaccuracy，thoughScroogeglancedrounditinobediencetoasecretimpulse，anxioustoknowwhatkindofroomitwas。Apalelight，risingintheouterair，fellstraightuponthebed；andonit，plunderedandbereft，unwatched，unwept，uncaredfor，wasthebodyofthisman。
ScroogeglancedtowardsthePhantom。Itssteadyhandwaspointedtothehead。Thecoverwassocarelesslyadjustedthattheslightestraisingofit，themotionofafingeruponScrooge’spart，wouldhavedisclosedtheface。Hethoughtofit，felthoweasyitwouldbetodo，andlongedtodoit；buthadnomorepowertowithdrawtheveilthantodismissthespectreathisside。
Ohcold，cold，rigid，dreadfulDeath，setupthinealtarhere，anddressitwithsuchterrorsasthouhastatthycommand：forthisisthydominion!
Butoftheloved，revered，andhonouredhead，thoucanstnotturnonehairtothydreadpurposes，ormakeonefeatureodious。Itisnotthatthehandisheavyandwillfalldownwhenreleased；itisnotthattheheartandpulsearestill；butthatthehandwasopen，generous，andtrue；theheartbrave，warm，andtender；andthepulseaman’s。Strike，Shadow，strike!Andseehisgooddeedsspringingfromthewound，tosowtheworldwithlifeimmortal。
NovoicepronouncedthesewordsinScrooge’sears，andyetheheardthemwhenhelookeduponthebed。Hethought，ifthismancouldberaisedupnow，whatwouldbehisforemostthoughts？Avarice，hard—dealing，gripingcares？Theyhavebroughthimtoarichend，truly!
Helay，inthedarkemptyhouse，withnotaman，awoman，orachild，tosaythathewaskindtomeinthisorthat，andforthememoryofonekindwordIwillbekindtohim。Acatwastearingatthedoor，andtherewasasoundofgnawingratsbeneaththehearth—stone。Whattheywantedintheroomofdeath，andwhytheyweresorestlessanddisturbed，Scroogedidnotdaretothink。
``Spirit!’’hesaid，``thisisafearfulplace。Inleavingit，Ishallnotleaveitslesson，trustme。Letusgo!’’
StilltheGhostpointedwithanunmovedfingertothehead。
``Iunderstandyou，’’Scroogereturned，``andIwoulddoit，ifIcould。
ButIhavenotthepower，Spirit。Ihavenotthepower。’’
Againitseemedtolookuponhim。
``Ifthereisanypersoninthetown，whofeelsemotioncausedbythisman’sdeath，’’saidScroogequiteagonised，``showthatpersontome，Spirit，Ibeseechyou!’’
ThePhantomspreaditsdarkrobebeforehimforamoment，likeawing；
andwithdrawingit，revealedaroombydaylight，whereamotherandherchildrenwere。
Shewasexpectingsomeone，andwithanxiouseagerness；forshewalkedupanddowntheroom；startedateverysound；lookedoutfromthewindow；
glancedattheclock；tried，butinvain，toworkwithherneedle；andcouldhardlybearthevoicesofthechildrenintheirplay。
Atlengththelong—expectedknockwasheard。Shehurriedtothedoor，andmetherhusband；amanwhosefacewascarewornanddepressed，thoughhewasyoung。Therewasaremarkableexpressioninitnow；akindofseriousdelightofwhichhefeltashamed，andwhichhestruggledtorepress。
Hesatdowntothedinnerthathadbeenboardingforhimbythefire；
andwhensheaskedhimfaintlywhatnews（whichwasnotuntilafteralongsilence），heappearedembarrassedhowtoanswer。
``Isitgood。’’shesaid，``orbad？’’——tohelphim。
``Bad，’’heanswered。
``Wearequiteruined？’’
``No。Thereishopeyet，Caroline。’’
``Ifherelents，’’shesaid，amazed，``thereis。Nothingispasthope，ifsuchamiraclehashappened。’’
``Heispastrelenting，’’saidherhusband。``Heisdead。’’
Shewasamildandpatientcreatureifherfacespoketruth；butshewasthankfulinhersoultohearit，andshesaidso，withclaspedhands。
Sheprayedforgivenessthenextmoment，andwassorry；butthefirstwastheemotionofherheart。
``Whatthehalf—drunkenwomanwhomItoldyouoflastnight，saidtome，whenItriedtoseehimandobtainaweek’sdelay；andwhatIthoughtwasamereexcusetoavoidme；turnsouttohavebeenquitetrue。Hewasnotonlyveryill，butdying，then。’’
``Towhomwillourdebtbetransferred？’’
``Idon’tknow。Butbeforethattimeweshallbereadywiththemoney；
andeventhoughwewerenot，itwouldbeabadfortuneindeedtofindsomercilessacreditorinhissuccessor。Wemaysleepto—nightwithlighthearts，Caroline!’’
Yes。Softenitastheywould，theirheartswerelighter。Thechildren’sfaces，hushedandclusteredroundtohearwhattheysolittleunderstood，werebrighter；anditwasahappierhouseforthisman’sdeath!TheonlyemotionthattheGhostcouldshowhim，causedbytheevent，wasoneofpleasure。
``Letmeseesometendernessconnectedwithadeath，’’saidScrooge；
``orthatdarkchamber，Spirit，whichweleftjustnow，willbeforeverpresenttome。’’
TheGhostconductedhimthroughseveralstreetsfamiliartohisfeet；
andastheywentalong，Scroogelookedhereandtheretofindhimself，butnowherewashetobeseen。TheyenteredpoorBobCratchit’shouse；
thedwellinghehadvisitedbefore；andfoundthemotherandthechildrenseatedroundthefire。
Quiet。Veryquiet。ThenoisylittleCratchitswereasstillasstatuesinonecorner，andsatlookingupatPeter，whohadabookbeforehim。
Themotherandherdaughterswereengagedinsewing。Butsurelytheywereveryquiet!
````Andhetookachild，andsethiminthemidstofthem。’’’’
WherehadScroogeheardthosewords？Hehadnotdreamedthem。Theboymusthavereadthemout，asheandtheSpiritcrossedthethreshold。Whydidhenotgoon？
Themotherlaidherworkuponthetable，andputherhanduptoherface。
``Thecolourhurtsmyeyes，’’shesaid。
Thecolour？Ah，poorTinyTim!
``They’rebetternowagain，’’saidCratchit’swife。``Itmakesthemweakbycandle—light；andIwouldn’tshowweakeyestoyourfatherwhenhecomeshome，fortheworld。Itmustbenearhistime。’’
``Pastitrather，’’Peteranswered，shuttinguphisbook。``ButIthinkhehaswalkedalittleslowerthanheused，thesefewlastevenings，mother。’’
Theywereveryquietagain。Atlastshesaid，andinasteady，cheerfulvoice，thatonlyfaulteredonce：
``Ihaveknownhimwalkwith——IhaveknownhimwalkwithTinyTimuponhisshoulder，veryfastindeed。’’
``AndsohaveI，’’criedPeter。``Often。’’
``AndsohaveI!’’exclaimedanother。Sohadall。
``Buthewasverylighttocarry，’’sheresumed，intentuponherwork，``andhisfatherlovedhimso，thatitwasnotrouble：notrouble。Andthereisyourfatheratthedoor!’’
Shehurriedouttomeethim；andlittleBobinhiscomforter——hehadneedofit，poorfellow——camein。Histeawasreadyforhimonthehob，andtheyalltriedwhoshouldhelphimtoitmost。ThenthetwoyoungCratchitsgotuponhiskneesandlaid，eachchildalittlecheek，againsthisface，asiftheysaid，``Don’tmindit，father。Don’tbegrieved!’’
Bobwasverycheerfulwiththem，andspokepleasantlytoallthefamily。
Helookedattheworkuponthetable，andpraisedtheindustryandspeedofMrsCratchitandthegirls。TheywouldbedonelongbeforeSunday，hesaid。
``Sunday!Youwentto—day，then，Robert？’’saidhiswife。
``Yes，mydear，’’returnedBob。``Iwishyoucouldhavegone。Itwouldhavedoneyougoodtoseehowgreenaplaceitis。Butyou’llseeitoften。
IpromisedhimthatIwouldwalkthereonaSunday。Mylittle，littlechild!’’
criedBob。``Mylittlechild!’’
Hebrokedownallatonce。Hecouldn’thelpit。Ifhecouldhavehelpedit，heandhischildwouldhavebeenfartherapartperhapsthantheywere。
Helefttheroom，andwentup—stairsintotheroomabove，whichwaslightedcheerfully，andhungwithChristmas。Therewasachairsetclosebesidethechild，andthereweresignsofsomeonehavingbeenthere，lately。
PoorBobsatdowninit，andwhenhehadthoughtalittleandcomposedhimself，hekissedthelittleface。Hewasreconciledtowhathadhappened，andwentdownagainquitehappy。
Theydrewaboutthefire，andtalked；thegirlsandmotherworkingstill。
BobtoldthemoftheextraordinarykindnessofMrScrooge’snephew，whomhehadscarcelyseenbutonce，andwho，meetinghiminthestreetthatday，andseeingthathelookedalittle——``justalittledownyouknow，’’
saidBob，inquiredwhathadhappenedtodistresshim。``Onwhich，’’saidBob，``forheisthepleasantest—spokengentlemanyoueverheard，Itoldhim。``Iamheartilysorryforit，MrCratchit，’’hesaid，``andheartilysorryforyourgoodwife。’’Bythebye，howheeverknewthat，I
don’tknow。’’
``Knewwhat，mydear？’’
``Why，thatyouwereagoodwife，’’repliedBob。
``Everybodyknowsthat。’’saidPeter。
``Verywellobserved，myboy。’’criedBob。``Ihopetheydo。``Heartilysorry，’’hesaid，``foryourgoodwife。IfIcanbeofservicetoyouinanyway，’’hesaid，givingmehiscard，``that’swhereIlive。
Praycometome。’’Now，itwasn’t，’’criedBob，``forthesakeofanythinghemightbeabletodoforus，somuchasforhiskindway，thatthiswasquitedelightful。ItreallyseemedasifhehadknownourTinyTim，andfeltwithus。’’
``I’msurehe’sagoodsoul!’’saidMrsCratchit。
``Youwouldbesurerofit，mydear，’’returnedBob，``ifyousawandspoketohim。Ishouldn’tbeatallsurprised，markwhatIsay，ifhegotPeterabettersituation。’’
``Onlyhearthat，Peter，’’saidMrsCratchit。
``Andthen，’’criedoneofthegirls，``Peterwillbekeepingcompanywithsomeone，andsettingupforhimself。’’
``Getalongwithyou!’’retortedPeter，grinning。
``It’sjustaslikelyasnot，’’saidBob，``oneofthesedays；thoughthere’splentyoftimeforthat，mydear。Buthoweverandwheneverwepartfromoneanother，IamsureweshallnoneofusforgetpoorTinyTim——
shallwe——orthisfirstpartingthattherewasamongus？’’
``Never，father!’’criedtheyall。
``AndIknow，’’saidBob，``Iknow，mydears，thatwhenwerecollecthowpatientandhowmildhewas；althoughhewasalittle，littlechild；
weshallnotquarreleasilyamongourselves，andforgetpoorTinyTimindoingit。’’
``No，never，father!’’theyallcriedagain。
``Iamveryhappy，’’saidlittleBob，``Iamveryhappy!’’
MrsCratchitkissedhim，hisdaughterskissedhim，thetwoyoungCratchitskissedhim，andPeterandhimselfshokhands。SpiritofTinyTim，thychildishessencewasfromGod!
``Spectre，’’saidScrooge，``somethinginformsmethatourpartingmomentisathand。Iknowit，butIknownothow。Tellmewhatmanthatwaswhomwesawlyingdead？’’
TheGhostofChristmasYetToComeconveyedhim，asbefore——thoughatadifferenttime，hethought：indeed，thereseemednoorderintheselattervisions，savethattheywereintheFuture——intotheresortsofbusinessmen，butshowedhimnothimself。Indeed，theSpiritdidnotstayforanything，butwentstraighton，astotheendjustnowdesired，untilbesoughtbyScroogetotarryforamoment。
``Thiscourts，’’saidScrooge，``throughwhichwehurrynow，iswheremyplaceofoccupationis，andhasbeenforalengthoftime。Iseethehouse。LetmebeholdwhatIshallbe，indaystocome。’’
TheSpiritstopped；thehandwaspointedelsewhere。
``Thehouseisyonder，’’Scroogeexclaimed。``Whydoyoupointaway？’’
Theinexorablefingerunderwentnochange。
Scroogehastenedtothewindowofhisoffice，andlookedin。Itwasanofficestill，butnothis。Thefurniturewasnotthesame，andthefigureinthechairwasnothimself。ThePhantompointedasbefore。
Hejoineditonceagain，andwonderingwhyandwhitherhehadgone，accompaniedituntiltheyreachedanirongate。Hepausedtolookroundbeforeentering。
Achurchyard。Here，then，thewretchedmanwhosenamehehadnowtolearn，layunderneaththeground。Itwasaworthyplace。Walledinbyhouses；
overrunbygrassandweeds，thegrowthofvegetation’sdeath，notlife；
chokedupwithtoomuchburying；fatwithrepletedappetite。Aworthyplace!
TheSpiritstoodamongthegraves，andpointeddowntoOne。Headvancedtowardsittrembling。ThePhantomwasexactlyasithadbeen，buthedreadedthathesawnewmeaninginitssolemnshape。
``BeforeIdrawnearertothatstonetowhichyoupoint，’’saidScrooge，``answermeonequestion。ArethesetheshadowsofthethingsthatWillbe，oraretheyshadowsofthingsthatMaybe，only？’’
StilltheGhostpointeddownwardtothegravebywhichitstood。
``Men’scourseswillforeshadowcertainends，towhich，ifperseveredin，theymustlead，’’saidScrooge。``Butifthecoursesbedepartedfrom，theendswillchange。Sayitisthuswithwhatyoushowme!’’
TheSpiritwasimmovableasever。
Scroogecrepttowardsit，tremblingashewent；andfollowingthefinger，readuponthestoneoftheneglectedgravehisownname，EbenezerScrooge。
``AmIthatmanwholayuponthebed？’’hecried，uponhisknees。
Thefingerpointedfromthegravetohim，andbackagain。
``No，Spirit!Ohno，no!’’
Thefingerstillwasthere。
``Spirit!’’hecried，tightclutchingatitsrobe，``hearme!IamnotthemanIwas。IwillnotbethemanImusthavebeenbutforthisintercourse。
Whyshowmethis，ifIampastallhope？’’
Forthefirsttimethehandappearedtoshake。
``GoodSpirit，’’hepursued，asdownuponthegroundhefellbeforeit：``Yournatureintercedesforme，andpitiesme。AssuremethatIyetmaychangetheseshadowsyouhaveshownme，byanalteredlife!’’
Thekindhandtrembled。
``IwillhonourChristmasinmyheart，andtrytokeepitalltheyear。
IwillliveinthePast，thePresent，andtheFuture。TheSpiritsofallThreeshallstrivewithinme。Iwillnotshutoutthelessonsthattheyteach。Oh，tellmeImayspongeawaythewritingonthisstone!’’
Inhisagony，hecaughtthespectralhand。Itsoughttofreeitself，buthewasstronginhisentreaty，anddetainedit。TheSpirit，strongeryet，repulsedhim。
Holdinguphishandsinalastprayertohavehisfatereversed，hesawanalterationinthePhantom’shoodanddress。Itshrunk，collapsed，anddwindleddownintoabedpost。PreviousChapterNextChapterAChristmasCarol—Chapter5PreviousChapterChapter5—TheEndofitYes!andthebedpostwashisown。Thebedwashisown，theroomwashisown。Bestandhappiestofall，thetimebeforehimwashisown，tomakeamendsin!
``IwillliveinthePast，thePresent，andtheFuture!’’Scroogerepeated，ashescrambledoutofbed。``TheSpiritsofallThreeshallstrivewithinme。OhJacobMarley!Heaven，andtheChristmasTimebepraisedforthis!
Isayitonmyknees，oldJacob；onmyknees!’’
Hewassoflutteredandsoglowingwithhisgoodintentions，thathisbrokenvoicewouldscarcelyanswertohiscall。HehadbeensobbingviolentlyinhisconflictwiththeSpirit，andhisfacewaswetwithtears。
``Theyarenottorndown，’’criedScrooge，foldingoneofhisbed—curtainsinhisarms，``theyarenottorndown，ringsandall。Theyarehere：I
amhere：theshadowsofthethingsthatwouldhavebeen，maybedispelled。
Theywillbe。Iknowtheywill!’’
Hishandswerebusywithhisgarmentsallthistime：turningtheminsideout，puttingthemonupsidedown，tearingthem，mislayingthem，makingthempartiestoeverykindofextravagance。
``Idon’tknowwhattodo!’’criedScrooge，laughingandcryinginthesamebreath；andmakingaperfectLaocoö；nofhimselfwithhisstockings。
``Iamaslightasafeather，Iamashappyasanangel，Iamasmerryasaschool—boy。Iamasgiddyasadrunkenman。AmerryChristmastoevery—body!
AhappyNewYeartoalltheworld!Hallohere!Whoop!Hallo!’’
Hehadfriskedintothesitting—room，andwasnowstandingthere：perfectlywinded。
``There’sthesaucepanthatthegruelwasin!’’criedScrooge，startingoffagain，andgoingroundthefire—place。``There’sthedoor，bywhichtheGhostofJacobMarleyentered!There’sthecornerwheretheGhostofChristmasPresent，sat!There’sthewindowwhereIsawthewanderingSpirits!
It’sallright，it’salltrue，itallhappened。Hahaha!’’
Really，foramanwhohadbeenoutofpracticeforsomanyyears，itwasasplendidlaugh，amostillustriouslaugh。Thefatherofalong，longlineofbriliantlaughs!
``Idon’tknowwhatdayofthemonthitis!’’saidScrooge。``Idon’tknowhowlongI’vebeenamongtheSpirits。Idon’tknowanything。I’mquiteababy。Nevermind。Idon’tcare。I’dratherbeababy。Hallo!Whoop!Hallohere!’’
Hewascheckedinhistransportsbythechurchesringingoutthelustiestpealshehadeverheard。Clash，clang，hammer，ding，dong，bell。Bell，dong，ding，hammer，clang，clash!Oh，glorious，glorious!
Runningtothewindow，heopenedit，andputouthisstirring，coldcold，pipingforthebloodtodanceto；Goldensunlight；Heavenlysky；
sweetfreshair；merrybells。Oh，glorious。Glorious!
``What’sto—day？’’criedScrooge，callingdownwardtoaboyinSundayclothes，whoperhapshadloiteredintolookabouthim。
``Eh？’’returnedtheboy，withallhismightofwonder。
``What’sto—day，myfinefellow？’’saidScrooge。
``To—day？’’repliedtheboy。``Why，ChristmasDay。’’
``It’sChristmasDay!’’saidScroogetohimself。``Ihaven’tmissedit。TheSpiritshavedoneitallinonenight。Theycandoanythingtheylike。Ofcoursetheycan。Ofcoursetheycan。Hallo，myfinefellow!’’
``Hallo!’’returnedtheboy``DoyouknowthePoulterer’s，inthenextstreetbutone，atthecorner？’’
Scroogeinquired。
``IshouldhopeIdid，’’repliedthelad。
``Anintelligentboy!’’saidScrooge。``Aremarkableboy!Doyouknowwhetherthey’vesoldtheprizeTurkeythatwashangingupthere？NotthelittleprizeTurkey；thebigone？’’
``What，theoneasbigasme？’’returnedtheboy。
``Whatadelightfulboy!’’saidScrooge。``It’sapleasuretotalktohim。Yes，mybuck!’’
``It’shangingtherenow，’’repliedtheboy。
``Isit？’’saidScrooge。``Goandbuyit。’’
``Walk—er!’’exclaimedtheboy。
``No，no，’’saidScrooge，``Iaminearnest。Goandbuyit，andtell’emtobringithere，thatImaygivethemtheirectionwheretotakeit。
Comebackwiththeman，andI’llgiveyouashilling。Comebackwithhiminlessthanfiveminutes，andI’llgiveyouhalf—a—crown!’’
``I’llsendittoBobCratchit’s!’’whisperedScrooge，rubbinghishands，andsplittingwithalaugh。``Hesha’n’tknowwhosendsit。It’stwicethesizeofTinyTim。JoeMillernevermadesuchajokeassendingittoBob’swillbe!’’
Thehandinwhichhewrotetheaddresswasnotasteadyone，butwriteithedid，somehow，andwentdownstairstoopenthestreetdoor，readyforthecomingofthepoulterer’sman。Ashestoodthere，waitinghisarrival，theknockercaughthiseye。
``Ishallloveit，aslongasIlive!’’criedScrooge，pattingitwithhishand。``Iscarcelyeverlookedatitbefore。Whatanhonestexpressionithasinitsface!It’sawonderfulknocker!——Here’stheTurkey。Hallo!
Whoop!Howareyou!MerryChristmas!’’
ItwasaTurkey!Henevercouldhavestooduponhislegs，thatbird。Hewouldhavesnapped’emshortoffinaminute，likesticksofsealing—wax。
``Why，it’simpossibletocarrythattoCamdenTown，’’saidScrooge。
``Youmusthaveacab。’’
Thechucklewithwhichhesaidthis，andthechucklewithwhichhepaidfortheTurkey，andthechucklewithwhichhepaidforthecab，andthechucklewithwhichherecompensedtheboy，wereonlytobeexceededbythechucklewithwhichhesatdownbreathlessinhischairagain，andchuckledtillhecried。
Shavingwasnotaneasytask，forhishandcontinuedtoshakeverymuch；
andshavingrequiresattention，evenwhenyoudon’tdancewhileyouareatit。Butifhehadcuttheendofhisnoseoff，hewouldhaveputapieceofsticking—plaisteroverit，andbeenquitesatisfied。
Hedressedhimselfallinhisbest，andatlastgotoutintothestreets。Thepeoplewerebythistimepouringforth，ashehadseenthemwiththeGhostofChristmasPresent；andwalkingwithhishandsbehindhim，Scroogeregardedeveryonewithadelightedsmile。
Helookedsoirresistiblypleasant，inaword，thatthreeorfourgood—humouredfellowssaid，``Goodmorning，sir!AmerryChristmastoyou!’’AndScroogesaidoftenafterwards，thatofalltheblithesoundshehadeverheard，thoseweretheblithestinhisears。
Hehadnotgonefar，whencomingontowardshimhebeheldtheportlygentleman，whohadwalkedintohiscounting—housethedaybefore，andsaid，``ScroogeandMarley’s，Ibelieve？’’Itsentapangacrosshishearttothinkhowthisoldgentlemanwouldlookuponhimwhentheymet；butheknewwhatpathlaystraightbeforehim，andhetookit。
``Mydearsir，’’saidScrooge，quickeninghispace，andtakingtheoldgentlemanbybothhishands。``Howdoyoudo？Ihopeyousucceededyesterday。
Itwasverykindofyou。AmerryChristmastoyou，sir!’’
``MrScrooge？’’
``Yes，’’saidScrooge。``Thatismyname，andIfearitmaynotbepleasanttoyou。Allowmetoaskyourpardon。Andwillyouhavethegoodness——’’
hereScroogewhisperedinhisear。
``Lordblessme!’’criedthegentleman，asifhisbreathweregone。
``MydearMrScrooge，areyouserious？’’
``Ifyouplease，’’saidScrooge。``Notafarthingless。Agreatmanyback—paymentsareincludedinit，Iassureyou。Willyoudomethatfavour？’’
``Mydearsir，’’saidtheother，shakinghandswithhim。
``Idon’tknowwhattosaytosuchmunifi&；dash；’’
``don’tsayanything，please，’’retortedScrooge。``Comeandseeme。
Willyoucomeandseeme？’’
``Iwill!’’criedtheoldgentleman。Anditwasclearhemeanttodoit。
``Thank’ee，’’saidScrooge。``Iammuchobligedtoyou。Ithankyoufiftytimes。Blessyou!’’
Hewenttochurch，andwalkedaboutthestreets，andwatchedthepeoplehurryingtoandfro，andpattedchildrenonthehead，andquestionedbeggars，andlookeddownintothekitchensofhouses，anduptothewindows：andfoundthateverythingcouldyieldhimpleasure。Hehadneverdreamedthatanywalk——thatanything——couldgivehimsomuchhappiness。Intheafternoonheturnedhisstepstowardshisnephew’shouse。
Hepassedthedooradozentimes，beforehehadthecouragetogoupandknock。Buthemadeadash，anddidit：
``Isyourmasterathome，mydear？’’saidScroogetothegirl。Nicegirl!Very。
``Yes，sir。’’
``Whereishe，mylove？’’saidScrooge。
``He’sinthedining—room，sir，alongwithmistress。I’llshowyouup—stairs，ifyouplease。’’
``Thank’ee。Heknowsme，’’saidScrooge，withhishandalreadyonthedining—roomlock。``I’llgoinhere，mydear。’’
Heturneditgently，andsidledhisfacein，roundthedoor。Theywerelookingatthetable（whichwasspreadoutingreatarray）；fortheseyounghousekeepersarealwaysnervousonsuchpoints，andliketoseethateverythingisright。
``Fred!’’saidScrooge。
Dearheartalive，howhisniecebymarriagestarted!Scroogehadforgotten，forthemoment，abouthersittinginthecornerwiththefootstool，orhewouldn’thavedoneit，onanyaccount。
``Whyblessmysoul!’’criedFred，``who’sthat？’’
``It’sI。YouruncleScrooge。Ihavecometodinner。Willyouletmein，Fred？’’
Lethimin!Itisamercyhedidn’tshakehisarmoff。Hewasathomeinfiveminutes。Nothingcouldbeheartier。Hisniecelookedjustthesame。
SodidTopperwhenhecame。Sodidtheplumpsisterwhenshecame。Sodideveryonewhentheycame。Wonderfulparty，wonderfulgames，wonderfulunanimity，won—der—fulhappiness!
Buthewasearlyattheofficenextmorning。Oh，hewasearlythere。
Ifhecouldonlybetherefirst，andcatchBobCratchitcominglate!Thatwasthethinghehadsethisheartupon。
Andhedidit；yeshedid!Theclockstrucknine。NoBob。Aquarterpast。NoBob。Hewasfulleighteenminutesandahalf，behindhistime。
Scroogesatwithhisdoorwideopen，thathemightseehimcomeintotheTank。
Hishatwasoff，beforeheopenedthedoor；hiscomfortertoo。Hewasonhisstoolinajiffy；drivingawaywithhispen，asifheweretryingtoovertakenineo’clock。
``Hallo!’’growledScrooge，inhisaccustomedvoice，asnearashecouldfeignit。``Whatdoyoumeanbycominghereatthistimeofday。’’
``Iamverysorry，sir，’’saidBob。``Iambehindmytime。’’
``Youare？’’repeatedScrooge。``Yes。Ithinkyouare。Stepthisway，ifyouplease。’’
``It’sonlyonceayear，sir，’’pleadedBob，appearingfromtheTank。
``Itshallnotberepeated。Iwasmakingrathermerryyesterday，sir。’’
``Now，I’lltellyouwhat，myfriend，’’saidScrooge，``Iamnotgoingtostandthissortofthinganylonger。Andtherefore，’’hecontinued，leapingfromhisstool，andgivingBobsuchadiginthewaistcoatthathestaggeredbackintotheTankagain：``andthereforeIamabouttoraiseyoursalary!’’
Bobtrembled，andgotalittlenearertotheruler。HehadamomentaryideaofknockingScroogedownwithit；holdinghim，andcallingtothepeopleinthecourtforhelpandastrait—waistcoat。
``AmerryChristmas，Bob!’’saidScrooge，withanearnestnessthatcouldnotbemistaken，asheclappedhimontheback。``AmerrierChristmas，Bob，mygoodfellow，thanIhavegivenyouformanyayear!I’llraiseyoursalary，andendeavourtoassistyourstrugglingfamily，andwewilldiscussyouraffairsthisveryafternoon，overaChristmasbowlofsmokingbishop，Bob!Makeupthefires，andbuyanothercoal—scuttlebeforeyoudotanotheri，BobCratchit。’’
Scroogewasbetterthanhisword。Hediditall，andinfinitelymore；
andtoTinyTim，whodidnotdie，hewasasecondfather。
Hebecameasgoodafriend，asgoodamaster，andasgoodaman，asthegoodoldcityknew，oranyothergoodoldcity，town，orborough，inthegoodoldworld。Somepeoplelaughedtoseethealterationinhim，butheletthemlaugh，andlittleheededthem；forhewaswiseenoughtoknowthatnothingeverhappenedonthisglobe，forgood，atwhichsomepeopledidnothavetheirfilloflaughterintheoutset；andknowingthatsuchasthesewouldbeblindanyway，hethoughtitquiteaswellthattheyshouldwrinkleuptheireyesingrins，ashavethemaladyinlessattractiveforms。
Hisownheartlaughed：andthatwasquiteenoughforhim。
HehadnofurtherintercoursewithSpirits，butlivedupontheTotalAbstinencePrinciple，everafterwards；anditwasalwayssaidofhim，thatheknewhowtokeepChristmaswell，ifanymanalivepossessedtheknowledge。Maythatbetrulysaidofus，andallofus!Andso，asTinyTimobserved，GodBlessUs，EveryOne!PreviousChapter