Peter. (Grinning .) Get along with you!
Bob. It's just as likely as not, one of these days; though there's plenty of time for that, my dear. But, however and whenever we part from one another, I am sure we shall none of us forget poor Tiny Tim, shall we?
All. Never, father.
Bob. And I know, I know, my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was although he was a little child we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves, and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it.
All. No, never, father. (All rise. )
Bob. I am very happy. I am very happy! (Kisses Mrs C., Belinda, Young C. and shakes hands with Peter. ) Spirit of Tiny Tim, thy childish essence is from above.
STAVE FIVE
the shadows of the future. (Grasps the easy chair in his agony, as if struggling to detain it. ) Do not go, I entreat you. It shrinks, it has collapsed, it has dwindled down into an easy chair. Yes! my own chair, my own room and best and happiest of all my own time before me to make amends in. Oh, Jacob Marley, Heaven and the Christmas time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob; on my knees! (Rises and goes and opens door R., 2d E.) They are not torn down the bed curtains are not torn down, rings and all. They are there I am here the shadows of the things that would have been, may be dispelled. They will be; I know they will! (Commences to dress himself, putting everything on wrong, etc. ) I don't know what to do! (Laughing and crying. ) I am as light as a feather; I am as happy as an angel; I am as merry as a school boy; I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to every body! A Happy New year to all the world! Halloo here! Waoop! Halloo! (Dancing and capering around the room. ) There's the saucepan that the gruel was in; there's the door by which the Ghost of Jacob Marley entered; there's the corner (pointing into adjoining room ) where the Ghost of Christmas Past sat. It's all right; it's all true; it all happened. Ha, ha, ha! (Laughing heartily. ) I don't know what day of the month it is. I don't know how long I've been among the Spirits. I don't know any thing. I'm quite a baby. Never mind; I don't care. I'd rather be a baby. Haloo! whoop! Halloo here! (Bells or chimes commences to ring. Goes to window and opens it. ) No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; golden sunlight, heavenly sky; sweet, fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious! glorious! (Looking out of window ) Hey! you boy in your Sunday clothes, what's to-day?
Voice outside. Eh?
Scro. What's to day my fine fellow?
Voice outside. To-day! why. Christmas Day.
Scro. It's Christmas Day; I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do any thing they like. Of course they can. Of course they can. (Returns to window. ) Halloo, my fine fellow!
Voice outside. Halloo!
Scro. Do you know the poulterers in the next street but one, at the corner?
Voice outside. I should hope I did.
Scro. An intelligent boy! a remarkable boy! Do you know whether they've sold the prize turkey that was hanging up there? Not the little prize turkey; the big one?
Voice outside. What the one as big as me?
Scro. What a delightful boy. It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck.
Voice outside. It's hanging there now.
Scro. Is it? Go and buy it.
Voice outside. What do you take me for?
Scro. No, no. I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it here, that I may give them the directions where to take it. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes, and I'll gave you half a crown. That boy's off like a shot. I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's. (Rubbing his hands and chuckling. ) He shan't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be. I must write the directions for that turkey. (Sits at table to write. )
Here's your half-crown, boy. Now take the monster to Bob Cratchit, Camden-town; and tell him it's a present from his grandmother, who wishes him A Merry Christmas, and A Happy New Year. Hold, that, turkey is too large for you to carry; take a cab, here's the money to pay for it.
James. Good morning, sir! A Merry Christmas to you!
Scro. The same to you both, and many of them.
Mrs. B. He seems in a good humor, speak to him about it.
Scro. Going to church, eh?
James. We were going, sir, to hear the Christmas Carols, but mindful of the obligation resting upon us, which falls due to-morrow, and of our inability to meet the payment, we have called to beg your indulgence, and ask for a further extension of time.
Scro. Why, James, how much do you owe me?
James. Twenty pounds, sir.