Part 6 (1/2)

_Scro._ Never.

_Spir._ Have never walked forthwith the younger members of my family, meaning--for I am very young--my elder brothers, born in these later years?

_Scro._ I don't think I have. I am afraid I have not. Have you had many brothers, Spirit?

_Spir._ More than eighteen hundred.

_Scro._ A tremendous family to provide for. Spirit, conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion, and I learned a lesson which is working now. To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.

_Spir._ Touch my robe, and remember that we are invisible, and unable to manifest our presence to those with whom we come in contact. Loose not your hold, lest you should lose yourself. [_Exeunt_ L.]

SCENE II.--_Bob Cratchit's home. Mrs. Cratchit discovered laying cloth. Belinda a.s.sisting her. Master Peter Cratchit blowing the fire._

_Mrs. C._ What has ever got your precious father, then? And your brother, Tiny Tim! And Martha warn't as late last Christmas Day by half an hour?

_Enter Little Cratchit and Martha. Door in flat._

_Little C._ Here's Martha, mother! Here's Martha Hurrah! Oh, Martha, there's such a big goose at the bakers, next door. I smelt it cooking.

_Mrs. C._ Why, bless your heart alive, my dear, how late you are!

(_Kissing her and taking off her bonnet and shawl._)

_Martha._ We'd a deal of work to finish up last night, and had to clear away this morning, mother.

_Mrs. C._ Well, never mind, so long as you are come. Sit ye down before the fire, my dear, and have a warm, Lord bless ye.

_Little C._ No, no! There's father coming. Hide, Martha, hide. (_Martha gets behind the door._)

_Enter Bob Cratchit with Tiny Tim on his shoulder and little crutch in his hand. Spirit and Scrooge following, coming down front, and observing with interest all that pa.s.ses._

_Bob._ Why, where's our Martha? (_Looking around and putting Tiny Tim down._)

_Little C._ Come, Tiny Tim, and see the pudding boil.

[_Exeunt children._]

_Mrs. C._ Not coming.

_Bob._ Not coming! not coming, on Christmas Day?

_Mar._ (_Running into his arms._) Dear father! I could not see you disappointed, if it were only in joke.

_Bob._ (_Embraces her._) You're a good girl, Martha, and a great comfort to us all. (_Commences to mix a bowl of punch._)

_Mrs. C._ And how did little Tim behave?

_Bob._ As good as gold, and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. Tiny Tim is growing strong and hearty.

_Enter Little Cratchit and Peter Cratchit with the goose, followed by Tiny Tim._

_Little C._ Hurrah! Hurrah! Here's Peter with the big goose.