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 THE MINOR DRAMA. 
 
 No. CCCCI. 
 
 Christmas Carol ; 
 
 OR, THE 
 
 MISER'S WARNING I 
 
 (adapted from CHARLES DICKKNS' CELEBRATED WORK.) 
 
 BY 
 
 C Z. BARNETT, 
 
 Author of Fair Rosamond, Fairinelli, Ths Dream of Fate, 
 
 Oliver Twiet, Linda, The Pearl of Savoy, Victorine of 
 
 Paris, Dominique, Bohemians of Paris, ^^ S[c. 
 
 Samuel French (Canada) Limited 
 
 480-486 University Avenue 
 
 TORONTO - CANADA 
 
 iNtW lUKK 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH 
 
 PUBLISHER 
 
 25 WEST 45TH STREET 
 
 i^ONUON 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, Lm 
 
 26 Southampton Street 
 
 STRAND 
 
 ^ - . 
 
 i. 
 
THE MIDDLE, WATCH 
 
 A farcical comedy in 3 acts. By Ian Hay and Stephen 
 King-Hall. Produced , prigi^ally at the Times Square 
 Theatre, New York. 9 males, 6 females. Modern costumes 
 and naval uniforms. 2 interior scenes. 
 
 During a reception on boarHl H. M. S. "Falcon," a cruiser on the 
 China Station, Captain Randall of the Marines has become engaged to 
 Fay Eaton, and in his enthusiasm induces her to stay and have dn, ler 
 in his cabin. This is met with stern disapproval by Fay's chaperon, 
 Charlotte Hopkinson, who insists that they leave at once. Charlotte, 
 however, gets shut up in the compass room, and a gay young Ameri- 
 can widow accepts the offer to take her plajpe, both girl?' ifttending 
 to go back to shor6 in the late eyeniitg. Of course, i things go, wrong, 
 and they have to rcrhain aboard' all 'night. By this time the Captain 
 has to be told, because his cabin contains the only possible accommo- 
 dations, and he enters into the conspiracy withovxt signalling the Ad- 
 miral's flagship. Then the "Falcon" is suddenly ordered to sea, and 
 the Admiral decides to sail with her. This also makes necessary the 
 turning over to him of the Captain's quarters. The presence of the 
 ladies now becomes jposi^j-^ely embarrassJhg. The girls are bundled into 
 one cabin just opposite that occupied by the Admiral. The game of 
 "general-post" with a marine sentry in stockinged feet is very funny, 
 and so are the attempts to explain matters to the "Old Man" next 
 morning. After this everything ends both romantically and happily. 
 
 (Royalty, twenty-five dollars.) Price 75 Cents. 
 
 NANCY'S PRIVATE AFFAIR 
 
 A comedy in 3 Acts; By , Myron C. Fagan. Produced 
 originally at the Vanderbilt Theatre, New York. 4 males, 
 5 females, i interior scehes. Modern costiimes. 
 
 Nothing- is really private aiiy inore — not. even pajamas and bedtime 
 stories. No one will object to Nancy's private affair being made public, 
 and it would be impossible to interest the theatre public in a more 
 ingenious plot. Nancy is one of those smart, sophisticated society 
 women who wants to wiiv i>ack-h«f-4iusband from a baby vamp. Just 
 how this is accomplished makes for an exceptionally pleasant evening. 
 Laying aside her horn-rimmed spectacles, she pretends indifference and 
 affects a mysterious interest in other men. Nancy baits her rival with 
 a bogus diamond ring, makes love to her former husband's best friend, 
 and finally tricks the dastardly rival into a marriage with someone 
 else. 
 
 Mr. Fagan has studded his story witli jokes and retorts, that will 
 keep anv audience in a constant uproar. 
 
 (Royalty, twenty-five dollars.) Price 75 Cents* - '. 
 
ssmam 
 
 Christmas Carol ; 
 
 0R» THE 
 
 MISER'S WARNING! 
 
 ^ADAPTED FROM CHARLES DICKENS'S CELEBRATED WORK.) 
 
 BY 
 
 C. Z. BARNETT, 
 
 iuthcnr of Fair Rosamond^ Farinelliy The Dream of FtUii 
 
 Oliver Tivistf Lin Jay The Pearl of Savoy , Victorine of 
 
 Farts, Dominigue, Bohemians of Paris, Afd 
 
 New York 
 SAMUEL FRENCH 
 
 PUBLISHER 
 
 25 WEST 45TH STREET 
 
 London 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
 
 26 Southampton Street 
 
 STRAND 
 
^WH^^ BMSteJgt' - '^WWP HUW| 
 
 PR WCU 
 i2 ?;? 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 Eboiiezer Scrooge, the Miser Mr. R. Ilonner 
 
 Frank Freeheurt, liis Nephew Mr. J. T. JohiisoD 
 
 Mr. Cheerly Mr. Hawkins 
 
 Mr. Ihiurtly Mr. (ireeu 
 
 Hob Cratchit, Scrooge's Clerk Mr. Vale 
 
 Dark Sam Mr. Stilt 
 
 CI1AKACTER3 IN THE DBEAM. 
 
 Eustou, a ruined Gentleman IMr. Lawler 
 
 Mr. Fezziwig Mr. 1 )ixie 
 
 Old Joe, a Fence Mr. Goldsmith 
 
 Ghost t)f Jacob Marley Mr. Morrison 
 
 Ghost of Christmas Fast Mr. Lewis 
 
 Ghost of Christmas Present Mr. lleslop 
 
 Ghost of Christmas to Come * * * 
 
 i)ark Sam Mr. Stilt 
 
 I'eter, Bob's Eldest Son Miss Daly 
 
 Tiny Tim Master P.rady 
 
 Mrs. Freeheart Mrs. Hicks 
 
 Ellen, Scrooge's former love Mrs. IT. Ilnghos 
 
 Mrs. Cratchit Mrs. Daly 
 
 First produced at the Royal Surrey Theatre, Feb. 5th, 
 1844. 
 
 COSTUME. 
 
 ScRoooE — P>rown old-fashioned coat„tea colour breeches, 
 double-breasted white waistcoat. 2nd. — Dressing gown 
 and slippers. 
 
 Frank — I'rivate dress. 
 
 Mr. Cheerly — Blue coat, cord breeches, and gaiters. 
 
 Mr. IIeartlv — Green coat, black breeches, top boots. 
 
 Bob Cratchit — Black old-fashioned coat, black 
 trousers. 
 
 Dark Sam — Dark green shooting coat and breeches, 
 tagged. Second dress — Shabby black coat. 
 
 EusTOx — Shabby i»rivate clothes. 
 
 Mr. Fezziwig — Black coat, black breeches, double- 
 breasted waistcoat, and striped stockings. 
 
 Marley's Ghost — Slate coloured coat, waistcoat, and 
 pantaloons, black boots, white frill, white band. 
 
 Christmas Past — White dress trimmed with summer 
 flowers, rich belt, fleshings and sandals. 
 
 Christmas Present — Long green robe, trimmed with 
 ermine, flesh body and legs, wreath round head. 
 
 Christatas to Come — Very long black gown. 
 
 Tiny Tim — Blue jacket and trousers. 
 
 All the Ladies — Modern dresses. 
 
CHRISTAMAS CAROL. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE l.—^Cliamhers of Scrooge, the Miser. One 
 side of it is fiUed up with a desk and hir/h stool, 
 the other is a fireplace, fire lighted. Easij chair 
 Table ivith candlestick upon it, etc., etc, 
 
 Scrooge, the Miser, discovered near fire. Bob 
 Cratciiit, writing near desk, l. ii. As the Curtain 
 rises he descends from stool — approaches fire to 
 stir it. 
 
 Scrooge. Bob— Boli, wo sliall be obliged to part. 
 You'll ruin me in coals ! 
 
 Bob. Euin you — with such a fire in such weatjier! 
 V\e been trying to warm myself by the candle* for 
 the last half 'hour, but not being a man of strong 
 imagination, failed. 
 
 ScR. Hark ! I think I hear some one in the office. 
 Go — see vlo it is. 
 
 Bob. {A'dde.) Marley's dead — his late partner is 
 dead as a door nail ! If he was to follow him, it 
 wouldn^t matter much. 
 
 {Exit 2 E. L. H. 
 
 ScR. Marley has Ijcen dead seven years, and has 
 left me his sole executor — his sole administrator — 
 his sole residuary legatee — his sole friend — his sole 
 mourner! My poor old partner! I was sorely 
 grieved at his deatli, and shall never forget his 
 funeral. Coming from it, I made one of the best 
 bargains I ever made. Ha, ha. Folks say Tm tight* 
 
 8 
 
4 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 fisted — that I'm a sqiieezin<?, wreiKjhing, grasping, 
 clutching miser. What of that? It saves me from 
 being annoyed by needy men and beggars. So, this is 
 Christmas eve — and cold, bleak, biting weather it is, 
 and folks are preparing to be merry. Bah ! what's 
 Christmas eve to me ? what should it be to them ? 
 
 Enter Frank and Bob, 3 e. l. n. 
 
 Bob. There's your uncle, sir. {Aside.) Old 
 covetous I He's worse than the rain and snow. They 
 often come down, and handsomely too, but Scrooge 
 never does I 
 
 {Exit 3 E. L. H. 
 
 Sen. Who's that? 
 
 Frank. A merry Christmas, uncle! 
 
 ScR. Bah ! humbug ! 
 
 Frank. Uncle, you don't mean that, I'm sure. 
 
 ScR. I do. Merry Christmas I What right have 
 you to be merry? You're poor enough. 
 
 Frank. (Godly.) Come, then, what right have 
 you to be dismal I What reason have you to be mo- 
 rose ? You're rich enough. 
 
 ScR. Bah ! humbug ! 
 
 Frank. Don't be cross, uncle. 
 
 ScR. What else can I be, when I live in such a 
 world of fools as this ? Merry Christmas ! Out upon 
 Merry Christmas. What's Christmas time to you 
 but a time for paying bills without money — a time 
 for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour 
 richer. If I could work my will, every idiot who goes 
 about with merry Christmas on his lips should be 
 boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a 
 stake of holly through his heart — he should I 
 
 Frank. Uncle ! 
 
 ScR. Nephew, keep Christmas in your own wayi 
 and let me keep it in mine. 
 
 Frank. Keep it I But you don't keep it. 
 
A CHEISTMAS CAROL 
 
 B 
 
 ScR. Let me leave it alone, then. Much good 
 may it do you. Much good it has ever done you. 
 
 Frank, ^rhore are many things from which 1 
 might have derived good by which I have not pro- 
 fited, I dare say, Christmas among the rest, but I 
 am sure 1 liave always tiiouglit of Christmas time, 
 when it has come round, as a good time — a kind, 
 forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I 
 know of, in the long calendar of the year, when 
 men and women seem by one consent to open their 
 shut up hearts freely, and to think of people below 
 them as if they really were fellow passengers to the 
 grave, and not another race of creatures bound on 
 other journeys, and, therefore, uncle, though it has 
 not put a scrap of gold or pilver in my pocket, I be- 
 lieve that it has done me good, and will do me good, 
 and I say, Heaven bless it ! 
 
 Bob. (Looking in.) Beautiful — beautiful! 
 
 ScK. Let me hear another sound from you — (To 
 Bob.) — And you'll keep your Christmas by losing 
 your situation. 
 
 Bob. (Aside.) He growls like a hear with a sore 
 head ! ( Disappears. ) 
 
 ScR. You're quite a powerful speaker. I wonder 
 you don't go into Parliament. 
 
 Frank. Don't be angry. Come — dine with me 
 to-morrow. 
 
 ScR. No, no 
 
 Frank. But why not? 
 
 ScR. Why did you get married? 
 
 Frank. Because I fell in love. 
 
 ScR. Because you fell in love I Bah ! good even- 
 ing. 
 
 Frank. I want nothing — I ask nothing of you. 
 Well, I'm sorry to find you so resolute — we have 
 never had any quarrel — I have made the trial in 
 homage to Christmas, and I'll keep my Christmas 
 humour to the last — ^so, a merry Christmas^ uncle. 
 
6 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Son. Good evening! 
 
 Frank. And a happy new year I 
 
 Sen. Ciood evening! 
 
 Enler Bob, 2 K. L. II. 
 
 Frank. And a liappy Christmas, and a merry 
 new year to you, I5ob (Jratchit. (Shaking him by 
 the hand.) 
 
 B()i{. Tlie same to you, sir, and many of 'em, 
 and io your wife, and to your darling children, and 
 to all your friends, and to all you know, and to 
 every one, to all llie world. (Exit Frank, 3 E. L. ir.) 
 
 8ci{. (Aside.) There's another fellow, my clerk, 
 with fifteen shillings a week, and a wife and family, 
 talking about a merry Christmas. I'll retire to 
 Bedlam. 
 
 Bon. Two gentlemen want yon, sir, as fat as prize 
 beef — shall I call 'em in? (Goes io aide.) AValk 
 this way if you please, gentlemen. 
 
 Enter Mr. Ci.tEERLY and Mr. TTeartly, 3 E. L. n„ 
 with hooks and papers. 
 
 CiTEEPi. Scrooge and Marley's — I believe I have 
 the pleasure of addressing Mr. Marley ! 
 
 ScR. Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years. 
 
 Cheer. At this festive season of the year, it is 
 more than nsually desirable that we should make 
 some slight provision for the poor and destitute — ■ 
 many thousands are in want of common necessaries — • 
 hundreds of thousands are in want of common com- 
 fort, sir. 
 
 ScR. Are there no prisons? and the nnion work- 
 houses, are they still in operation? 
 
 Cheer. They are still — I wish I could say they 
 were not. 
 
 ScR. The treadmill and the poor law are in full 
 vigour then ? 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL T 
 
 CiiRF.T!. r.otli very busy, sir. 
 
 Self. Oh! I was iit'niid from wlmt you said at 
 Hrst, thai soiiu'thiii^^ had occurred to slo]) iheiii in 
 Ihcir iist^ful course. I'lu very ^dad to hear it! 
 
 ('iii;i:i;. Under tlie impression that they scarcely 
 furnish Christian cluH'r of mind or body to the nud- 
 titnde, a few of us are endeavonrini^^ to raise a fund 
 to buy the poor some meat and drini\, and means of 
 warmth. \Vc choose this time beciiusi; it is a time 
 of all others, whi'u want is keeidy felt and abundances 
 rejoice. What shall we i)ut you down for? 
 
 8(;i{. Nothin;,^! 
 
 Ciii:hi{. You wish to be anonymous? 
 
 S(.'K. I wisli to be left alone. I don't make merry 
 myself at Christmas, and I can't afford to make i'Me 
 people nu^rry — 1 lieip to support the establishments 
 I have named — they cost enough — those who aro 
 badly olf must ^o there. 
 
 Cheek. Many can't go there — many would rather 
 die ! 
 
 ScR. If the^'M rather die, they'd better do it, and 
 decrease the surplus i)o])ulation. However, it's not 
 my business, so good evening, gentlemen. 
 
 CiiBEii. I am sorry we disturbed you. (As they 
 are ahout to exeunt, Bob approaches them — Scuoooe 
 retires up.) 
 
 Bob. Beg pardon, gentlemen, I've got an odd 
 eighteen-pence here that I was going to buy a new 
 pair of glo^ OS with in honour of Christnuis day, but 
 my heart would feel warmer though my hands were 
 colder, if it helped to put a dinner and a garment 
 on a poor creature who might need. There take it. 
 
 Cheer. Such acts as these from such men as you 
 sooner or later, will be well rewarded. 
 
 Bob. This way, gentlemen. I feel as light as my 
 four-and-ninepenny gossamer! (Exeunt 2 E. L. ii.) 
 
 ScR. (Coming down.) Give money— humbug I 
 Who'd give me anything, I should like to know? 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Re-enter Bob, 2 e. l. h. 
 
 Bob. a letter, sir. (Gives it and retires up.) 
 
 ScR. (Opens it — reads.) Ah! what do I see? the 
 Mary Jane lost off the coast of Africa. Then Frank 
 is utterly ruined ! his all was embarked on board that 
 vessel. Frank knows not of this — he will apply to 
 me doubtless — but no, no. Why should I part with 
 my hard gained store to assist him, his wife and chil- 
 dren — he chooses to make a fool of himself, and marry 
 a smooth-faced chit, and get a family — he must bear 
 the consequences — I will not avert his ruin, no, not 
 by a single penny. 
 
 Bob. (Coming down.) Please, sir, it's nine o'clock. 
 
 ScR. Already ! You'll want all day to-morrow, I 
 suppose. 
 
 Bob. If quite convenient, sir. 
 
 ScR. It's not convenient, and it's not fair. If 
 I was to stop half-a-crown for it, you'd think your- 
 self ill-used, I'll be bound, and yet you don't think 
 me ill used when I pay a day's wages for no work. 
 
 Bob. Christmas comes but once a year. 
 
 ScR. A poor excuse for picking a man's pockets 
 every twenty-fifth of December! Well, I suppose 
 you must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier 
 next morning. Here's your week's money, fifteen 
 shillings — I ought to stop half-a-crown — never mind ! 
 
 Bob. Thank you, sir ! I'll be here before daylight, 
 sir, you may depend upon it. Good night, sir. Oh, 
 what a glorious dinner Mrs. C. shall provide. Good 
 night, sir. A merry Christmas and a happy new 
 year, sir. 
 
 ScR. Bah! humbug! (Exit Bob, 2 e. l. h.) So 
 — alone once more. It's a rough night! I will go 
 to bed soon — that will save supper. (Takes off his 
 coat, boots, etc., and puts on morning gown and 
 slippers, talking all the time.) 'Tis strange now the 
 idea of Marley is haunting me to-night — everywhere 
 
A CHEISTMAS CAROL 
 
 ^ 
 
 i turn his face seems before me. Delusion — humbug ! 
 I'll sit down by the lire and forget him. (Takes 
 hasiti of gruel from hob.) Here's my gruel! (Sits 
 in easy chair by fire — puts on night cap, and pres- 
 ently appears to dose. Suddenly a clanling of 
 chains and ringing of bells is heard — he's aroused, 
 and looks up terrified.) That noise 1 It's humbug! 
 
 ^\ron't believe it! (The door slowly opens* and the 
 Ghost of Marley glides in. A chain is round his 
 body, and casli, boxes, ledgers, padlocks, purses, etc., 
 are attached to it.) IIow now! What do you want 
 with nie? 
 
 Ghost. Much. 
 
 ScR. Who are you? 
 
 Ghost. Ask me who I was. 
 
 ScR. Who were you, then. You're particular for 
 a shade — I mean to a shade. 
 
 Ghost. In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley. 
 You don't believe in me! Why do you doubt your 
 senses? 
 
 ScR. Because a little thing affects them. A slight 
 disorder of the stomach makes them cheats. You 
 may be an undigested bit of beef — a fragment of 
 an underdone potato. There's more of gravy than 
 of grave about you, whatever you are. 
 
 Ghost. (Unfastening the bandage round its 
 head.) Man of the worldly mind, do you believe me 
 or not? 
 
 ScR. I do — I must ! But why do spirits Avalk the 
 earth ? Why do they come to me ? 
 
 Ghost. It is required of every man that tlie 
 spirit within him should walk abroad among his 
 fellow men, and travel far and wide — if not in life, 
 it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed 
 to wander through the world, oh, woe is m.e ! — and 
 •^ritness what it cannot share, but might have shared 
 on earth, and turned to happinc-fs. 
 
 ScE. You are fettered I 
 
flf-i^fei^ 
 
 10 
 
 A CHEISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Ghost. I wear the chain I forged in life — I mad« 
 it link by link. Is its pattern strange to you? Oh, 
 no space of regret can make amends for one life's 
 opportunities misused. 
 
 8cR. But you were always a man of business 
 
 Ghost. Business! Mankind was my business — • 
 charity, mercy, were all my business. At this time 
 of the year I suffered most, for I neglected most. 
 Hear me ! I am here to-night to warn you that you 
 have a chance and a hope of escaping my fate. You 
 will be haunted by three spirits ■ 
 
 ScR. I — Vd rather be excused ! 
 
 GiiosT. Witliout their visits you cannot hope to 
 ehun the path I tread. Expect the first wlien the 
 clock strikes one. Look to see me no more. For your 
 own sake, remember what has passed between us. 
 (Binds wrappr round its head once more — slowly 
 approaches the door and diso^p pears. Scrooge fol- 
 lows the phantom towards the door.) 
 
 ScR. It is gone. The air seems filled with phan- 
 toms — shades of many I knew when living — they all 
 wear chains like Marley — they strive to assist the 
 poor and stricken, but in vain — they seek to interfere 
 for good in human nature, but have lost the power 
 forever. (The clock strikes one — Scrooge staggers 
 to a chair — the room is filled with a hlaze of light — • 
 the GiiosT OF Christmas Past rises through trap — 
 As described in Work, page 43.) Are you the spirit 
 whose coming was foretold to me? 
 
 1st Spirit. I am! 
 
 ScR. Who and what are you? 
 
 1st Spirit. I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. 
 Your welfare — your reclamation brings me here. 
 Turn, and behold! (The Stage becomes dark — a 
 strong light is seen behind — the luall of the Miser's 
 chamber fades away and discovers a school-room-^ 
 a child is scaled reading by a fire.) All have de« 
 parted but this poor boy. 
 
*i«)S(»(toiS*»«*«*««ti'^ws 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 11 
 
 Sen. My poor forgotten self — and as I used to 
 be! 
 
 1st Spirit. Look again ! (A figure of Ali Baba 
 is shown beyond the Child.) 
 
 ScTt. Why it's dear old lionest Ali Baba! Yes, 
 one Cliristmas time, when yonder poor child was left 
 alone, he did come just like that! {The figures of 
 Valentine and OiiSON appear.) ITa! and Valen- 
 tine and his wild brother Orson, too! (Kobinson 
 Crusoe and Friday appear.) Ha! and liobinson 
 Crusoe, and liis man Friday! Poor boy! he was left 
 alone, while all the rest were making holiday. {The 
 figures of Ali Baba, elc, disappear. As he speaks, a 
 little GiiiL enters the school-room, and approaches 
 the Boy.) 
 
 Girl. I am come to bring you home, dear brother 
 — we are to be together this Christmas, and be so 
 merry! {She leads him out. Scene fades away.) 
 
 Sen. My sister! poor little Fanny! 
 
 1st Spirit. A delicate creature, whom a breath 
 might have withered. She died a woman, and had, 
 as I think, children. 
 
 ScR. One child ! ' 
 
 1st Spirit. True — ^your nephew. Know you 
 this place? {The Scene at hade is again lighted up, 
 and discovers Fezzi wig's warehouse. Fezziwig and 
 Characters grouped as in Frontispiece of Work. 
 Scrooge, as a young -man.) 
 
 ScR. Why, 'tis old Fezziwig, to whom I was ap- 
 prenticed — he is alive again! My fellow-apprentice, 
 Dick Wilkins, too — myself, as I was then. 'Tis 
 Christmas eve there. The happiness he gave at so 
 small a price was quite as much as though it cost a 
 fortune. {The tahleau jades away. The Stage he- 
 comes dark. Enter Elli:n in mourning. DuHng 
 the fading of the tableau Scrooge puts a cloak around 
 kirn, etc., and seems a younger man.) I feel as if my 
 years of life were less. Ha! who is this beside me? 
 
13 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 1st Spirit. Have you forgotten your eaily love? 
 
 Sen. Ellen! 
 
 Ellen. Ebenezer, I come to say farewell forever! 
 It matters little to you — very little — another idol has 
 displaced me, and if I can cheer and comfort you in 
 time to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no 
 just cause to grieve. 
 
 ScR. What idol has displaced you ? 
 
 Ellen. A golden one — the master passion. Gain 
 alone engrosses you. 
 
 ScR. I have not changed towards you. 
 
 Ellen. Our contract is an old one — it was made 
 when we were both poor. You are changed — I am 
 not. That which promised happiness when we were 
 one in heart, is fraught with misery now we are two. 
 How often and how keenly I have thought of this I 
 will not say. I have thought of it, and can release 
 you. 
 
 ScR. Have I ever souglit release? 
 
 Ellen. In word — no, never ! 
 
 ScR. In what, then? 
 
 Ellen. In a changed nature — in an altered spirit 
 '-'— in every thing that made my love of any worth or 
 value in your sight. If this had never been between 
 us, tell me, would you seek me out, and try to win me 
 now? Ah, no! 
 
 ScR. You think not 
 
 Ellen. I would think otherwise if I could — but 
 if you were free to-day, can even I believe that you 
 would choose a dowerless girl — you who weigh every- 
 thing by gain? Or did you so, do I not know youi 
 repentance and regret would surely follow. I do — 
 and I release you, with a full heart, for the love of 
 }iim you once were. You will forget all this — may 
 you be happy in the life you have chosen ! {She 
 sloioly exits R. n. Scrooge throws aside his cloak, 
 and appears as before.) 
 
 ScR. Spirit, show me no more! Why do you de« 
 Mght to torture me ? 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 13 
 
 1st SriRiT. One shadow more. She whom 3^ou 
 resigned for gold — for gain — for sordid ore — she you 
 shall now beliold as the tender wife of a good and 
 upright man — as the happy mother of smiling chil- 
 dren. You shall see them in their joyous home. 
 Come, thou lonely man of gold — come ! 
 
 ScR. 'No, no ! 
 
 1st Spirit. I told you these were the shadows of 
 the things that have been — that they are what they 
 are do not blame me. Come 
 
 ScR. NOj no — Vyq seen enough — haunt me no 
 longer! (TJie ^^pirit seizes him — he seizes the cap 
 presses it upon the Spirit's head, who sinks under 
 it, and disappears in a flood of light ivhile Scrooge 
 sinJvS exhausted on the floor.) 
 
 SCENE II. — A Street. Houses covered with snow. 
 
 Enter Dark Sam, l. h. 
 
 Sam. It's very odd ! I an't nimmed nothing to- 
 night. Christmas eye, too — when people's got sicli 
 lots of tin ! But they takes precious good care of it, 
 'cos I s'pose they thinks if they loses it, they shan't 
 be able to get no Christmas dinner. If I can't prig 
 notliin', I'm sure I shan't be able to got none. Un- 
 less this trade mends soon, I must turn undertaker's 
 man again. There is a chance, in that honourable 
 calling of a stray thing or two. Somebody comes ! I 
 wonder if I shall have any luck now. 
 
 Enter Bob, r. ii. 
 
 Bob. I shall soon be home ! Won't my Martha 
 be glad to see me — and what a pleasant happy Christ- 
 mas Day we shall spend. What a dinner we shall 
 have! I've got fifteen shillings — my week's wages — 
 and I'm determined to spend every farthing of it. 
 Won't we have a prime goose, and a magnificent 
 pudding 1 And then the gin and water — and oranges 
 
14 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 —and the — oli, how jolly we shall be! And Tiny 
 Tim, too — he never tasted goose before — how he will 
 lick his dear little chops at the sage and onions ! And 
 as for Martha — my dear Martlia, wlio is a dress- 
 maker, and can oidy come to see ns once in about 
 four months — she shall have the parson's nose. Let 
 me see — a goose will cost seven shillings — pudding 
 five — that's twelve. Oranges, sago and onions, pota- 
 toes, and gin, at least three shillings more. Oh, 
 there will be quite enough money, and some to spare. 
 (During iliis speech Sam advances caatiousbj and 
 'picks liis pocket.) 
 
 Sam. {Aside.) Some to spare! It can't fall into 
 better hands than mine, then ! {Exit K. ii. 
 
 Bob. I've a good mind to buy the goose going 
 home; but then if it should turn out fusty — I tliink 
 I had better lea\e it for Mrs. C. The juoment I get 
 home, I'll pop the money into her hands, and — 
 (Feeling in his pockets.) — Eh? — what — what's tliis? 
 Somebody has been having a joke at my expense. 
 Ell? my week's salary — my fifteen shillings — it's 
 
 gone ! I'm ruined — lost undone ! My pocket has 
 
 been picked ! I've lost my Christmas dinner before 
 I've got it ! Oh, how can I face Mrs. C, and Bob, and 
 Martha, and Tiny Tim! Oli, what can I do? 
 
 Enter Frank, l. h. 
 
 Frank. AVliat my worthy friend Bob Cratchit — 
 how is this, man ? you look sorrowful, and on Christ- 
 mas eve, too ! 
 
 Bob. Some of those boys whom I was sliding with 
 on the ice in C'ornhill must have done it. 
 
 Frank. Done it! Done what, man? 
 
 Bob. Stole my Christmas dinner — my — salary — ■ 
 f mean my fifteen shillings, that your uncle paid me 
 not an hour ago. 
 
 Frank. That's unfortunate! 
 
 Bob. Unfortunate ! Think of Tiny Tim's dis- 
 appointment — ^no goose — no pudding — ^no nothing! 
 
"iteii<*»s>SlJtf W»*«W l/*«*f.ii'-s*ii ' . 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 15 
 
 FiMNK. Tiny Tim shall not go without his Christ- 
 mas dinner notwitlistanding your loss— no, nor 3'ou 
 either — nor ony of your fauiily, r)ob Cratehit. At 
 such a time as this, no one should ])e unhappy — not 
 even my hard-liearted uncle, much less a worthy 
 fellow like you. Here, Bob, here's a sovereign — - 
 you can return it when my uncle raises your wages 
 — no thanks, but go and be as happy as you desevve 
 to be' — once more, a merry Chrii-jtmas to you! 
 
 {E.rit n. ii. 
 
 Bob. He's a regular trump ! 1 wanted to thank 
 him, and couldn't lind the words! I sliould like to 
 laugh, and I feel as if I could cry. II; Tiny Tim 
 don't bless you for this my name's not r>()b Cratehit! 
 I've lost fifteen shillings, and I've found a sovereign! 
 (Dances.) Tol lol li do! Oh, Mrs. Cratcliit! Oh, 
 my little Cratehit 1 what a happy Christmas Day we 
 shall spend, surely! What a pity Christmas don't 
 last all the year round ! (Exit L. ii.) 
 
 SCENE III. — Scrooge's cliamler, as before. 
 
 Scrooge discovered, sleeping in a chair. The SI age 
 becomes suddenhj quite light, and the ({host op 
 Christmas Pj^esent discovered, as in Work, 
 page 78, tlie wall at bach covered tvith ivy, holhj, 
 and mistletoe — heaped upon the floor, almost to 
 form a throne, are turkeys, geese, plum puddings, 
 twelfth cali-e, etc. (See Page 78.) 
 
 2nd Spirit. Know me, man? I am the ghost 
 of Christmas Present. Look upon me. (Scrooge 
 rises, approaches, and gazes at the figure.) You 
 have never seen the like of me before? 
 
 ScR. Never ! 
 
 2nd Spirit. Have never walked forth with the 
 younger members of my family, meaning, for I am 
 very young, my elder brothers born in these latter 
 years. 
 
 ScR. I'm afraid I have not. Have you had many 
 brothers. Spirit? 
 
16 
 
 A CHEISTMAS CAEOL 
 
 2nd SriEiT. More than eiglitcen linndrcd! 
 
 Sen. A tremendous family to provide for! {Th9 
 Spirit nses.) Spirit, conduct me where you will-^ 
 if you have ouglit to teach me, let me profit by it. 
 Why do you carry that torch? 
 
 2nd SriKiT. To sprinkle the light and incense 
 of happiness every where — to poor dwellings most. 
 
 ScK. Why to poor ones most? 
 
 2nd Si'iRiT. Because they need it most. But 
 come — touch my robio — we have miich to see. (As 
 SciiooGE approaches nearer to him, the Scene 
 changes.) 
 
 SCENE TV. — A Blealc and Barren Moor, A poor 
 mud cabin. (Painted in the flat) 
 
 The Second Spirit and Scrooge enter, 
 
 ScR. What place is this? 
 
 2nd Spikit. a place where miners live, who 
 labour in the bowels of the earth — they know me. 
 See! (As he speaks, the window is lighted from 
 witlLiii. Tlie Spirit draws Scrooge to window.) 
 What seest thou? 
 
 ScR. A cheerful company assembled round a glow- 
 ing fire — an old man and woman, with their children, 
 and children's children all decked gaily out in their 
 holiday attire. I hear the old man's voice above the 
 howling of the wind upon the barren waste; singing a 
 Christmas song, while all swell out the chorus. 
 
 2nd Spirit. Come, we must not tarry — we will 
 to sea — your ear shall be deafened by the roaring 
 waters. 
 
 ScR. To sea? no, good Spirit! 
 
 2nd Spirit. See yonder solitary lighthouse built 
 on a dismal reef of sunken rocks. Hero we men who 
 watch the light, have made a fire that sheds a ray 
 jI brightness on the awful sea, joining their horny 
 hands over the rough table where ^hoy sit, they wish 
 each other a merry Christmas in can of grog and 
 
 . 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 17 
 
 sing a nule lay in honour of the time. All men on 
 this (lay liavo a kinder word for one another — on such 
 a day — but come — on — on I (As ho apcak's the Scene 
 changes.) 
 
 SCENE V. — Drawing-room in Filink Freeiikvrt's 
 
 house. 
 
 FiiANK, Caroline his wife, Mr. Ciieerly, and male 
 and female Guests discovered — some are seated on 
 a sofa on one side, others surround a table on the 
 other side. Scrooge and the Spirit remain on 
 one side. i^At opening of Scene all laugh.) 
 
 Frank. Yes, friends, my uncle said that Christ- 
 mas was a humbug, as I live! lie believed it, too! 
 
 Omnes. More shame for him. 
 
 Frane. He's a comical old fellow ! However, his 
 offences carry their own punishment. 
 
 CiiEER. He's very rich ! 
 
 Frank. But his wealth is of no use to him. Ho 
 don't do any good with it. He don't make liimself 
 comfortable with it. He hasn't tlie satisfaction of 
 thinking — ha, ha, ha! — that he is ever going to 
 benefit us with it! 
 
 Ladies. We have no patience with him ! 
 
 Frank. But I have ! I'm sorry for him ! I 
 couldn't be angry with him if I tried. W]\o suffers 
 by his ill whims ? Himself ! He loves a good dinner 
 — pleasant mom.ents, and pleasanter companions than 
 he can find in his own thoughts, or in his mouldy 
 chambers. He may rail at Christmas till he dies, 
 but he can't help thinking better of it, I defy him! 
 If he finds me going there, year after year and say- 
 ing, Uncle Scrooge, how are you? If it only puts 
 him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds, 
 that's something, and I think I shook him yesterday! 
 (All laugh.) Well, he has given us plenty of merw- 
 ment so here's his health. Uncle Scrooge I 
 

 18 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Omnes. (Drinks.) Uncle Scrooge! 
 
 FiLWK. A int'i'iy CliriHtmas and a happy nevD 
 year to him wherever he is! 
 
 ScR. Spirit, their merriment has made mc so 
 liglit and .i,^ay, that I could ahnost pledge them in 
 return, and join in all their innocent mirth I 
 
 A servant enters, L. ii., and gives a letter to Frank, 
 
 then exits. 
 
 Frank. {Opens it and reads. Aside.) Ah! what 
 do 1 see, \\w vessel lost at sea tliat bore my entire 
 wenlth within lier! Then Fm a lost and ruined 
 man ! {His ivife approaches liim.) 
 
 CiiKKU. No ill news, 1 hope, Mr. Freeheart. 
 
 Frank. {Aside.) The stroke is sudden and 
 severe but I will bear it like a man ! Why should I 
 damp the enjoyment of those around l)y such ill tid- 
 ingL'? No, it is Christmas time — I will not broach 
 such bad news now — no — at least to-night. All shall 
 be happy — nor word of mine shall make any other- 
 wise. {To Ids friends.) Come, friends, let's have a 
 merry dance, shall we not? 
 
 Omnks. A dance! a dance! {Short Country 
 Dance, in which Scrooge joins without heing oh' 
 served hy tJie rest. Towards the conclusion of it 
 the Spirit advances — d?'aivs Scrooge haclc from the 
 group — a h right glow lights up the Scene, as the 
 Spitmt and Scrooge sinh through the Stage UU' 
 noticed hy the groups.) 
 
 END OF ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. — Ilumhle Apartment in Bob Cratohit's 
 House. Tahle, chairs, etc., on. 
 
 Mrs. Cratciiit and Belinda Cratciiit discovered 
 laying the cloth. Peter Cratciiit is hy fire. 
 Scrooge and the Spirit of Christmas Present 
 rise through the Stage, and stand aside and oh- 
 serve them. 
 
wtMiitfiMiMHP I 
 
 Pmiim'j^mmmmimmiii*,immiit 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 19 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Scu. So, tins is my clerk's dwelling, Spirit — Bob 
 Cratcliit's. You blessed it willi the s])rinklin,u^ of 
 your torch as we passed the threshold. Jioh had but 
 fifteen Boh a week. He pockets on Saturdays but 
 iiftecn copies of liis Christian name, and yet the 
 Ghost of Christmas I'resent blessed his four-roomed 
 house. {Two of Cjutciiit's yoiuiycr children. Boy 
 and Girl, run in.) 
 
 Boy. Oh, mother — outside tlio bakcVs wo smell 
 such a goose ! It must have been ours — no one has 
 got such a goose. Oh, geniinil (Thcij dance round 
 the table in cliildisli (jlce.) 
 
 Miis. C. Whatever has got your precious father, 
 Bob, and Tiny Tim. And Martha warn't as late 
 this Christmas Day by half an hour I 
 
 Enter Martha, l. ii. 
 
 Mart. TIerc's Martha, mother! 
 
 CiiiLDREX. Here's Martha, mother — hurrah! 
 There's such a goose, Martha I 
 
 Mrs. C. {Kissing JitARTiiA, and assisting her off 
 ivith her honnet, etc.) Why bless your heart alive, 
 my dear, how late you are ! 
 
 Mart. 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 ! 
 
 Children-. {Lool-iug off.) Father's coming! 
 Hide, Martha, hide! (Martha runs behind closet 
 door in f. Bob Cratch it enters with Tiny Tim 
 upon his shoidder, L. li.) 
 
 Bob. {Looking round.) Why, where's oiur 
 Martha ? 
 
 Mrs. C. Not coming. 
 
80 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAHOL 
 
 Bob. Not coininnr upon Christmas Day I 
 
 Maktha. {liunnituj towards him.) Yes, dear 
 father, yes. (Thri/ cnihrnre.) 
 
 CniLDUKN. Come, Tiny Tim, into the Wiishiiouse, 
 to hear the puchliii;,' siti^nn^ in the eopperl (They 
 carry Tim out — Vv/vim exits L. i[.) 
 
 Mrs. C. And how did little Tim behave? 
 
 Bob. As good as gold. Somehow he gets thought- 
 ful sitting by himselt' so much, and thinks the sweet- 
 est things 3'ou ever heard! (21lg Children" re-enter 
 with Tim.) 
 
 CiiiLDRKN. The goose! the goose! (Peter re- 
 enters carrying the goose — it is placed on the table, 
 etc. All seat themselves at table.) 
 
 ScR. Bob's happier than his master! How hia 
 blessed urchins, mounting guard upon their posts, 
 cram their spoons into their mouths^ lest they should 
 shriek for goose before their turn arrives to be helped ! 
 And now, as Mrs. Cratchit plunges her knife in its 
 breast, a murmur of delight firises round the board, 
 and even Tiny Tim beats the table with the handle 
 of his knife, and feebly cries hurrah! 
 
 Bob. Beautiful ! There never was such a goose. 
 It's tender as a lamb, and eheap as dirt. The apple 
 sauce and mashed potatoes are delicious — and now, 
 love, for the pudding. The thought of it makes you 
 nervous. 
 
 Mrs. C. Too nervous for witnesses. I must leave 
 the room al«ne to take the pudding up and bring it 
 in. (Exit L. 11. 
 
 Bob. Awful moment! Suppose it should not be 
 done enough? Suppose it should break in turning 
 out? Suppose somebody should have got over the 
 wall of the back yard and stolen it? (Gets up, and 
 walks about, disturbed.) I could suppose all sorts of 
 horrors. Ah ! there's a great deal of steam — the 
 pudding's out of the copper! A smell like a wash- 
 ing day — that's the cloth ! A smell like an eating- 
 house and a pastry cook's door to each other, with a 
 
A CnmSTMAS CAROL 
 
 81 
 
 avc 
 
 it 
 
 II. 
 
 bo 
 
 Itnndross's next door to that — that's tlio puddin;^. 
 (Mhs. C'ifATciiiT re-enters ivith imddbhj, tvliich she 
 places on table. Iioii sHs.) 
 
 Ciin.DifKN. TTurnih! 
 
 S('i{. ^Frs. Crak'hit looks fluslied, hut smiles 
 proudly, like om? wlio has aclii(ned a triiiiii|)]i. 
 
 Bon. Mrs. Cratfhit, I re<:^ard this j)ud(liii,<,^ as the 
 greatt'Ht success you have achieved since our mar- 
 
 ria<:fe. 
 
 Mks. C. Now Hint tlie weighlAs ofT my mind, T 
 confess T had my douhts al)()ut it, and I don't thiidv 
 it at all ii small ])uddin<x for so Iari;-e a family. 
 
 Bon. It would he flat heresy to say so. A Cratchit 
 would hlush to hint at such a fhiiiii^! 
 
 Scu. 4'heir merry, cheerful dinner's ended, hut 
 not their sweet enjoyment of the day. (Mns. 
 CiJATCiriT, etc., clears the Inhle. A jiif/ and a (jJass 
 or two are placed on if. 1)03 //7/> the (jla.'^ses.) 
 
 Bon. A merry Christmas to ns all, my dear — 
 heaven bless ns! (Tlirij drinl' and echo him — TiXY 
 Tim is' near his father, who presses his hand.) 
 
 Sci{. S})irit tell me if Tiny Tim will live? 
 
 2ni) Si'iiJiT. If the shadows I see remain un- 
 altered by the future, the child will die. 
 
 Sen. Xo, no — say he will be spared. 
 
 2nd Si'iwiT. If he be like to die — what then? 
 lie had better do it, and decrease the surplus popula- 
 tion. 
 
 ScR. My own words ! 
 
 2nu Spihit. Man — if man you be in heart, and 
 not adamant — forbear that wicked cant until you 
 have discovered what tlie surplus is, and where it is. 
 Will you decide what men shall live — wliat men shall 
 die? To hear the insect on the leaf pronouncing on 
 the too much life among his hungry brothers in the 
 dust. 
 
 Bob. My dear, I'll give you, " Mr. Scrooge, the 
 founder of the feast ! " 
 
 Mrs. C. The founder of the feast indeed ! I wish 
 
'ft^mti.si 
 
 22 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 I had liim lierc — Fd give liim a piece of my mind to 
 feast upon ! 
 
 Bob. My dear — the cliildren — Christmas Day 
 
 Mks. V. it slioiiltl be Christmas Day, Fm sure, on 
 wliicli oiiu drinks the lieaith of siicli an odious, stingy, 
 hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know 
 wliat he is, Robert — no one better. 
 
 BoJi. My dear — Cliristmas Day 
 
 Mks. C. rJl drink his liealth for your sake not 
 for his. Long life to him! A merry Christmas and 
 a liappy new 3'ear! He'll be very merry and very 
 happy, no doubt! {All drinli.) 
 
 2nd Sriirr. Your name alone has cast a gloom 
 upon them. But they are happy — grateful — pleased 
 with one another. 
 
 8cu. And they look happier yet in the bright 
 sprinkling of thy torch. Spirit. \As lie spcalcs the 
 iSlaf/o becomes quite dark. A medium descends, 
 luJiicli hides tlie group at table. Scrooge and the 
 SriiuT reniaining in front.) We have seen much 
 to-night, and visited many homes. Thou hast stood 
 beside sick beds, and they were cheerful — by strug- 
 gling men, and they were patient in their greater 
 hope — by poverty, and it was rich. In ahnshouse, 
 hospital and jail — in misery's every refuge, thou hast 
 left thy blessing, and taught me thy precepts. 
 
 2nd Si'iiaT. My life upon this globe is very brief 
 —it ends to-night — at midnight — the time draws 
 near. 
 
 S(ju. Is that a claw protruding from your skirts? 
 
 2nd SriifiT. Behold! (Tivo 'Children, -wretched in 
 appearance, appear from (he foldings of It is robe— 
 they lined, and cling io him.) Ob, man — look here! 
 
 ScK. Spirit, are they yours ? {See Plate in Work, 
 'page 111).) 
 
 2nd Spirit. They are nuin's — and they cling to 
 me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Igno- 
 rance — this girl is Want. Beware all of their degree 
 -—but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow is 
 
'.-■a^mmitmiA* 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 23 
 
 to 
 
 written that wliieh is doom, unless the writing be 
 erased. Admit it for your factious purposes, and 
 bide the end. 
 
 'W'K. llavci they no reguhir refuge or resource? 
 ( Sc itooG K i<li rin Is aha^h ed. ) 
 
 2x1) Si'iiiiT. Are tliere no prisons — no work- 
 houses? Hark, 'tis midnight! 1 am of the past! 
 {The CiULDURX exeunt — Ulb Spirit disappears 
 through trap — at the same moment the (Uicst of 
 CiiKiisTMAs TO Come, shrouded in a deep hlach gar- 
 ment rises behind nir^Uunij u'liich is ivorkcd off, dis- 
 covering 
 
 SCEXE IT.— 1 Street. Night, 
 
 The SriiUT advances sloivlij. Scrooge kneels on 
 
 heholding it. 
 
 ScR. This Spirit's mysterious presence fdls me 
 with a solemn dread ! I am in the presence of the 
 Ghost of Christmas yet to come ! {The SriifiT points 
 onward.) You are about to show me shadows of 
 things that have not happened, ])ut will happen in 
 the time before ns? [The Spirit sliglttlg inclines its 
 head.) Though well nsed to ghostly company by 
 this time. I fear this silent shape more than I did 
 all the rest. CJliost of the Future, will you not speak 
 to me? (The Spirit's hand is still pointing on- 
 ward.) Lead on, Spirit! {The Si'IRIT 7uoves a feio 
 steps on, then pauses. Scrooge follows. The Stage 
 becomes light.) 
 
 Enter Ciierrly and IIeartly. 
 
 Heart. He's dead, you say? When did lie die? 
 
 Cheer. Last night, I believe. 
 
 Heart. What has he done with his money? 
 
 Cheer. I haven't heard. He hasn't left it to 
 me. It's likely to l)e a very cheap funeral, for I don't 
 know of any one likely to go to it. 
 
 Heart. Well, I don't mind going to it if lunch is 
 provided. I'm not at all sure I was not one of his 
 most particular friends. 
 
!-..•#• 
 
 24 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Cheer. Yes — you used to stop, and say '^How 
 d'ye do ? " whenever you met. But, come — we must 
 to 'Change. 
 
 {Exit R. II. 
 
 ScR. A moral in their words, too ! Quiet and 
 dark beside me stands yet the phantom, witli its out- 
 stretched hand. It still points onward and I must 
 follow it! (Tlie Spirit exils doivlij followed by 
 Scrooge.) 
 
 SCENE Til. — Interior of a Marine Store Shop. Old 
 iron, pli ials, etc., seen. A screen ext'ends from R. ii. 
 to V. separating fireplace, etc., from shop. <ChaAr 
 and table near the fire. 
 
 Old Joe seated near the fire, smohing. A light burns 
 on the table. The Spirit enters, followed by 
 Scrooge. 
 
 ScR. AMiat foul and obscure place is this? What 
 place of bad repute — of houses wretched — of people 
 half naked — drunken and ill-favoured? '^i'lie whole 
 quarter reeks with crime — with filth and misery. 
 {Shop door opens, and Mrs. Dirler enters. She has 
 hardhj time to close the door ivlien it opens again, 
 and Dark Sam enters closely followed by Mrs. Mil- 
 dew. Upon perceiving each other they at first start, 
 but presently burst into a laugh. Joe joins them.) 
 
 Sam. Let the charwoman alone to be tlie first — ■ 
 let the laundress alone to be second — and let the 
 undertaker's man alone to be the third. Loolc here 
 old Joe, here's a chance; ! If we all three haven't met 
 here without meanin<2: it. 
 
 Joe. You couldn't have met in a better place. 
 Come into the parlour — you're none of you strangers. 
 Stop till I shut the door of the shop. Ah ! how it 
 shrieks ! There an't such a rusty bit of metal here 
 as its own hinges — and I'm sure tliere's no such old 
 bones here as mine, lla, ha 1 we're all suitable to our 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 36 
 
 ly 
 
 calling. "We're well matched. Come into the par- 
 lour. {They come forward by screen.) 
 
 Mes. M. {Throimng down hundle.) Vfimt odds, 
 then, Mrs. Dibler? Every ] rson has a right to take 
 care of themselves. He always did. 
 
 Sam. No man more so, so don't stand staring as 
 if you was afraid, woman — who's the wiser? We're 
 not going to pick holes in each other's coats, I sup- 
 pose? 
 
 Omxes. No, indeed! we should hope not! 
 
 Mrs. M. Who's the worse for the loss of a few 
 things like tliese ? Not a dead man, I suppose ? 
 
 Omxes. (Laughing.) No, indeed! 
 
 Sam. If he wanted to keep 'em after he was deaci 
 a wicked old screw, why wasn't he natural in his life 
 time? 
 
 Mrs. M. If he had been, he'd have had somebody 
 to lork after him when he was struck with death, 
 instead of lying, gasping out his last, alone there by 
 himself — it's a judgment upon him! Open that 
 bundle, old Joe, and let me know the value of it. 
 
 Sam. Stop^ I'll be served first, to spare your 
 blushes, though we pretty well knew we were helping 
 ourselves, and no sin neither! (Gives trinkets to 
 Joe.) 
 
 Joe. Two seals, pencil case, brooch, sleeve buttons ! 
 (Chalhing figures on wall.) Five bob! Wouldn't 
 give more, if you was to boil me! Who's next? 
 (Mrs. Dibler offers hundle tvhich he examines.) 
 There's your money! {Chains on wall.) I always 
 give too much to bidies — it's my weakness, and so 
 I ruin myself. If you asked for another penny, and 
 made it an open question, I'd repent of being so 
 lil)eral, and knock off half a-crown! (Examines 
 Mrs. Mildew's hundle upon Ids knees.) Wliat do 
 you. call this? bed curtains? You don't mean to say 
 you took 'em down, rings and all, with him lying 
 there ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Yes, I do! Why not? 
 
sasws^ifefegrfes^^lil I 
 
 26 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Joe. You were born to make your fortune, and 
 you'll certainly do it! Blankets! his blankets? 
 
 Mrs. M. Whose else's ? He won't take cold with- 
 out 'em ! 
 
 Joe. I hope he didn't die of anything catching! 
 
 Mrs. M. No, no ! or I'd not have waited on such 
 as he! There, Joe, that's the best shirt he had— 
 they'd ha' wasted it, but for me ! 
 
 Joe. What do you call wasting it? 
 
 Mrs. M. Putting it on him to be buried, to be 
 sure ! Somebody was fool enough to do it, but I 
 took it off again ! If calico ain't good enough for 
 such a purpose, it ain't good enough for anybody! 
 It's quite as becoming to the body! He can't look 
 uglier than he did in that one! 
 
 ScR. I listen to their words in horror ! 
 
 Joe. Tliere is what I will give you! {Chalhs on 
 wall, then takes out a small hag, and tells them out 
 their money.) 
 
 Mrs. M. Ila, ha ! This is the end of it, you see — 
 he frightened every one away from him when he 
 was alive, to profit us when he was dead — ha, ha, ha ! 
 (All laugh.) 
 
 ScR. {Shuddering.) Spirit, I see — I see! The 
 case of this unhappy man might be my own — ^my life 
 tends that way now. Let us be gone. {The Spirit 
 points onward. The Scene changes.) 
 
 SCENE IV. — A chamher. Curtain drawn over 
 recess. The Spirit points to it — then approaches 
 it, followed hy Scrooge trembling. The curtain 
 is ivlthdrawn — a bed is seen — a pale light shows a 
 figure, covered with a sheet upon it, 
 
 ScR. {Recoiling in terror.) Ah! a bare uncur- 
 tained bed, and something there, which, though 
 dumb, announces itself in awful language! Yes, 
 plundered and bereft, unwatched, unwept, uncared 
 for, is the body of this man! {The Spirit points 
 
' mmt^yMm^- 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 27 
 
 towards live led.) It points towards the face — ^the 
 slightest movement of my liand would instantly reveal 
 it — I long yet dread to do it. Oh, could this man 
 be raised up and see himself! Avarice, hard dealing, 
 griping cares! They have })rought him to a rich 
 end, truly! lie lays alone in a dark empty house, 
 with not a man, woman, or a child, to say — ■" He 
 was kind to me — I will be kind to him ! " Spirit, tliis 
 is a fearful place ! in leaving it, I shall not leave its 
 lesson. Let us hence. If there is any person in tlie 
 town who feels emotion caused by this man's deatli, 
 show that ])erson to me, I beseech you. {As he 
 speaks the Scene changes.) 
 
 SCENE V. — A chamher. Sckooge and Spirit 
 
 on L. II. 
 
 Enter Ellen, r. ii., second dress, followed hy 
 
 EUSTOX, L. H. 
 
 Ellen". What news my love — is it good or bad? 
 
 Eus. Bad ! 
 
 Ellen. We are quite ruined! 
 
 Eus. No ! there is hope yet, Ellen ! 
 
 Ellen. If he relents, there is — nothing is paot 
 hope if such a miracle has ha])pened. 
 
 Eus. He is past relenting! He is dead! 
 
 Ellen. Dead I It is a crime but heaven forgive 
 me, I almost feel thankful for it ! 
 
 Eus. What the half drunken-woman told me last 
 night, when I tried to see him and obtain a week's 
 delay, and which I thought a mere excuse to avoid 
 me, was true, — he was not only ill, but dying 
 then ! 
 
 Ellen. To whom will our debt be transferred ! 
 
 Eus. I don't know, but before that time we shall 
 be ready with the money, and were we not, we can 
 hardly nnd so merciless a creditor in his successor. 
 We may sleep to-night with light hearts, Ellen^ 
 Come! {Exeunt R. ii.) 
 
 ScR. This is terrible! Let me see some tender- 
 liess connected with a death in that dark chamber, 
 
•imimmir^^* 
 
 l^ * "^ 
 
 28 
 
 A CHEISTMAS CAROL 
 
 which we left just now, Spirit — it will be for ever 
 present to me. (Spitiit points onward and slovdy 
 exits folloived hy ScifOOOE.) 
 
 SCENE VI. — Apartment at Bob Cratciiit's. 
 
 (Mrs. Cratciiit, Peter, and the two younger Crat- 
 ciiit's discovered. Candle lighted. The Spirit 
 enters, followed hy Scrooge.) 
 
 ScR. As through the old familiar streets we 
 passed, I looked in vain to find myself, but nowhere 
 was I to be seen. 
 
 Mrs. C. {Laying down her worh. Mourning.) 
 The colour hurts my eyes, and I wouldn't show weak 
 eyes to your fatlier. It must be near his time — he 
 walks slower than he used, and yet I've known him 
 walk, with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder, very fast 
 indeed — but he was very light to carry, and his father 
 loved him, so that it was no trouble — no trouble 
 
 Enter Bob, l. ii. Mrs. C. advances to meet him — 
 the CiiiLDREJsr crowd around him. 
 
 Bob. There, wife, I've returned at last. Come, 
 you liave been industrious in my absence — the things 
 will be ready before Sunday. 
 
 Mrs. C. Sunday! You went to day, then? 
 
 Bob. Yes, my dear ! I wish you could have gone 
 — it would have done you good to see how green a 
 place it is. But you'll see it often — I promised him 
 I would walk there of a Sunday — my little — ^little 
 child — {With much emotion.) 
 
 Mrs. C. Don't fret ! 
 
 Bob. Fret ! I met Mr. Scrooge's nephew just 
 now, who, seeing that I looked a little down, asked 
 me what had happened. Ah, he's the pleasantest 
 spoken gentleman y..; ever hei-rd — he told me he was 
 sorry for me and for my good wife — but how he 
 knew that I don't know! 
 
 ilKS. C. Knew what? 
 
^«MMhmhM4( 
 
 1^ I »^-ti^' alKlt 
 
 iiia^lMii«iM<»i^< 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAEOL 
 
 29 
 
 Bob. Why, that yoii were a good wife! and he 
 was so kind — it was quite delightful ! He said he'd 
 get Peter a hetter situation — and, mark me, when- 
 ever we part from one another, I am sure we sliall 
 none of us forget poor Tiny Tim, sliall we, or this 
 first parting that was among us ? 
 
 Omnes. Never! never! (The Ciiildren crowd 
 around their Parents, ivho hiss them tenchrly, A 
 medium descends and hides the group.) 
 
 ScR. Spectre, something informs me that our 
 parting moment is at hand — tell me, ere you quit me, 
 what man that was whom we saw lying dead? {The 
 SriRiT points onward slowly traverses the stage.) 
 Still he beckons me onward — there seems no order in 
 these latter visions, save they are in the future. 
 Through yonder gloom I can see my own dwelling — 
 let me behold what I shall be in days to come — the 
 house is yonder — why do you point away? Ah! that 
 house is no longer mine — another occupies it. Ah! 
 why is this? {The medium is worked off, and dis" 
 covers. 
 
 SCENE VII. — A Churchyard. On slab centre, is 
 engraved " Ebenezer Scrooge.'" 
 
 ScR. A churchyard! Here, then, the wretched 
 man who's name I have now to learn, lays under- 
 neath the ground! (The SriRiT points to centre 
 slab. Scrooge advances, trembling, towards it.) 
 Before I draw nearer to the stone to which you 
 point, answer me one question. Are these the things 
 of the shadows that will be, or are they the shadows 
 of the things that may be only? (The Spirit still 
 points downward to the grave.) Men's courses will 
 foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in 
 they must lead — but if the courses be departed from 
 the ends will change — say is it thus with what you 
 show me? Still as immovable as ever! (Draws 
 nearer to grave.) "Ebenezer Scrooge!" My own 
 
80 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 name! {Si7ilcs on his hnees.) Am I that man who 
 lay upon the bed? (The Spirit points from the 
 grave to him, and hack again.) Ko, Spirit! Oh, 
 no, no I {See Plate, pacje 150. The Fkjuke re* 
 mains immovable.) Spirit! (Clutching its robe.) 
 Hear nie ! I am not the man I was — I will not bo 
 the man I must have been but for this intercourse! 
 why show me this if I am past all hope? (The hand 
 trembles. Sckooge sinks on his knees.) Good 
 Spirit, your nature intercedes for me — assure mo 
 that I yet may change these shadows you have shown 
 me, by an altered life ! (The hand trembles still.) I 
 will honour Christmas in my heart, aud try to keep 
 it all tlie year^ — I will live the past, the present, and 
 the future — the spirits of all three shall strive within 
 me — I will not slmt out tb.e lessons that they teach — • 
 oh tell me I may sponge away the writing on this 
 stone! (In his agony lie catches the Spectre's liand 
 ^-it seeks to free itself — his struggles become stronger 
 in his despair — tlie Spirit repulses him — he sinks 
 prostrate to the earth — the Spikit disappears, as the 
 medium is tvorked on. Clouds roll over tlie stage — 
 they are worked off, and discovers.) 
 
 SCENE YIII. — Scrooge's Chamber. Same as Scene 
 I, Act I. It is broad day — the fire is nearly ex- 
 tinguislied — tJie candle nearly burnt down to the 
 socket. The stage arrangement in other respects, 
 precisely the same as at end of Scene I, Act I. 
 
 Scrooge discovered, sleeping in his chair. He ap' 
 pears restless and uneasy, then starts up, ex- 
 claiming. 
 
 ScR. Pity me ! I will not be the man I have boon ! 
 Oh, no, no! (Pauses, and looks around him.) Ah! 
 here ! Could it all have been a dream ! A dream — ■ 
 ha, ha, ha ! A dream ! Yes ! this table's my own^ 
 this chair's my own — this room'^ my own — and 
 happier still, the time before me is my own to make 
 amends in I I will live the past, the present, and the 
 
*«mgMiimmmaummsmm 
 
 A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 81 
 
 cene 
 ex- 
 the 
 cts. 
 
 ap- 
 ex- 
 
 future! ITeaven and the Cliristmas time be praised 
 for til is I I say it on my kn(?es — on my knees! My 
 cheek is wet witli tears, but tliey are tears of peni« 
 teiiee ! (Busies hiin.'^elf in pulling on his coat, throw- 
 iufj off his cap, etc., and speaking all the time.) I 
 don't know wliat to do — I'm as liglit as a feather — > 
 I'm as happy as an angel — I'm as merry as a school- 
 boy — I'm as giddy as a drunken man ! A merry 
 Cliristmas to every body — a happy new year to all 
 the world ! Hallo, there ! AVlioop ! Hallo ! there's 
 the jug that my gruel was in — there's the door where 
 the ghost of Jacob Marley entered. It's all right — 
 it's all true — it all happened — ha, ha, ha ! 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 ! Hallo ! Whoop ! Hallo, here I 
 (Runs to ivindoiv — opens it.) Here, yon boy ! what's 
 to-day ? 
 
 Boy. (^VWiout.) Why, Christmas Day!^ 
 
 ScR. Ah! I haven't missed it! Glorious! I 
 Bay — go to the poulterer's round the corner, and buy 
 the prize turkev for me ! 
 
 Boy. ( Without. ) Wal— ker ! 
 
 ScR. Tell 'em to send it, and I'll give you half 
 a crown. He's off like a shot! I'll send it to Bob 
 Cratchit's. How astonished he'll be. {Coming 
 down.) I'll write a cheque for that society that 
 they called on me about yesterday. Ch, I'll make 
 every one happy, and myself, too! (Enochs heara 
 ivithout.^ That must be the turkey! (Opens door.) 
 As I live, it's Bob Cratchit ! 
 
 Enter Bob Cratchit, 2 E. L. ii. 
 
 Bob. Excuse my calling, sir, but the fact is, 1 
 couldn't help it. That worthy gentleman, youT 
 nephew, is ruined. I said, ruined, sir 
 
 ScR. I'm glad of it ! 
 
 Bob. Glad of it ! There's an unnatural cannibal I 
 
 Enter Frank, 3 e. l. h. 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
 
 Frank. Oh uncle, you know all I I come not to 
 ask your assistcance — that would bo madness — but I 
 come to bid you farewell. In three days' time, with 
 my unfortunate family, I shall quit England. 
 
 Sen. No, you shan't. You shall stay where you 
 are I 
 
 Frank. You mock me I 
 
 ScR. I say you shall stay where you are ! (Writes 
 at table.) There's a cheque for present use — to- 
 morrow I will see how I can make up your losses, 
 and at my death you shall inherit all my wealth — 
 but I don't mean to die yet, you dog! 
 
 Frank. This generosity 
 
 ScR. No thanks. 1^11 dine with you to-day, Frank 
 —and as for you, Bob, Tiny Tim shall be my care, 
 and your salary's trebled from this hour. 
 
 Bob. Oh, this can'*: be my master I Oh, I'm quite 
 Bure it must be somebody else. Yes — it is him, too I 
 He must have gone mad ! I've a great mind to knock 
 him down with the ruler, and get Mr. Frank to 
 help me to fit him on a strait waistcoat! Well, I 
 never ! 
 
 ScR. A merry Christmas, Frank — a merry Christ- 
 mas, Bob- -and it shall be a merry one. I have 
 awoke a better man than I fell asleep. So may it be 
 with all of us! Oh, may my day dreams prove as 
 happy as my night ones? (^5 he speaks, the gauze 
 happy as my night ones? (As hespe ahs, the gauze 
 medium is lit up behind, and the Ghost of Christ- 
 mas Past the Ghost of Christmas Present, and 
 the Ghost of Christmas to Come, with the other 
 characters in the Miser's dream, are seen in separate 
 groups.) Their remembrance haunts me still. Oh, 
 my friends — forgive but my past, you will make 
 happy my present, and inspire me with hope for the 
 futorel 
 
 THE CURTAIN FALLS. 
 
aUiiM''^ 
 
 '^HE BAT 
 
 A my«t( y play i 3 acts. By Mary K ' ts kinehart 
 and Avery 1 fopwooO Prodi ^ origin 'Hy Ai be Morosco 
 Theatre, New York. 7 male\ ^ fern? * 2 interior scenes. 
 Modern costumes. 
 
 Miss Cornelia Van Gorder, a t\ijiden lady of sixty, has leased as a 
 restorative for frayed nerves, a Long Island country house. It had 
 been the property of j New York financier who had disappeared 
 coincidentally with the looting of his bank. His cashier, who is 
 secretly engaged to marry Miss Van Gorder's niece, is suspected of 
 the defalcation and is a fugitive. The new occupant believe the 
 place to be haunted. Strange sounds and manifestations first strengthen 
 this conviction but presently lead them to suspect that the happen- 
 ings are mysteriously connected with the bank robbery. Any sensible 
 yroman would have moved to the nearest neighbors for the night and 
 returned to the city next day. But Miss Van Gorder decided to re- 
 main and solve the mystery. She sends for detectives and then things 
 begin to happen. At one time or another every r ember of the house- 
 hold is suspected of the theft. The audience is kept running up blind 
 alleys, falling into hidden pitfalls, and darting around treacherous 
 corners. A genuine thriller guaranteed to divert any audience. 
 
 (Royalty, twenty-five dollars.) Price 75 Cents. 
 
 THE HAUNTED HOUSE 
 
 Comedy in 3 acts. By Owen Davis. Produced originally 
 at the George M. Cohan Theatre, New York. 8 males, 
 3 females, i interior. Modern costumes. 
 
 A newly married couple arrive to spend their honeymoon in a 
 summer cottage owned by the girl's father, who has begged them 
 not, to go there, because he claims the house is haunted. Almost 
 immediately after their arrival, strange sounds are heard in the house. 
 The bride leaves the room for a few moments and when she re- 
 turns, her husband is talking very confidentially to a young woman, 
 who he claims has had trouble with her automobile down the road, 
 and he goes out to assist her. But when he comes back, his wife's 
 suspicions force him to confess that the girl is an old sweetheart of 
 his. The girl is subsequently reported murdered, and the bride be- 
 lieves her husband has committed the crime. A neighbor, who is an 
 author of detective stories, attempts to solve the murder, meantime 
 calling in a prominent New York detective who is vacationing in 
 the town. As they proceed, everyone in the action becomes involved. 
 But the whole thing terminates in a laugh, with the most uproarious 
 and unexpected conclusion imaginable. 
 
 (Royalty, fwenty-fivc dollars.) Price 75 Cents. 
 
LOUDER, PLEASE 
 
 A comedy in 3 acts. By Norman Krasna. Produced 
 originally at the Masque Theatre, New York. 12 males, 
 3 females, i interior scene. Modern costumes. 
 
 The breathless and amusing comedy has to do with the efforti of 
 Criterion Pictures to keep one of its stars, Polly Madison, before the 
 public gaze, and Press Agent Herbert White is called in to promote 
 the necessary ballyhoo. He conceives the brilliant but ancient idea 
 of having Polly get "lost at sea" in a motor boat. There is 1 law 
 making it a punishable crime to fake a false news report to th. press, 
 but what is a law to Herbert if he can get over the necessary pub- 
 licity? He broadcasts the news that Polly has strangely disappeared 
 and is lost at sea. Consequently the forces of the law get busy, the 
 Coast Guard sends out a fleet of airplanes to rescue the lost film star, 
 with the result that the front pages of the papers are loaded with 
 stories of the frantic search for the actress, and the world at large 
 is on its ear. Detective Bailey becomes suspicious of the fake and puts 
 the Criterion staff through a stiff third degree. A prison cell "looms 
 up for Herbert White and he has to resort to the most desperate 
 measures to make the fake story appear true. 
 
 (Royalty, twenty-five dollars.) Price 75 Cents. 
 
 SKIDDING 
 
 Comedy in 3 acts. By Aurania Rouverol. Produced 
 originally at the Bijou Theatre, New York, j males, 5 
 females, i interior. Modern costumes. * 
 
 A fresh, sincere picture of American family life, showing Marion 
 Hardy, a modern college girl who falls ecstatically in love with 
 Wayne Trenton just as a career is opening up to her, and the diflS- 
 culties she has in adjusting her romance. Then there are the two 
 pretty young daughters who chose to marry before they finished their 
 education and want to "come home to Mother" at the first sign of 
 trouble. Mother Hardy is so upset at the modern tendencies of her 
 daughters, that she goes on strike in order to straighten out her 
 family. Young Andy Hardy is an adorable adolescent lad with his 
 first "case" — a typical Booth Tarkington part. He keeps the audience 
 in a gale of merriment with his humorous observances. Grandpa 
 Hardy touches the heart with his absent-mindedness and his remi- 
 niscences about Grandma; and the white satin slippers he makes for 
 Marion to be married in, have a great deal to do with straightening 
 out her love affair. Humor is blended with pathos and a deliciously 
 garnished philosophy makes "Skidding" more significant than the 
 average comedy. It is life. "Skidding" is one of our most popular 
 plays for High School production. 
 
 (Royalty, twenty-five dollars.) Paice 7j Cents. 
 
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 remi- 
 
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