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diff --git a/41739-0.txt b/41739-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..df7bc1d --- /dev/null +++ b/41739-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1527 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41739 *** + + Transcriber's Note: + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible, including non-standard spelling and punctuation. Some + changes have been made. They are listed at the end of the text. + + Italic text has been marked with _underscores_. + + + + + THE MINOR DRAMA. + No. CCCCI. + + A + CHRISTMAS CAROL; + OR, THE + MISER'S WARNING! + + (ADAPTED FROM CHARLES DICKENS' CELEBRATED WORK.) + + BY + C. Z. BARNETT, + + _Author of Fair Rosamond, Farinelli, The Dream of Fate, + Oliver Twist, Linda, The Pearl of Savoy, Victorine of + Paris, Dominique, Bohemians of Paris, &c._ + + +-------+ + Samuel French (Canada) Limited | PRICE | + 480-486 University Avenue | | + TORONTO - CANADA | | + +-------+ + + NEW YORK | LONDON + SAMUEL FRENCH | SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. + PUBLISHER | 26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET + 25 WEST 45TH STREET | STRAND + + +_THE MIDDLE WATCH_ + +A farcical comedy in 3 acts. By Ian Hay and Stephen King-Hall. Produced +originally at the Times Square Theatre, New York. 9 males, 6 females. +Modern costumes and naval uniforms. 2 interior scenes. + + During a reception on board 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 + dinner 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 American widow accepts the offer to take her place, both + girls intending to go back to shore in the late evening. Of course, + things go wrong, and they have to remain aboard all night. By this + time the Captain has to be told, because his cabin contains the + only possible accommodations, and he enters into the conspiracy + without signalling the Admiral'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 positively + embarrassing. 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., 2 interior scenes. +Modern costumes. + + Nothing is really private any more--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 win back her husband 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 with jokes and retorts that will + keep any audience in a constant uproar. + + (Royalty, twenty-five dollars.) PRICE 75 CENTS. + + + + + A + CHRISTMAS CAROL; + OR, THE + MISER'S WARNING! + + (ADAPTED FROM CHARLES DICKENS'S CELEBRATED WORK.) + + BY + C. Z. BARNETT, + + _Author of Fair Rosamond, Farinelli, The Dream of Fate, + Oliver Twist, Linda, The Pearl of Savoy, Victorine of + Paris, Dominique, Bohemians of Paris, &c._ + + NEW YORK | LONDON + SAMUEL FRENCH | SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. + PUBLISHER | 26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET + 25 WEST 45TH STREET | STRAND + + + + +DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. + + + Ebenezer Scrooge, the Miser Mr. R. Honner + Frank Freeheart, his Nephew Mr. J. T. Johnson + Mr. Cheerly Mr. Hawkins + Mr. Heartly Mr. Green + Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's Clerk Mr. Vale + Dark Sam Mr. Stilt + + +CHARACTERS IN THE DREAM. + + Euston, a ruined Gentleman Mr. Lawler + Mr. Fezziwig Mr. Dixie + Old Joe, a Fence Mr. Goldsmith + Ghost of Jacob Marley Mr. Morrison + Ghost of Christmas Past Mr. Lewis + Ghost of Christmas Present Mr. Heslop + Ghost of Christmas to Come * * * + Dark Sam Mr. Stilt + Peter, Bob's Eldest Son Miss Daly + Tiny Tim Master Brady + Mrs. Freeheart Mrs. Hicks + Ellen, Scrooge's former love Mrs. H. Hughes + Mrs. Cratchit Mrs. Daly + +First produced at the Royal Surrey Theatre, Feb. 5th, 1844. + + +COSTUME. + +SCROOGE--Brown old-fashioned coat, tea colour breeches, double-breasted +white waistcoat. 2nd.--Dressing gown and slippers. + +FRANK--Private dress. + +MR. CHEERLY--Blue coat, cord breeches, and gaiters. + +MR. HEARTLY--Green coat, black breeches, top boots. + +BOB CRATCHIT--Black old-fashioned coat, black trousers. + +DARK SAM--Dark green shooting coat and breeches, ragged. Second +dress--Shabby black coat. + +EUSTON--Shabby private 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. + +CHRISTMAS TO COME--Very long black gown. + +TINY TIM--Blue jacket and trousers. + +ALL THE LADIES--Modern dresses. + + + + +A CHRISTMAS CAROL. + + + + +ACT I. + + + SCENE I.--_Chambers of SCROOGE, the Miser. One side of it is filled up + with a desk and high stool, the other is a fireplace, fire lighted. + Easy chair table, with candlestick upon it, etc., etc._ + + _SCROOGE, the Miser, discovered near fire. BOB CRATCHIT, writing near + desk, L. H. As the Curtain rises he descends from stool--approaches + fire to stir it._ + +SCROOGE. Bob--Bob, we shall be obliged to part. You'll ruin me in coals! + +BOB. Ruin you--with such a fire in such weather! I've 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 who it is. + +BOB. (_Aside._) 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 been 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 death, and shall never forget his funeral. Coming from it, I +made one of the best bargains I ever made. Ha, ha. Folks say I'm +tight-fisted--that I'm a squeezing, wrenching, 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, 2 E. L. H._ + +BOB. There's your uncle, sir. (_Aside._) Old covetous! He's worse than +the rain and snow. They often come down, and handsomely too, but Scrooge +never does! + + (_Exit 2 E. L. H._ + +SCR. 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! What right have you to be merry? You're poor +enough. + +FRANK. (_Gaily._) Come, then, what right have you to be dismal! What +reason have you to be morose? 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! + +FRANK. Uncle! + +SCR. Nephew, keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine. + +FRANK. Keep it! But you don't keep it. + +SCR. Let me leave it alone, then. Much good may it do you. Much good it +has ever done you. + +FRANK. There are many things from which I might have derived good by +which I have not profited, I dare say, Christmas among the rest, but I +am sure I have always thought 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 silver in my +pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good, and I +say, Heaven bless it! + +BOB. (_Looking in._) Beautiful--beautiful! + +SCR. 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 bear 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! Bah! good evening. + +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. + +SCR. Good evening! + +FRANK. And a happy new year! + +SCR. Good evening! + + _Enter BOB, 2 E. L. H._ + +FRANK. And a happy Christmas, and a merry new year to you, Bob Cratchit. +(_Shaking him by the hand._) + +BOB. The same to you, sir, and many of 'em, and to your wife, and to +your darling children, and to all your friends, and to all you know, and +to every one, to all the world. (_Exit FRANK, 2 E. L. H._) + +SCR. (_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. + +BOB. Two gentlemen want you, sir, as fat as prize beef--shall I call 'em +in? (_Goes to side._) Walk this way if you please, gentlemen. + + _Enter MR. CHEERLY and MR. HEARTLY, 2 E. L. H., + with books and papers._ + +CHEER. 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 usually +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 comfort, sir. + +SCR. Are there no prisons? and the union workhouses, 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? + +CHEER. Both very busy, sir. + +SCR. Oh! I was afraid from what you said at first, that something had +occurred to stop them in their useful course. I'm very glad to hear it! + +CHEER. Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer +of mind or body to the multitude, a few of us are endeavouring to raise +a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We +choose this time because it is a time of all others, when want is keenly +felt and abundances rejoice. What shall we put you down for? + +SCR. Nothing! + +CHEER. You wish to be anonymous? + +SCR. I wish to be left alone. I don't make merry myself at Christmas, +and I can't afford to make idle people merry--I help to support the +establishments I have named--they cost enough--those who are badly off +must go there. + +CHEER. Many can't go there--many would rather die! + +SCR. If they'd rather die, they'd better do it, and decrease the surplus +population. However, it's not my business, so good evening, gentlemen. + +CHEER. I am sorry we disturbed you. (_As they are about to exeunt, BOB +approaches them--SCROOGE retires up._) + +BOB. Beg pardon, gentlemen, I've got an odd eighteen-pence here that I +was going to buy a new pair of gloves with in honour of Christmas 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. H._) + +SCR. (_Coming down._) Give money--humbug! Who'd give me anything, I +should like to know? + + _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 children--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 yourself 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 I turn his face seems before me. Delusion--humbug! +I'll sit down by the fire and forget him. (_Takes basin of gruel from +hob._) Here's my gruel! (_Sits in easy chair by fire--puts on night cap, +and presently appears to dose. Suddenly a clanking of chains and ringing +of bells is heard--he's aroused, and looks up terrified._) That noise! +It's humbug! I won't believe it! (_The door slowly opens, and the GHOST +OF MARLEY glides in. A chain is round his body, and cash boxes, ledgers, +padlocks, purses, etc., are attached to it._) How now! What do you want +with me? + +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 walk the earth? Why do they come +to me? + +GHOST. It is required of every man that the 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 me!--and witness what it cannot share, but +might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness. + +SCR. You are fettered! + +GHOST. I wear the chain I forged in life--I made it link by link. Is its +pattern strange to you? Oh, no space of regret can make amends for one +life's opportunities misused. + +SCR. 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--I'd rather be excused! + +GHOST. Without their visits you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. +Expect the first when the clock strikes one. Look to see me no more. For +your own sake, remember what has passed between us. (_Binds wrapper +round its head once more--slowly approaches the door and disappears. +SCROOGE follows the phantom towards the door._) + +SCR. It is gone. The air seems filled with phantoms--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 +blaze of light--the GHOST 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 wall of the Miser's chamber +fades away and discovers a school-room--a child is seated reading by a +fire._) All have departed but this poor boy. + +SCR. My poor forgotten self--and as I used to be! + +1ST SPIRIT. Look again! (_A figure of ALI BABA is shown beyond the +CHILD._) + +SCR. Why it's dear old honest Ali Baba! Yes, one Christmas time, when +yonder poor child was left alone, he _did_ come just like that! (_The +figures of VALENTINE and ORSON appear._) Ha! and Valentine and his wild +brother Orson, too! (_ROBINSON CRUSOE and FRIDAY appear._) Ha! and +Robinson Crusoe, and his man Friday! Poor boy! he was left alone, while +all the rest were making holiday. (_The figures of ALI BABA, etc., +disappear. As he speaks, a little GIRL 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._) + +SCR. 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 back +is again lighted up, and discovers Fezziwig'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 apprenticed--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 tableau fades away. The +Stage becomes dark. Enter ELLEN in mourning. During the fading of the +tableau SCROOGE puts a cloak around him, etc., and seems a younger +man._) I feel as if my years of life were less. Ha! who is this beside +me? + +1ST SPIRIT. Have you forgotten your early love? + +SCR. 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 sought 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 +everything by gain? Or did you so, do I not know your repentance and +regret would surely follow. I do--and I release you, with a full heart, +for the love of him you once were. You will forget all this--may you be +happy in the life you have chosen! (_She slowly exits R. H. SCROOGE +throws aside his cloak, and appears as before._) + +SCR. Spirit, show me no more! Why do you delight to torture me? + +1ST SPIRIT. One shadow more. She whom you resigned for gold--for +gain--for sordid ore--she you shall now behold as the tender wife of a +good and upright man--as the happy mother of smiling children. 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. No, no--I've seen enough--haunt me no longer! (_The Spirit seizes +him--he seizes the cap presses it upon the Spirit's head, who sinks +under it, and disappears in a flood of light while SCROOGE sinks +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 eve, +too--when people's got sich 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 nothin', I'm sure I +shan't be able to get none. Unless 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. H._ + +BOB. I shall soon be home! Won't my Martha be glad to see me--and what a +pleasant happy Christmas 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! And then the gin and water--and oranges--and +the--oh, 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 Martha, who is a dress-maker, and can only +come to see us 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, sage and onions, potatoes, and gin, at +least three shillings more. Oh, there will be quite enough money, and +some to spare. (_During this speech SAM advances cautiously and picks +his pocket._) + +SAM. (_Aside._) Some to spare! It can't fall into better hands than +mine, then! + + (_Exit R. H._ + +BOB. I've a good mind to buy the goose going home; but then if it should +turn out fusty--I think I had better leave it for Mrs. C. The moment I +get home, I'll pop the money into her hands, and--(_Feeling in his +pockets._)--Eh?--what--what's this? Somebody has been having a joke at +my expense. Eh? 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! Oh, what can I do? + + _Enter FRANK, L. H._ + +FRANK. What my worthy friend Bob Cratchit--how is this, man? you look +sorrowful, and on Christmas eve, too! + +BOB. Some of those boys whom I was sliding with on the ice in Cornhill +must have done it. + +FRANK. Done it! Done what, man? + +BOB. Stole my Christmas dinner--my--salary--I mean my fifteen shillings, +that your uncle paid me not an hour ago. + +FRANK. That's unfortunate! + +BOB. Unfortunate! Think of Tiny Tim's disappointment--no goose--no +pudding--no nothing! + +FRANK. Tiny Tim shall not go without his Christmas dinner notwithstanding +your loss--no, nor you either--nor any of your family, Bob Cratchit. +At such a time as this, no one should be unhappy--not even my +hard-hearted 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 deserve to be--once +more, a merry Christmas to you! + + (_Exit R. H._ + +BOB. He's a regular trump! I wanted to thank him, and couldn't find the +words! I should like to laugh, and I feel as if I could cry. If Tiny Tim +don't bless you for this my name's not Bob Cratchit! I've lost fifteen +shillings, and I've found a sovereign! (_Dances._) Tol lol li do! Oh, +Mrs. Cratchit! Oh, my little Cratchit! what a happy Christmas Day we +shall spend, surely! What a pity Christmas don't last all the year +round! (_Exit L. H._) + + + SCENE III.--_SCROOGE'S chamber, as before._ + + _SCROOGE discovered, sleeping in a chair. The Stage becomes suddenly + quite light, and the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT discovered, as in + WORK, page 78, the wall at back covered with ivy, holly, and + mistletoe--heaped upon the floor, almost to form a throne, are + turkeys, geese, plum puddings, twelfth cake, 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? + +2ND SPIRIT. More than eighteen hundred! + +SCR. A tremendous family to provide for! (_The SPIRIT rises._) Spirit, +conduct me where you will--if you have ought to teach me, let me profit +by it. Why do you carry that torch? + +2ND SPIRIT. To sprinkle the light and incense of happiness every +where--to poor dwellings most. + +SCR. Why to poor ones most? + +2ND SPIRIT. Because they need it most. But come--touch my robe--we have +much to see. (_As SCROOGE approaches nearer to him, the Scene changes._) + + + SCENE IV.--_A Bleak and Barren Moor. A poor mud cabin._ (_Painted in + the flat._) + + _The SECOND SPIRIT and SCROOGE enter._ + +SCR. What place is this? + +2ND SPIRIT. 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 +within. The SPIRIT draws SCROOGE to window._) What seest thou? + +SCR. A cheerful company assembled round a glowing 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. Here we men who watch the light, have made a fire that +sheds a ray of brightness on the awful sea, joining their horny hands +over the rough table where they sit, they wish each other a merry +Christmas in can of grog and sing a rude lay in honour of the time. All +men on this day have a kinder word for one another--on such a day--but +come--on--on! (_As he speaks the Scene changes._) + + + SCENE V.--_Drawing-room in FRANK FREEHEART'S house._ + + _FRANK, CAROLINE his wife, MR. CHEERLY, 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._ + (_At opening of Scene all laugh._) + +FRANK. Yes, friends, my uncle said that Christmas was a humbug, as I +live! He believed it, too! + +OMNES. More shame for him. + +FRANK. He's a comical old fellow! However, his offences carry their own +punishment. + +CHEER. He's very rich! + +FRANK. But his wealth is of no use to him. He don't do any good with it. +He don't make himself comfortable with it. He hasn't the 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. Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself! He loves a good +dinner--pleasant moments, 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 saying, 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 merriment so here's his health. +Uncle Scrooge! + +OMNES. (_Drinks._) Uncle Scrooge! + +FRANK. A merry Christmas and a happy new year to him wherever he is! + +SCR. Spirit, their merriment has made me so bright and gay, that I could +almost pledge them in return, and join in all their innocent mirth! + + _A servant enters, L. H. and gives a letter to FRANK, + then exits._ + +FRANK. (_Opens it and reads. Aside._) Ah! what do I see, the vessel lost +at sea that bore my entire wealth within her! Then I'm a lost and ruined +man! (_His wife approaches him._) + +CHEER. No ill news, I 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 by such ill +tiding? 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 otherwise. (_To his friends._) Come, friends, let's have a +merry dance, shall we not? + +OMNES. A dance! a dance! (_Short, Country Dance, in which SCROOGE joins +without being observed by the rest. Towards the conclusion of it the +SPIRIT advances--draws SCROOGE back from the group--a bright glow lights +up the Scene, as the SPIRIT and SCROOGE sink through the Stage unnoticed +by the groups._) + + END OF ACT I. + + + + +ACT II. + + + SCENE I.--_Humble Apartment in BOB CRATCHIT'S House. Table, chairs, + etc., on._ + + _MRS. CRATCHIT and BELINDA CRATCHIT discovered laying the cloth. PETER + CRATCHIT is by fire. SCROOGE and the SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT + rise through the Stage, and stand aside and observe them._ + +SCR. So, this is my clerk's dwelling, Spirit--Bob Cratchit's. You +blessed it with the sprinkling of your torch as we passed the threshold. +Bob had but fifteen _Bob_ a week. He pockets on Saturdays but fifteen +copies of his Christian name, and yet the Ghost of Christmas Present +blessed his four-roomed house. (_Two of CRATCHIT'S younger children, BOY +and GIRL, run in._) + +BOY. Oh, mother--outside the baker's we smell such a goose! It must have +been ours--no one has got such a goose. Oh, gemini! (_They dance round +the table in childish glee._) + +MRS. C. Whatever has got your precious father, Bob, and Tiny Tim. And +Martha warn't as late this Christmas Day by half an hour! + + _Enter MARTHA, L. H._ + +MART. Here's Martha, mother! + +CHILDREN. Here's Martha, mother--hurrah! There's such a goose, Martha! + +MRS. C. (_Kissing MARTHA, and assisting her off with her bonnet, 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. (_Looking off._) Father's coming! Hide, Martha, hide! (_MARTHA +runs behind closet door in F. BOB CRATCHIT enters with TINY TIM upon his +shoulder, L. H._) + +BOB. (_Looking round._) Why, where's our Martha? + +MRS. C. Not coming. + +BOB. Not coming upon Christmas Day! + +MARTHA. (_Running towards him._) Yes, dear father, yes. (_They +embrace._) + +CHILDREN. Come, Tiny Tim, into the washhouse, to hear the pudding +singing in the copper! (_They carry TIM out--PETER exits L. H._) + +MRS. C. And how did little Tim behave? + +BOB. As good as gold. Somehow he gets thoughtful sitting by himself so +much, and thinks the sweetest things you ever heard! (_The CHILDREN +re-enter with TIM._) + +CHILDREN. 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 his 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 +arises 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 +cheap 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 alone to take +the pudding up and bring it in. + + (_Exit L. H._ + +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 washing +day--that's the cloth! A smell like an eating-house and a pastry cook's +door to each other, with a laundress's next door to that--that's the +pudding. (_MRS. CRATCHIT re-enters with pudding, which she places on +table. BOB sits._) + +CHILDREN. Hurrah! + +SCR. Mrs. Cratchit looks flushed, but smiles proudly, like one who has +achieved a triumph. + +BOB. Mrs. Cratchit, I regard this pudding as the greatest success you +have achieved since our marriage. + +MRS. C. Now that the weight's off my mind, I confess I had my doubts +about it, and I don't think it at all a small pudding for so large a +family. + +BOB. It would be flat heresy to say so. A Cratchit would blush to hint +at such a thing! + +SCR. Their merry, cheerful dinner's ended, but not their sweet, +enjoyment of the day. (_MRS. CRATCHIT, etc., clears the table. A jug and +a glass or two are placed on it. BOB fills the glasses._) + +BOB. A merry Christmas to us all, my dear--heaven bless us! (_They drink +and echo him--TINY TIM is near his father, who presses his hand._) + +SCR. Spirit tell me if Tiny Tim will live? + +2ND SPIRIT. If the shadows I see remain unaltered by the future, the +child will die. + +SCR. No, no--say he will be spared. + +2ND SPIRIT. If he be like to die--what then? He had better do it, and +decrease the surplus population. + +SCR. My own words! + +2ND SPIRIT. Man--if man you be in heart, and not adamant--forbear that +wicked cant until you have discovered what the surplus is, and where it +is. Will you decide what men shall live--what 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 I had him here--I'd +give him a piece of my mind to feast upon! + +BOB. My dear--the children--Christmas Day---- + +MRS. C. It should be Christmas Day, I'm sure, on which one drinks the +health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. +You know what he is, Robert--no one better. + +BOB. My dear--Christmas Day---- + +MRS. C. I'll drink his health for your sake not for his. Long life to +him! A merry Christmas and a happy new year! He'll be very merry and +very happy, no doubt! (_All drink._) + +2ND SPIRIT. Your name alone has cast a gloom upon them. But they are +happy--grateful--pleased with one another. + +SCR. And they look happier yet in the bright sprinkling of thy torch, +Spirit. (_As he speaks the Stage becomes quite dark. A medium descends, +which hides the group at table. SCROOGE and the SPIRIT remaining in +front._) We have seen much to-night, and visited many homes. Thou hast +stood beside sick beds, and they were cheerful--by struggling men, and +they were patient in their greater hope--by poverty, and it was rich. In +almshouse, hospital and jail--in misery's every refuge, thou hast left +thy blessing, and taught me thy precepts. + +2ND SPIRIT. My life upon this globe is very brief--it ends to-night--at +midnight--the time draws near. + +SCR. Is that a claw protruding from your skirts? + +2ND SPIRIT. Behold! (_Two Children, wretched in appearance, appear from +the foldings of his robe--they kneel, and cling to him._) Oh, man--look +here! + +SCR. Spirit, are they yours? (_See PLATE in WORK, page 119._) + +2ND SPIRIT. They are man's--and they cling to me, appealing from their +fathers. This boy is Ignorance--this girl is Want. Beware all of their +degree--but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow is written +that which is doom, unless the writing be erased. Admit it for your +factious purposes, and bide the end. + +SCR. Have they no regular refuge or resource? (_SCROOGE shrinks +abashed._) + +2ND SPIRIT. Are there no prisons--no workhouses? Hark, 'tis midnight! I +am of the past! (_The CHILDREN exeunt--the SPIRIT disappears through +trap--at the same moment the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS TO COME, shrouded in a +deep black garment rises behind medium, which is worked off, +discovering_---- + + + SCENE II.--_A Street. Night._ + + _The SPIRIT advances slowly. SCROOGE kneels on + beholding it._ + +SCR. This Spirit's mysterious presence fills me with a solemn dread! I +am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas yet to come! (_The SPIRIT +points onward._) You are about to show me shadows of things that have +not happened, but will happen in the time before us? (_The SPIRIT +slightly inclines its head._) Though well used to ghostly company by +this time. I fear this silent shape more than I did all the rest. Ghost +of the future, will you not speak to me? (_The SPIRIT'S hand is still +pointing onward._) Lead on, Spirit! (_The SPIRIT moves a few steps on, +then pauses. SCROOGE follows. The Stage becomes light._) + + _Enter CHEERLY and HEARTLY._ + +HEART. He's dead, you say? When did he 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 be 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. + +CHEER. Yes--you used to stop, and say "How d'ye do?" whenever you met. +But, come--we must to 'Change. + + (_Exit R. H._ + +SCR. A moral in their words, too! Quiet and dark beside me stands yet +the phantom, with its outstretched hand. It still points onward and I +must follow it! (_The SPIRIT exits slowly followed by SCROOGE._) + + + SCENE III.--_Interior of a Marine Store Shop. Old iron, phials, etc., + seen. A screen extends from R. H. to C. separating fireplace, etc., + from shop. Chair and table near the fire._ + + OLD JOE _seated near the fire, smoking. A light burns on the table. The + SPIRIT enters, followed by SCROOGE._ + +SCR. What foul and obscure place is this? What place of bad repute--of +houses wretched--of people half naked--drunken and ill-favoured? The +whole quarter reeks with crime--with filth and misery. (_Shop door +opens, and MRS. DIBLER enters. She has hardly time to close the door +when it opens again, and DARK SAM enters closely followed by MRS. +MILDEW. Upon perceiving each other they at first start, but presently +burst into a laugh. JOE joins them._) + +SAM. Let the charwoman alone to be the first--let the laundress alone to +be second--and let the undertaker's man alone to be the third. Look here +old Joe, here's a chance! If we all three haven't met here without +meaning 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 there's no such old bones here as mine. Ha, +ha! we're all suitable to our calling. We're well matched. Come into +the parlour. (_They come forward by screen._) + +MRS. M. (_Throwing down bundle._) What odds, then, Mrs. Dibler? Every +person 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 suppose? + +OMNES. No, indeed! we should hope not! + +MRS. M. Who's the worse for the loss of a few things like these? Not a +dead man, I suppose? + +OMNES. (_Laughing._) No, indeed! + +SAM. If he wanted to keep 'em after he was dead, 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 look 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! (_Chalking figures +on wall._) Five bob! Wouldn't give more, if you was to boil me! Who's +next? (_MRS. DIBLER offers bundle which he examines._) There's your +money! (_Chalks on wall._) I always give too much to ladies--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 liberal, and knock off half +a-crown! (_Examines MRS. MILDEW'S bundle upon his knees._) What 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? + +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 without '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. There is what I will give you! (_Chalks on wall, then takes out a +small bag, and tells them out their money._) + +MRS. M. Ha, 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 chamber. Curtain drawn over recess. The SPIRIT points to + it--then approaches it, followed by SCROOGE trembling. The curtain + is withdrawn--a bed is seen--a pale, light shows a figure, covered + with a sheet upon it._ + +SCR. (_Recoiling in terror._) Ah! a bare uncurtained 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 towards the bed._) It points towards the +face--the slightest movement of my hand 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 brought him to +a rich end, truly! He 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, this is a fearful place! in leaving it, I shall not leave its +lesson. Let us hence. If there is any person in the town who feels +emotion caused by this man's death, show that person to me, I beseech +you. (_As he speaks the Scene changes._) + + + SCENE V.--_A chamber. SCROOGE and SPIRIT on L. H._ + + _Enter ELLEN, R. H., second dress, followed by + EUSTON, 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 past hope if such a miracle +has happened. + +EUS. He is past relenting! He is dead! + +ELLEN. Dead! 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 find so merciless a creditor in +his successor. We may sleep to-night with light hearts, Ellen. Come! +(_Exeunt R. H._) + +SCR. This is terrible! Let me see some tenderness connected with a death +in that dark chamber, which we left just now, Spirit--it will be for +ever present to me. (SPIRIT _points onward and slowly exits followed by +SCROOGE._) + + + SCENE VI.--_Apartment at BOB CRATCHIT'S._ + + (_MRS. CRATCHIT, PETER, and the two younger CRATCHIT'S discovered. + Candle lighted. The SPIRIT enters, followed by 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 work. Mourning._) The colour hurts my eyes, +and I wouldn't show weak eyes to your father. 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. H. MRS. C. advances to meet him--the + CHILDREN crowd around him._ + +BOB. There, wife, I've returned at last. Come, you have 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 you ever heard--he told me he was sorry for +me and for my good wife--but how he knew _that_ I don't know! + +MRS. C. Knew what? + +BOB. Why, that you were a good wife! and he was so kind--it was quite +delightful! He said he'd get Peter a better situation--and, mark me, +whenever we part from one another, I am sure we shall none of us forget +poor Tiny Tim, shall we, or this first parting that was among us? + +OMNES. Never! never! (_The CHILDREN crowd around their PARENTS, who kiss +them tenderly. 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 SPIRIT 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 +discovers._) + + + 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 underneath the ground! (_The SPIRIT 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 name! (_Sinks on his +knees._) Am I that man who lay upon the bed? (_The SPIRIT points from +the grave to him, and back again._) No, Spirit! Oh, no, no! (_See PLATE, +page 150. The FIGURE remains immovable._) Spirit! (_Clutching its +robe._) Hear me! I am not the man I was--I will not be the man I must +have been but for this intercourse! why show me this if I am past all +hope? (_The hand trembles. SCROOGE sinks on his knees._) Good Spirit, +your nature intercedes for me--assure me 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, and try to keep it all the +year--I will live the past, the present, and the future--the spirits of +all three shall strive within me--I will not shut out the lessons that +they teach--oh tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone! (_In +his agony he catches the SPECTRE'S hand--it seeks to free itself--his +struggles become stronger in his despair--the SPIRIT repulses him--he +sinks prostrate to the earth--the SPIRIT disappears, as the medium is +worked on. Clouds roll over the stage--they are worked off, and +discovers._) + + + SCENE VIII.--_SCROOGE'S Chamber. Same as Scene I, Act I. It is broad + day--the fire is nearly extinguished--the 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 appears restless and + uneasy, then starts up, exclaiming._ + +SCR. Pity me! I will not be the man I have been! 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's my own--and happier still, the time before me is my own +to make amends in! I will live the past, the present, and the future! +Heaven and the Christmas time be praised for this! I say it on my +knees--on my knees! My cheek is wet with tears, but they are tears of +penitence! (_Busies himself in pulling on his coat, throwing off his +cap, etc., and speaking all the time._) I don't know what to do--I'm as +light 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 Christmas to every +body--a happy new year to all the world! Hallo, there! Whoop! 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 anything--I'm +quite a baby--never mind, I don't care--I'd rather be a baby! Hallo! +Whoop! Hallo, here! (_Runs to window--opens it._) Here, you boy! what's +to-day? + +BOY. (_Without._) Why, Christmas Day! + +SCR. Ah! I haven't missed it! Glorious! I say--go to the poulterer's +round the corner, and buy the prize turkey 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. Oh, I'll make every one happy, and myself, too! +(_Knocks heard without._) That must be the turkey! (_Opens door._) As I +live, it's Bob Cratchit! + + _Enter BOB CRATCHIT, 2 E. L. H._ + +BOB. Excuse my calling, sir, but the fact is, I couldn't help it. That +worthy gentleman, your nephew, is ruined. I said, ruined, sir---- + +SCR. I'm glad of it! + +BOB. Glad of it! There's an unnatural cannibal! + + _Enter FRANK, 2 E. L. H._ + +FRANK. Oh uncle, you know all! I come not to ask your assistance--that +would be madness--but I come to bid you farewell. In three days' time, +with my unfortunate family, I shall quit England. + +SCR. No, you shan't. You shall stay where you are! + +FRANK. You mock me! + +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. I'll 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't be my master! Oh, I'm quite sure it must be somebody +else. Yes--it is him, too! 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 Christmas, 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? +(_As he speaks, the gauze medium is lit up behind, and the GHOST OF +CHRISTMAS 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 future! + + THE CURTAIN FALLS. + + +_THE BAT_ + + +A mystery play in 3 acts. By Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood. +Produced originally at the Morosco Theatre, New York. 7 males, 3 +females. 2 interior scenes. Modern costumes. + + Miss Cornelia Van Gorder, a maiden lady of sixty, has leased as a + restorative for frayed nerves, a Long Island country house. It had + been the property of a 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 occupants believe the + place to be haunted. Strange sounds and manifestations first + strengthen this conviction but presently lead them to suspect that + the happenings are mysteriously connected with the bank robbery. + Any sensible woman would have moved to the nearest neighbors for + the night and returned to the city next day. But Miss Van Gorder + decided to remain and solve the mystery. She sends for detectives + and then things begin to happen. At one time or another every + member of the household 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. 1 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 returns, 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 + believes 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, twenty-five 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. 1 interior scene. Modern +costumes. + + The breathless and amusing comedy has to do with the efforts 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 a law making it a punishable crime to fake a false news + report to the press, but what is a law to Herbert if he can get + over the necessary publicity? 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. 5 males, 5 females. 1 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 + difficulties 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 + reminiscences 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.) PRICE 75 CENTS. + + + + + Transcriber's notes: + + The line + "happy as my night ones? (_As he speaks, the gauze_" + was duplicated in the original. + + The following is a list of changes made to the original. + The first line is the original line, the second the corrected one. + + _Author of Fair Rosamond, Fairinelli, The Dream of Fate,_ + _Author of Fair Rosamond, Farinelli, The Dream of Fate,_ + + CHRISTAMAS CAROL. + A CHRISTMAS CAROL. + + _Easy chair Table with candlestick upon it, etc., etc._ + _Easy chair, table with candlestick upon it, etc., etc._ + + (_Binds wrappr round its head once more--slowly_ + (_Binds wrapper round its head once more--slowly_ + + either--nor ony of your family, Bob Cratchit. At + either--nor any of your family, Bob Cratchit. At + + MRS. C. Sunday! You went to day, then? + MRS. C. Sunday! You went to-day, then? + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Christmas Carol, by +C. Z. Barnett and Charles Dickens + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41739 *** |