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._)