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 The curtain is withdrawn--a bed is seen--a pale, light shows a figure, covered with a sheet upon it._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._)