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Title: A Christmas Carol - The Miser's Warning
Author: Barnett, C. Z., Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870
Language: English
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THE MINOR DRAMA.
No. CCCCI.
A
CHRISTMAS CAROL;
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 | |
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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 this LibraryBlog Digital Book "A Christmas Carol - The Miser's Warning" ***
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