_Scrooge._ It isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to make his people happy or unhappy,—to make their service light or burdensome, a pleasure or a toil. The happiness he gives is quite as great as though it cost a fortune. _Spirit._ What is the matter? _Scrooge._ Nothing particular. _Spirit._ Something, I think. _Scrooge._ No, no. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now: that's all. _Spirit._ My time grows short. Quick! (_Curtains are drawn, disclosing a young girl sitting upon a lounge. Beside her a young man stands, with his arms folded. She is looking away, he looking down at her. Costumes same as in_ "FEZZIWIG'S _Dance._") _Scrooge._ Again myself. _Spirit._ Listen. (_The characters in the picture speak, with soft music while they are speaking._) _Girl._ It matters little—to you, very little. Another idol has displaced me; and if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve. _Youth._ What idol has displaced you? _Girl._ A golden one. You fear the world too much. I have seen your noble aspirations fall off, one by one, until the master passion—gain—engrosses you; have I not? _Youth._ What then? Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? I am not changed towards you. Have I ever sought release from our engagement? _Girl._ In words, no. Never. _Youth._ In what, then? _Girl._ In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in another atmosphere of life, another hope as its great end. If you were free to-day, to-morrow, yesterday, can even I believe that you would choose a dowerless girl? or, choosing her, do I not know that 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. _Scrooge._ Spirit, remove me from this place. _Spirit._ I told you these were shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me. _Scrooge._ Away, I say! I cannot bear it. Leave me. Away, away! Haunt me no longer! (_Falls into chair_, L., _and covers his face with his hands. The_ SPIRIT _stands at the side of his chair, pointing at the picture. The front curtain slowly descends._) STAVE TWO.