_Scrooge._ No, no: I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it here, that I may give them the directions. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes, and I'll give you half-a-crown. (_Exit boy in a hurry_, R.) What a delightful boy! See him run! I'll send him to Bob Cratchit's. He sha'n't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be. I forget he's to be here to-day. Oh, if he'd only come late! (_Sits at desk_, L.) Here he is, sure enough! (_Enter_ BOB, R., _looking very dejected. Takes off his hat and comforter, and gets upon stool._) (_Gruffly._) Hallo! what do you mean by coming here at this time of day? _Bob._ I am very sorry, sir. I _am_ behind my time. _Scrooge._ You are? Yes, I think you are. Step this way, if you please. _Bob_ (_getting down from stool_). I'm very sorry— _Scrooge._ Are you? What do you mean by coming here at this time? Now, I'll tell you what, my man; I'm not going to stand this thing any longer; and therefore (_jumps up, and gives_ BOB _a dig in the ribs_) I'm about to raise your salary. (BOB _runs to his desk, and gets a ruler, looking frightened_.) A merry Christmas, Bob! (_Slaps him in the back._) A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year. I'll raise your salary, and endeavor to assist your struggling family; and we'll discuss your affairs to-morrow over a Christmas bowl of sparkling bishop, Bob. Home to your family, and have a merry Christmas, and in the morning make up the fires, and buy a second coal-scuttle before you dot another _i_, Bob Cratchit. _Fred_ (_outside_, R.). A merry Christmas! (_Enters_, R.) Here I am again, uncle. _Scrooge_ (_running to him, and shaking hands_). A merry Christmas, Fred! I'm going to dine with you. _Fred._ That's right, uncle. You'll find a merry company. _Scrooge._ You can't tell me. I know 'em all. My niece, Plumper, the fat sister. Wonderful party! wonderful games! wonderful unanimity! wonderful happiness! _Fred._ We'll have a merry Christmas. _Scrooge._ Ay, that we will. Henceforth _I_ will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. (_Sinks to his knees._) God bless us all! _Fred_ │(_sink to their knees_). God bless us all! _Bob_ │