A strange figure, half like a child, half like an old man, looked back at him. It had long, white hair, but its skin was soft and young. It wore a short, white robe, covered with both summer and winter flowers. But the strangest thing about it was that from the top of its head shone a bright, clear light. Perhaps this light was sometimes too bright, because under one arm it carried a hat, which looked like a large extinguisher Who and what are you, sir?' asked Scrooge. I am the ghost of Christmas Past," replied the spirit, in a soft, gentle voice. Do you mean long ago in the past?' asked Scrooge. "No. Your past.' "Spirit, please tell me why you are here I am here for your own good," answered the ghost Thank you replied Scrooge politely. But secretly he thought, 'Bah! A night of unbroken sleep is a more useful thing to have!' The spirit seemed to hear him thinking, and said at once,