Christmas. What does that matter? There are too many people in the world, so it's a good thing if some of them Scrooge was ashamed and sad to hear his own words spoken by the spirit. But he lifted his head when he heard his name. Mr Scrooge said Bob. "Let's drink to Mr Scrooge, whose money has paid for this mea "His money!' said Mrs Cratchit angrily. "What can we buy with his fifteen shillings a week? Why should we drink to the health of a hateful, hard, unfeeling, mean old man like Scrooge?' "My dear," said Bob gently, "remember it's Christmas.' "Well, Bob, I'll drink to his health only because of you and because it's Christmas. Long life to Mr Scrooge! A merry Christmas and a happy new year to him! He'll be very merry and very happy, I'm sure!' When the children heard Scrooge's name, a dark shadow came over their happiness for a while, and they were quiet and a little sad. But five minutes later they were talking, and laughing, and telling stories, ten times merrier than before. They were not a good-looking or a well-dressed family, but they were happy and grateful and loved each other. As they disappeared in the light of the spirit's torch, Scrooge could not take his eyes off them, especially Tiny Tim. By this time it was getting dark, and snowing heavily. The spirit took Scrooge into many houses, where fires were burning cheerfully, and food was cooking, and people were