We have never had any quarrel to which I have been a party . But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas , and I 'll keep my Christmas humour to the last . So A Merry Christmas , uncle ! '' `` Good afternoon , '' said Scrooge . `` And A Happy New Year ! '' `` Good afternoon ! '' said Scrooge . His nephew left the room without an angry word , notwithstanding . He stopped at the outer door to bestow the greetings of the season on the clerk , who , cold as he was , was warmer than Scrooge ; for he returned them cordially . `` There 's another fellow , '' muttered Scrooge , who overheard him : `` my clerk , with fifteen shillings a week , and a wife and family , talking about a merry Christmas . I 'll retire to Bedlam . '' This lunatic , in letting Scrooge 's nephew out , had let two other people in . They were portly gentlemen , pleasant to behold , and now stood , with their hats off , in Scrooge 's office . They had books and papers in their hands , and bowed to him . `` Scrooge and Marley 's , I believe , '' said one of the gentlemen , referring to his list . `` Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge , or Mr. Marley ? '' `` Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years , '' Scrooge replied . `` He died seven years ago , this very night . '' `` We have no doubt his liberality is well represented by his surviving partner , '' said the gentleman , presenting his credentials . It certainly was ; for they had been two kindred spirits .
At the ominous word `` liberality '' XXXXX frowned , and shook his head , and handed the credentials back .
Marley Scrooge family hats left night partner people week years