He went the whole length of the expression , and said that he would see him in that extremity first . `` But why ? '' cried Scrooge 's nephew . `` Why ? '' `` Why did you get married ? '' said Scrooge . `` Because I fell in love . '' `` Because you fell in love ! '' growled Scrooge , as if that were the only one thing in the world more ridiculous than a merry Christmas . `` Good afternoon ! '' `` Nay , uncle , but you never came to see me before that happened . Why give it as a reason for not coming now ? '' `` Good afternoon , '' said Scrooge . `` I want nothing from you ; I ask nothing of you ; why can not we be friends ? '' `` Good afternoon ! '' said Scrooge . `` I am sorry , with all my heart , to find you so resolute . 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 XXXXX .
Scrooge afternoon extremity first friends heart length love reason thing