Its feet , observable beneath the ample folds of the garment , were also bare ; and on its head it wore no other covering than a holly wreath , set here and there with shining icicles . Its dark brown curls were long and free ; free as its genial face , its sparkling eye , its open hand , its cheery voice , its unconstrained demeanour , and its joyful air . Girded round its middle was an antique scabbard ; but no sword was in it , and the ancient sheath was eaten up with rust . `` You have never seen the like of me before ! '' exclaimed the Spirit . `` Never , '' Scrooge made answer to it . `` Have never walked forth with the younger members of my family ; meaning -LRB- for I am very young -RRB- my elder brothers born in these later years ? '' pursued the Phantom . `` I do n't think I have , '' said Scrooge . `` I am afraid I have not . Have you had many brothers , Spirit ? '' `` More than eighteen hundred , '' said the Ghost . `` A tremendous family to provide for , '' muttered Scrooge . The Ghost of Christmas Present rose . `` Spirit , '' said Scrooge submissively , `` conduct me where you will . I went forth last night on compulsion , and I learnt a lesson which is working now . To-night , if you have aught to teach me , let me profit by it . '' `` Touch my robe ! '' Scrooge did as he was told , and held it fast . Holly , mistletoe , red berries , ivy , turkeys , geese , game , poultry , brawn , meat , pigs , sausages , oysters , pies , puddings , fruit , and punch , all vanished instantly .
So did the room , the fire , the ruddy glow , the hour XXXXX night , and they stood in the city streets on Christmas morning , where -LRB- for the weather was severe -RRB- the people made a rough , but brisk and not unpleasant kind of music , in scraping the snow from the pavement in front of their dwellings , and from the tops of their houses , whence it was mad delight to the boys to see it come plumping down into the road below , and splitting into artificial little snow-storms .
before beneath by for if in of on than to