As the last stroke ceased to vibrate , he remembered the prediction of old Jacob Marley , and , lifting up his eyes , beheld a solemn Phantom , draped and hooded , coming like a mist along the ground towards him . STAVE FOUR THE LAST OF THE SPIRITS The Phantom slowly , gravely , silently approached . When it came near him , Scrooge bent down upon his knee ; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery . It was shrouded in a deep black garment , which concealed its head , its face , its form , and left nothing of it visible , save one outstretched hand . But for this , it would have been difficult to detach its figure from the night , and separate it from the darkness by which it was surrounded . He felt that it was tall and stately when it came beside him , and that its mysterious presence filled him with a solemn dread . He knew no more , for the Spirit neither spoke nor moved . `` I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come ? '' said Scrooge . The Spirit answered not , but pointed onward with its hand . `` You are about to show me shadows of the things that have not happened , but will happen in the time before us , '' Scrooge pursued . `` Is that so , Spirit ? '' The upper portion of the garment was contracted for an instant in its folds , as if the Spirit had inclined its head . That was the only answer he received . Although well used to ghostly company by this time , Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him , and he found that he could hardly stand when he prepared to follow it . The Spirit paused a moment , as observing his condition , and giving him time to recover . But Scrooge was all the worse for this . It thrilled him with a vague uncertain horror to know that , behind the dusky shroud , there were ghostly eyes intently fixed upon him , while he , though he stretched his own to the utmost , could see nothing but a spectral hand and one great heap of black . `` Ghost of the Future ! '' he exclaimed , `` I fear you more than any spectre I have seen .
But , XXXXX I know your purpose is to do me good , and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was , I am prepared to bear you company , and do it with a thankful heart .
Although along as beside from like near of than towards