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 , as 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 . Will you not speak to me ? '' It gave him no reply . The hand was pointed straight before them . `` Lead on ! '' said Scrooge . `` Lead on ! The night is waning fast , and it is precious time to me , I know . Lead on , Spirit ! '' The phantom moved away as it had come towards him . Scrooge followed in the shadow of its dress , which bore him up , he thought , and carried him along . They scarcely seemed to enter the City ; for the City rather seemed to spring up about them , and encompass them of its own act .
But there they were XXXXX the heart of it ; on ` Change , amongst the merchants ; who hurried up and down , and chinked the money in their pockets , and conversed in groups , and looked at their watches , and trifled thoughtfully with their great gold seals ; and so forth , as Scrooge had seen them often .
about along before by in of on than that to