He could n't help it . If he could have helped it , he and his child would have been farther apart , perhaps , than they were . He left the room , and went up-stairs into the room above , which was lighted cheerfully , and hung with Christmas . There was a chair set close beside the child , and there were signs of some one having been there lately . Poor Bob sat down in it , and , when he had thought a little and composed himself , he kissed the little face . He was reconciled to what had happened , and went down again quite happy . They drew about the fire , and talked ; the girls and mother working still . Bob told them of the extraordinary kindness of Mr. Scrooge 's nephew , whom he had scarcely seen but once , and who , meeting him in the street that day , and seeing that he looked a little -- `` just a little down , you know , '' said Bob , inquired what had happened to distress him . `` On which , '' said Bob , `` for he is the pleasantest-spoken gentleman you ever heard , I told him . ' I am heartily sorry for it , Mr. Cratchit , ' he said , ` and heartily sorry for your good wife . ' By-the-bye , how he ever knew that I do n't know . '' `` Knew what , my dear ? '' `` Why , that you were a good wife , '' replied Bob . `` Everybody knows that , '' said Peter . `` Very well observed , my boy ! '' cried Bob . `` I hope they do . ` Heartily sorry , ' he said , ` for your good wife . If I can be of service to you in any way , ' he said , giving me his card , ` that 's where I live . Pray come to me . '
Now , it was n't , '' cried Bob , `` for the sake of anything he might be able to do XXXXX us , so much as for his kind way , that this was quite delightful .
On about above beside for in than that to with