The people were by this time pouring forth , as he had seen them with the Ghost of Christmas Present ; and , walking with his hands behind him , Scrooge regarded every one with a delighted smile . He looked so irresistibly pleasant , in a word , that three or four good-humoured fellows said , `` Good morning , sir ! A merry Christmas to you ! '' And Scrooge said often afterwards that , of all the blithe sounds he had ever heard , those were the blithest in his ears . He had not gone far when , coming on towards him , he beheld the portly gentleman who had walked into his counting-house the day before , and said , `` Scrooge and Marley 's , I believe ? '' It sent a pang across his heart to think how this old gentleman would look upon him when they met ; but he knew what path lay straight before him , and he took it . `` My dear sir , '' said Scrooge , quickening his pace , and taking the old gentleman by both his hands , `` how do you do ? I hope you succeeded yesterday . It was very kind of you . A merry Christmas to you , sir ! '' `` Mr. Scrooge ? '' `` Yes , '' said Scrooge . `` That is my name , and I fear it may not be pleasant to you . Allow me to ask your pardon . And will you have the goodness -- '' Here Scrooge whispered in his ear . `` Lord bless me ! '' cried the gentleman , as if his breath were taken away . `` My dear Mr. Scrooge , are you serious ? '' `` If you please , '' said Scrooge . `` Not a farthing less .
A great many back-payments are included XXXXX it , I assure you .
as before behind by in of that to upon with