Then the two young Cratchits got upon his knees , and laid , each child , a little cheek against his face , as if they said , `` Do n't mind it , father . Do n't be grieved ! '' Bob was very cheerful with them , and spoke pleasantly to all the family . He looked at the work upon the table , and praised the industry and speed of Mrs. Cratchit and the girls . They would be done long before Sunday , he said . `` Sunday ! You went to-day , then , Robert ? '' said his wife . `` Yes , my dear , '' returned Bob . `` I wish you could have gone . It would have done you good to see how green a place it is . But you 'll see it often . I promised him that I would walk there on a Sunday . My little , little child ! '' cried Bob . `` My little child ! '' He broke down all at once . 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 XXXXX some one having been there lately .
above against at before into of than that upon with