He stopped at the outer door to bestow the greetings of the season on the clerk , who , cold as he was , was warmer than Scrooge ; for he returned them cordially . `` There 's another fellow , '' muttered Scrooge , who overheard him : `` my clerk , with fifteen shillings a week , and a wife and family , talking about a merry Christmas . I 'll retire to Bedlam . '' This lunatic , in letting Scrooge 's nephew out , had let two other people in . They were portly gentlemen , pleasant to behold , and now stood , with their hats off , in Scrooge 's office . They had books and papers in their hands , and bowed to him . `` Scrooge and Marley 's , I believe , '' said one of the gentlemen , referring to his list . `` Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge , or Mr. Marley ? '' `` Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years , '' Scrooge replied . `` He died seven years ago , this very night . '' `` We have no doubt his liberality is well represented by his surviving partner , '' said the gentleman , presenting his credentials . It certainly was ; for they had been two kindred spirits . At the ominous word `` liberality '' Scrooge frowned , and shook his head , and handed the credentials back . `` At this festive season of the year , Mr. Scrooge , '' said the gentleman , taking up a pen , `` it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute , who suffer greatly at the present time . Many thousands are in want of common necessaries ; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts , sir . '' `` Are there no prisons ? '' asked Scrooge . `` Plenty of prisons , '' said the gentleman , laying down the pen again . `` And the Union workhouses ? '' demanded Scrooge .
`` Are they still XXXXX operation ? ''
about as at by for in of on than with