Scrooge was very much dismayed to hear the spectre going on at this rate , and began to quake exceedingly . `` Hear me ! '' cried the Ghost . `` My time is nearly gone . '' `` I will , '' said Scrooge . `` But do n't be hard upon me ! Do n't be flowery , Jacob ! Pray ! '' `` How it is that I appear before you in a shape that you can see , I may not tell . I have sat invisible beside you many and many a day . '' It was not an agreeable idea . Scrooge shivered , and wiped the perspiration from his brow . `` That is no light part of my penance , '' pursued the Ghost . `` I am here to-night to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate . A chance and hope of my procuring , Ebenezer . '' `` You were always a good friend to me , '' said Scrooge . `` Thankee ! '' `` You will be haunted , '' resumed the Ghost , `` by Three Spirits . '' Scrooge 's countenance fell almost as low as the Ghost 's had done . `` Is that the chance and hope you mentioned , Jacob ? ''
he demanded XXXXX a faltering voice .
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