He had not dreamed them . The boy must have read them out , as he and the Spirit crossed the threshold . Why did he not go on ? The mother laid her work upon the table , and put her hand up to her face . `` The colour hurts my eyes , '' she said . The colour ? Ah , poor Tiny Tim ! `` They 're better now again , '' said Cratchit 's wife . `` It makes them weak by candle-light ; and I would n't show weak eyes to your father , when he comes home , for the world . It must be near his time . '' `` Past it rather , '' Peter answered , shutting up his book . `` But I think he has walked a little slower than he used , these few last evenings , mother . '' They were very quiet again . At last she said , and in a steady , cheerful voice , that only faltered once : `` I have known him walk with -- I have known him walk with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder very fast indeed . '' `` And so have I , '' cried Peter . `` Often . '' `` And so have I , '' exclaimed another . So had all . `` But he was very light to carry , '' she resumed , intent upon her work , `` and his father loved him so , that it was no trouble : no trouble . And there is your father at the door ! ''
She hurried out to meet him ; and little Bob in his comforter -- he had need of it , poor fellow -- came XXXXX .
At by for in near on than that upon with