Scrooge expressed himself much obliged , but could not help thinking that a night of unbroken rest would have been more conducive to that end . The Spirit must have heard him thinking , for it said immediately : `` Your reclamation , then . Take heed ! '' It put out its strong hand as it spoke , and clasped him gently by the arm . `` Rise ! and walk with me ! '' It would have been in vain for Scrooge to plead that the weather and the hour were not adapted to pedestrian purposes ; that bed was warm , and the thermometer a long way below freezing ; that he was clad but lightly in his slippers , dressing-gown , and nightcap ; and that he had a cold upon him at that time . The grasp , though gentle as a woman 's hand , was not to be resisted . He rose : but , finding that the Spirit made towards the window , clasped its robe in supplication . `` I am a mortal , '' Scrooge remonstrated , `` and liable to fall . '' `` Bear but a touch of my hand there , '' said the Spirit , laying it upon his heart , `` and you shall be upheld in more than this ! '' As the words were spoken , they passed through the wall , and stood upon an open country road , with fields on either hand . The city had entirely vanished . Not a vestige of it was to be seen . The darkness and the mist had vanished with it , for it was a clear , cold , winter day , with the snow upon the ground . `` Good Heaven ! '' said Scrooge , clasping his hands together as he looked about him . `` I was bred in this place . I was a boy here ! '' The Spirit gazed upon him mildly .
Its gentle touch , though it had been light and instantaneous , appeared still present XXXXX the old man 's sense of feeling .
As by for in of though through to upon with