`` Something , I think ? '' the Ghost insisted . `` No , '' said Scrooge , `` no . I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now . That 's all . '' His former self turned down the lamps as he gave utterance to the wish ; and Scrooge and the Ghost again stood side by side in the open air . `` My time grows short , '' observed the Spirit . `` Quick ! '' This was not addressed to Scrooge , or to any one whom he could see , but it produced an immediate effect . For again Scrooge saw himself . He was older now ; a man in the prime of life . His face had not the harsh and rigid lines of later years ; but it had begun to wear the signs of care and avarice . There was an eager , greedy , restless motion in the eye , which showed the passion that had taken root , and where the shadow of the growing tree would fall . He was not alone , but sat by the side of a fair young girl in a mourning dress : in whose eyes there were tears , which sparkled in the light that shone out of the Ghost of Christmas Past . `` It matters little , '' she said softly . `` To you , very little . Another idol has displaced me ; and , if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come as I would have tried to do , I have no just cause to grieve . '' `` What Idol has displaced you ? '' he rejoined . `` A golden one . ''
`` This is the even-handed dealing XXXXX the world ! ''
For Scrooge To as by fall if in of years