`` What has ever got your precious father , then ? '' said Mrs. Cratchit . `` And your brother , Tiny Tim ? And Martha war n't as late last Christmas-day by half an hour ! '' `` Here 's Martha , mother ! '' said a girl , appearing as she spoke . `` Here 's Martha , mother ! '' cried the two young Cratchits . `` Hurrah ! There 's such a goose , Martha ! '' `` Why , bless your heart alive , my dear , how late you are ! '' said Mrs. Cratchit , kissing her a dozen times , and taking off her shawl and bonnet for her with officious zeal . `` We 'd a deal of work to finish up last night , '' replied the girl , `` and had to clear away this morning , mother ! '' `` Well ! never mind so long as you are come , '' said Mrs. Cratchit . `` Sit ye down before the fire , my dear , and have a warm , Lord bless ye ! '' `` No , no ! There 's father coming , '' cried the two young Cratchits , who were everywhere at once . `` Hide , Martha , hide ! '' So Martha hid herself , and in came little Bob , the father , with at least three feet of comforter , exclusive of the fringe , hanging down before him ; and his threadbare clothes darned up and brushed to look seasonable ; and Tiny Tim upon his shoulder .
Alas XXXXX Tiny Tim , he bore a little crutch , and had his limbs supported by an iron frame !
Cratchits as at before by fire for hour in with