In the afternoon he turned his steps towards his nephew 's house . He passed the door a dozen times before he had the courage to go up and knock . But he made a dash , and did it . `` Is your master at home , my dear ? '' said Scrooge to the girl . Nice girl ! Very . `` Yes sir . '' `` Where is he , my love ? '' said Scrooge . `` He 's in the dining-room , sir , along with mistress . I 'll show you up-stairs , if you please . '' `` Thankee . He knows me , '' said Scrooge , with his hand already on the dining-room lock . `` I 'll go in here , my dear . '' He turned it gently , and sidled his face in round the door . They were looking at the table -LRB- which was spread out in great array -RRB- ; for these young housekeepers are always nervous on such points , and like to see that everything is right . `` Fred ! '' said Scrooge . Dear heart alive , how his niece by marriage started !
Scrooge had forgotten , for the moment , about her sitting in the corner XXXXX the footstool , or he would n't have done it on any account .
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