`` You were always a good friend to me , '' said Scrooge . `` Thankee ! '' `` You will be haunted , '' resumed the Ghost , `` by Three Spirits . '' Scrooge 's countenance fell almost as low as the Ghost 's had done . `` Is that the chance and hope you mentioned , Jacob ? '' he demanded in a faltering voice . `` It is . '' `` I -- I think I 'd rather not , '' said Scrooge . `` Without their visits , '' said the Ghost , `` you can not hope to shun the path I tread . Expect the first to-morrow when the bell tolls One . '' `` Could n't I take 'em all at once , and have it over , Jacob ? '' hinted Scrooge . `` Expect the second on the next night at the same hour . The third , upon the next night when the last stroke of Twelve has ceased to vibrate . Look to see me no more ; and look that , for your own sake , you remember what has passed between us ! '' When it had said these words , the spectre took its wrapper from the table , and bound it round its head as before . Scrooge knew this by the smart sound its teeth made when the jaws were brought together by the bandage . He ventured to raise his eyes again , and found his supernatural visitor confronting him in an erect attitude , with its chain wound over and about its arm . The apparition walked backward from him ; and , at every step it took , the window raised itself a little , so that , when the spectre reached it , it was wide open . It beckoned Scrooge to approach , which he did .
When they were within two paces XXXXX each other , Marley 's Ghost held up its hand , warning him to come no nearer .
Without about as at for from in of on upon