The noise came nearer and nearer,
and then Scrooge saw a ghost coming
in right through the heavy door. It was
Marley’s ghost, and his chains were
long; they were made of cash - boxes,
keys and heavy purses. “Who are you?” said Scrooge. “In life
I was your partner, Jacob Marley.”
“But why do you come to me now?”
“I must wander through the world
and I wear the chains because I
was so stingy in life. I only cared about business but not
about the people around me. Now,
I am here to warn you. You still have
a chance, Ebenezer. Three spirits
will come to you. Expect the first
tomorrow, when the bell tolls one.” When he had said these words,
Marley’s ghost disappeared; and
the night became quiet again.
Scrooge went straight to bed,
without undressing, and fell
asleep immediately.
When Scrooge awoke, it was still very
foggy and extremely cold, and there
was no noise of people in the streets.
Marley’s ghost bothered him. He didn’t
know whether it was a dream or not. Then he remembered that a spirit should visit
him at one o’clock. So Scrooge decided to lie
awake and wait to see what happens.