Christmas Carol: Christmas Past: 1. School

were in great spirits. They shouted to each other, until the fields were full of merry music Scrooge knew these boys and named every one. Why was he so happy to see them? Why did his cold eye glisten? Why did his heart leap up as they went past?

As they parted for their different homes, the boys said ‘Merry Christmas! It made Scrooge melancholy.

What was merry Christmas to Scrooge?

What good had it ever done to him? `The school is not quite deserted,' said the Ghost. `A solitary child, neglected by his friends, is left there still.'

‘I know,’ said Scrooge. And he wept.

Dear Brother They left the high road, and soon approached a large house of dull red brick.

It had large rooms but their walls were damp, their windows broken, and their gates decayed. Chickens ran around the stables. The 3