“At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,” said the gentleman, taking up a , “We should give a little to
Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time.”
“Are there no [?]?” asked Scrooge.
“Plenty of prisons,” said the gentleman, laying the pen again.
“And the [?]?” demanded Scrooge. “Are they still in operation?”
“They are,” the gentleman, “I wish I could say were not. A few of us are to raise a fund to
buy the [?] some meat and drink and means of warmth. What shall I put you down for?”
“!” Scrooge replied.
“You wish to be anonymous?”
“ wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge.