Scrooge Meets the Portly Gentleman

Dressed in his best, Scrooge walks through the streets, smiling at everyone. He meets the portly gentleman who had come to his counting-house the day before for a donation. Scrooge takes him by both hands, apologizes for his previous behaviour, and whispers in his ear. The gentleman is astonished, and Scrooge assures him that he is serious, promising a large donation with many back-payments included. The gentleman shakes his hand, and Scrooge thanks him repeatedly, then goes to church and walks about the streets, finding that everything can yield him pleasure.