SUPERNATURAL ENCOUNTER
Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, a supernatural entity whose coming was foretold to him. The Spirit claims to be responsible for Scrooge's welfare and reclamation, and leads him through memories of his past.
SCROOGE
'Are you the Spirit, sir, whose coming was foretold to me?' asked Scrooge. 'I am!' ... 'Who and what are you?' Scrooge demanded. 'I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.' ... 'Your welfare!' said the Ghost. ... 'Your reclamation, then. Take heed!' ... 'Rise! and walk with me!' ... 'Bear but a touch of my hand _there_,' said the Spirit, laying it upon his heart, 'and you shall be upheld in more than this!' ... As the words were spoken, they passed through the wall, and stood upon an open country road, with fields on either hand.