I'll be on the TV later this evening for my Thursday date with "Tucker Carlson Tonight", live on Fox News at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific.
Meanwhile, it's time for Part Seven of my serialization of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In tonight's episode Ebenezer Scrooge comes face to no-face with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come:
The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached. When it came near him, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery.It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. But for this it would have been difficult to detach its figure from the night, and separate it from the darkness by which it was surrounded. He felt that it was tall and stately when it came beside him, and that its mysterious presence filled him with a solemn dread. He knew no more, for the Spirit neither spoke nor moved.
"I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come?" said Scrooge.
The Spirit answered not, but pointed onward with its hand.
"You are about to show me shadows of the things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us," Scrooge pursued. "Is that so, Spirit?"
The upper portion of the garment was contracted for an instant in its folds, as if the Spirit had inclined its head. That was the only answer he received.
Members of The Mark Steyn Club can hear Part Seven of our seasonal entertainment simply by clicking here and logging-in. Earlier episodes can be found here.
Thank you for all your comments about our Tales for Our Time. First-weekend Founding Member Peter Jones writes:
I would just like to thank you for bringing one of my all time favorite Christmas stories (save the very story for which we celebrate) to the Club. All the more reason to enjoy giving a few 'Christmas Gift Memberships' to my friends!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas season!
And the same to you, Peter. And we hope your friends enjoy those gift memberships.
If you'd like to know more about The Mark Steyn Club, please click here - and don't forget the aforementioned Christmas Gift Membership. See you on the telly in an hour or so, and see you back here tomorrow for Part Eight of A Christmas Carol.
