A Christmas Carol1984

Fred Holywell:
Uncle Ebenezer, this is my wife Janet. Janet this is Uncle Ebenezer.

Janet Holywell:
It's a pleasure.

Ebenezer Scrooge:
More like a surprise, wouldn't you say?

Janet Holywell:
Well, that too.

Fred Holywell:
That's quite true. Quite honestly, it is a surprise. At least yesterday, you made it quite clear, it seemed to me at least, that you had no intention of accepting my annual invitation.

Ebenezer Scrooge:
I made other things clear too, didn't I, Fred? That Christmas was a humbug - a waste of time and money. A false and commercial festival, devoutly to be ignored.

Fred Holywell:
Yes, basically, that was it.

Ebenezer Scrooge:
Well, I've come for three reasons. First, to beg your pardon for the things I said about Christmas. That was a humbug, Fred.

Fred Holywell:
Was it?

Ebenezer Scrooge:
I didn't know it then, but I know it now. Secondly, I've come to meet your wife.

Fred Holywell:
Well, here she is.

Ebenezer Scrooge:
Yes, and a very beautiful woman she is too.

Janet Holywell:
Thank you.

Ebenezer Scrooge:
I uh... I was in love once. Would you believe that?

Janet Holywell:
Yes.

Ebenezer Scrooge:
But I possessed neither the courage nor the optimism nor perhaps the depth of feeling that you two have. Thirdly, if the invitation to dine with you today is still in force, I accept.

Fred Holywell:
Of course, it's still in force! Hurrah! I was sure that one day...

Ebenezer Scrooge:
You were sure? Well, apparently you were right. Yes, I should like to dine with you and your friends.

Janet Holywell:
You'll be more than welcome!