She was scandalized at his retort, but she reminded herself this wasn't necessarily his real opinion. He was just giving the opinion of the fictional Scrooge. She laid a gentle hand on Esther's arm in hopes of conveying that reminder though the light touch. "Mr. Scrooge has made his position quite clear. He'd rather sit on his stock pile of money than use it for some form of good, even for himself." She gave the lacking fireplace a pointed glance. "I think it is time we bid you good day, sir."