He gave her in a few words the reason of his return.

Mr.
Livingstone was feeling unwell, he said.

He had not remembered it was Christmas Eve, he added; and, turning quickly and opening the door into the front room he guilefully dived at once into the matter of the Christmas-tree which was standing there waiting to be dressed.
Whether or not Mr.Clark deceived Mrs.Clark might be a matter of question.

Mr.Clark was not good at deception.

Mrs.Clark was better at it; but then, to-night was a night of peace and good-will, and since her husband had returned she was willing to forgive even Livingstone..