They were interrupted and restrained by a quiet, kindly voice which Livingstone recognized as Clark's.

The father was trying to keep the children back.
It might be Santa Claus himself, Livingstone heard him urge, and if they did not go back to bed immediately, or into the back room,--or even if they peeped, Santa Claus might jump into his sleigh and drive away and leave nobody at the door but a grocer's boy with a parcel.

This direful threat had its effect.

The gleeful squeals were hushed down into subdued and half-awed murmurs and after a little a single footstep came along the passage and the front door was opened cautiously.
At sight of Livingstone, Clark started, and by the light of the lamp the caller could see his face pale a little.

He asked Livingstone in with a voice that almost faltered.