They had been so happy.

The echo of their voices, their snatches of Christmas carols, their laughter and merry badinage, was still in his heart.

He remembered the impromptu lunch, which they had enjoyed so much while at work.

He could see the mother come smiling in, with constant samples of the Christmas cheer fresh out of the oven.

He had printed the verses and mottoes himself, spent all the afternoon over them, and been rather proud of his efforts.