And while they sat there and talked, Dane appeared in the doorway, and stood unnoticed for a few seconds watching the pleasant scene before the fire.  His face bore the expression of great happiness.  He had made a good trip to the city, and had returned laden with many things for Christmas Day.  Some of these he had hidden safely away until the children were all in bed.  His eyes shone with joy as they rested upon his loved ones; his wife, fair and comely, and his children full of health and innocent charm.  In another minute he was in their midst, and radiant faces and shouts of delight told their own tale of happiness unalloyed.