Norwich bulletin., 1910-12-24

(Written Specially for The Bulletin)
 "Oh, my baby. if your father were only herel How much longer can endure this life of care and lonliness!' and with a departing sob Marjorie flung herself down by her babys cradle and gave way to her grief for a moment. Only for a moment though, for the waning light of the brief December day, reminded her that her task was not completed. and if not returned on time no more work would be given her and then, indeed she would be in deeper distress than now. So drying her tears, she turned again to the sewing machine on which were spread the garments which meant so much to her. If the labor were poorly paid, it was at least a barrier between her and actual starvation for herself and baby Tom, sleeping qui- etly in his shabby cradle Everything in the room was shabby but clean, and every day Marjorie was thankful for the ability to provide even poorly for that dear baby in his fathers ab- Sence.
 Only a year ago and Marjorie Elem ing was the happy wife of a devoted husband. When she left her eirIhOod home as the bride of Tom Fleming her friends in that distant city all felt that she was to be congratulated for Tom was a noble fellow, already well known in his profession and with bright prospects of advancement. His ability was recognized by the pron1i- nent firm employing him as civil en- gineer, and for five years Marjorie and he had made the city their home and to them had come a little daugh- ter. a second Marjorie, to be their pride and pet. Marjorie's parents had both died during this period, and as she was an only child their loss seem- ed to center her affections more and more upon her husband and child, and gradually she had severed all cOnnec- tion with her home city, A year previous to the time of which we write, fiattering offer came to Tom for his services in Australia, installing a line of railway across a stretch of undeveloped country. from which communication must necessarily be at long intervals and of great uncertain ty. But Marjorie was brave and their young hearts were hopeful, and they decided that it was best to accept the offer, even though it involved separa- tion for a time, and Tom went off to his post, leaving his dear ones well supplied with means for the year $ absence. I'll be with you next Christmas" said Tom. and we'll keep the day in jolly fashion," and Marjorie bare him goodbye with smiles, keeping back the tears till he was out of sight.
 It seemed to her now, that with him had also gone all the prosperity which had been her portion up to that time. How many misfOrtunes had crowded themselves into that short year! Lit tie Marjorie had siclened and after q long and expensive illness had died. Then came the failure of the bank where Tom had placed his savings. and the little woman had been com pelled to part with one after another of her household treasures and remove to less attractive lodgings until at last this attic room was sufficient to ac- commodate her and all that remained of her belongings Little Tom had corr meantime, and but for him her heart would have failed indeed. Moth ing had been heard from her husband for several months, and it seemed to Marjorie that his prophecy for the coming Christmas was to be a failure after all. But he will come; know he will.'' she told herself and baby Tom. and aren't you going to be a fine Christmas present for him, my darling boy? You must help your mother to be brave and strong. What should I do without you!" So she crooned over her boy in the short in tervals she could spare from the sew