The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-16

Norma discovered that, whereas she had thought of crosses as bur- dens the first day she looked at that calendar, t he black marks signified exactly the opposite. They stood for burdens that had been dropped. Each day new cross. Each day bringing Mark nearer.
 The seven crosses on the calen- dar grew to IA. If only letter would come telling her that in two weeks Mark would be back! She could not forget he had said the four weeks might turn into five.
 The IA crosses became Is, Is, IF. Christmas was only a few days away. Store windows were filled with Christmas gifts, holly wreaths, festoons of greenery and gay crim- son ribbons. Tall evergreens, glow ing with red, blue and gold lights dazzled the army of shoppers. Downtown streets from early morning until late at night became avenues of confusion. Sidewalks |swarmed with tired, hostile and de- termined faces peering from be- hind mountainous packages. Santa Clauses in cheap red suit jingled their Christmas bells on street cor ners and the red capes of Salva- tion Army workers loomed bright in the turmoil.
 Christmas only a few days away. Christmas!
 Norma found consolation in choosing Marks gift. 1t would be late, of course. She would keep it for him. Two weeks more-per- haps a little less than that--and she and Mark would make up for so many, many dreary days apart What a celebration they would have then! She dared not think too much of that meeting. When ever she did the hurt in her heart became so sharp.
 She stood long before windows filled with gifts bearing the sig nificant placard, "For Him" She read professional shoppers sug- gestions for presents for young men. Marks tastes were difficult She would have loved to buy him something truly expensive but that was out of the question. She would have liked to give him something she had made with heI own hands. There was no way to satisfy either of these desires SC Norma compromised. She selected a sweater of soft yarn, exquisite to touch. It was a rich tan she knew Mark admired. He could wear 1t for golf and on comfort. able evenings 1ounging at home.
 The sweater was her only Christ. mas purchase. She and Chris knowing each others financia status, had ruled out gifts for eacf other long ago. Norma bought z sheet of the most festive paper she could find in which to wrap tht sweater. It was black and white spangled with silver, and she tiet it with a crimson ribbon. Nice Norma told herself as she sur. veyed the offering. Nice enough almost-for the most beloved hus' band in the world.
 l He would bring a gift for her too. Something from Paris per. haps!
 | When such thoughts occurred tt her during working hours it wal necessary for Norma to force hel attention rigidly back to her note book, back to her typewriter. There were entire letters to be re-writ ten because of moods of da! dreaming.
 Occasionally at her desk fl Stuart's office she felt qualms O conscience because she had not ad mitted to her employer that sh, had taken the position temporar fly. Neither had she told him sh' was married. It was deceiving Norma told herself guiltily. On tht other hand she knew enough abou business to understand that either admission might have cost her thu job. She was doing her work eff ficiently. Stuart was satisfied | When Mark came back she would tell Stuart the truth and he would have no difficulty finding another secretary. Hundreds of girls were looking for work.
 She was lingering before { brightly lighted window filled witf toys one evening when something made her turn. Not three yard. away, his eyes fixed on the displa, she had been looking at, stood Bol Farrell.
 Norma moved nearer. Hello Bob," she said, smiling.
 Hello! Say-where'd you com' from?"
 q was standing right there be side you admiring the dancing bear. Are you picking out you Christmas gift? Something in thi window certainly seems to hav' you hypnotized."
 Bob grinned. "Cute, aren't they Which one do you want?"
 "Oh, I'll take the bear. Isn't h. adorable?"
 "Well. white your letter to San ta Claus and be a good girl Where are you bound for Couldn't take pity on a guy ant have dinner with him, could you ?
 Sorry. I've just had dinner. Tn on my way to get the car"
 Farrell said, My hard luck Don't mind if I walk along witl "of course not. Have you beer winning any more big cases?"
 Haven't even had a chance. suppose you're all wrapped up il Christmas shopping and getting ready for the holidays"
 "Well,-not exactly. Mark ism going to be able to get here, Tn afraid. That sort of spells things.
 "Is he still abroad? That's to, bad! When do you expect him 1?
 Norma was looking steadil, ahead. 'T hope 1t won't be nor lthan two weeks now" she said 'It seems @ terribly long time."
 "Oh two weeks isn't long-un less you're waiting for a check Itll pass before you know it."
 The girl smiled. Remember, she said, "when he does com iyou're going to be our first dime lguest."
 That's a promise. I won't for get" =
 They had reached the car sto and a street car was heading to ward them. Norma turned. CIT glad to have seen you, Bob." sh said. Hope you have fin Christmas"
 "Thanks." Farrell looked a though there were something nor he wanted to say but the car wa