A
huge turkey had just been roasted for the needs of the coming
holiday, and this with a cold ham and a pot of coffee was ordered
to be sent in a covered tray within a quarter of an hour. Then a
toy-shop was visited, and such a doll purchased! for tears came
into Marlow's eyes whenever he thought of his child's offer to
sell her dolly for her mother's sake.
After selecting a sled for Jamie, and directing that they should
be sent at once, he could restrain his impatience no longer, and
almost tore back to his station at the cottage window. His wife
was placing the meagre little supper on the table, and how poor
and scanty it was!
"Is that the best the dear soul can do on Christmas Eve?" he
groaned. "Why, there's scarcely enough for little Sue. Thank God,
my darling, I will sit down with you to a rather different supper
before long!"
He bowed his head reverently with his wife as she asked God's
blessing, and wondered at her faith. Then he looked and listened
again with a heart-hunger which had been growing for months.
"Do you really think Santa Claus will fill our stockings to-
night?" Sue asked.
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