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Christmas Eve in War Times
by
The half-grown boys sent from the restaurant and toy-shop could not be mistaken for Santa Claus even by the credulous fancy of the children, and Mrs. Marlow stepped forward eagerly and said:
“I am sure there is some mistake. You are certainly leaving these articles at the wrong house.” The faces of the children began to grow anxious and troubled also, for even their faith could not accept such marvellous good-fortune. Jamie looked at the sled with a kind of awe, and saw at a glance that it was handsomer than any in the street “Mr. Lansing, a wealthy man, lives a little further on,” Mrs. Marlow began to urge; “and these things must be meant–“
“Isn’t your name Mrs. Anson Marlow?” asked the boy from the restaurant.
“Yes.”
“Then I must do as I’ve been told;” and he opened his tray and placed the turkey, the ham, and the coffee on the table.
“If he’s right, I’m right too,” said he of the toy-shop. “Them was my directions;” and they were both about to depart when the woman sprang forward and gasped: “Stay!”
She clasped her hands and trembled violently.
“Who sent these things?” she faltered.
“Our bosses, mum,” replied the boy from the restaurant, hesitatingly.
She sprang toward him, seized his arm, and looked imploringly into his face. “Who ordered them sent?” she asked in a low, passionate voice.
The young fellow began to smile, and stammered awkwardly, “I don’t think I’m to tell.”
She released his arm and glanced around with a look of intense expectation.
“Oh, oh!” she gasped with quick short sobs, “can it be–” Then she sprang to the door, opened it, and looked out into the black, stormy night. What seemed a shadow rushed toward her; she felt herself falling, but strong arms caught and bore her, half fainting, to a lounge within the room.
Many have died from sorrow, but few from joy. With her husband’s arms around her Mrs. Marlow’s weakness soon passed. In response to his deep, earnest tones of soothing and entreaty, she speedily opened her eyes and gave him a smile so full of content and unutterable joy that all anxiety in her behalf began to pass from his mind.
“Yes,” she said softly, “I can live now. It seems as if a new and stronger life were coming back with every breath.”
The young fellows who had been the bearers of the gifts were so touched that they drew their rough sleeves across their eyes as they hastened away, closing the door on the happiest family in the city.