To the period of her husband's return she looked with no feeling of hope; but, rather, with a painful certainty, that his appearance would be the signal for the landlord to put his threat into execution.
Sadly the days went by, each one bringing nearer the time towards which the unhappy woman now looked forward with a feeling of dread.

That the landlord would keep his promise, she did not, for an instant, doubt.
Without their cow, how could she, with all her exertions, feed her children?
No wonder that her heart was troubled.
At last the day before the opening year came.
"Papa will be home to-morrow," said Emma.

"I wonder what he will bring me for a New Year's gift." "I wish he would bring me a book," said George.
"I'd like a pair of new shoes," remarked the little girl, more soberly, looking down at her feet, upon which were tied, with coarse strings, what were called shoes, but hardly retained their semblance.

"And mamma wants shoes, too," added the child.

"Oh! I wish papa would bring her, for a New Year's gift, a nice new pair of shoes." The mother heard her children talking, and sighed to think how vain were all their expectations.
"I wish we had a turkey for father's New Year's dinner," said Emma.
"And some mince pies!" spoke up little Hetty, the youngest, clapping her hands.