In those hours, tears would course her cheeks, as the stern reality of her position presented itself; to know that he was absent, while she was leading a life of penury and toil.

Still she struggled on.

When at times despair rose up before her like a demon, and she felt herself about to succumb to it, the memory of her absent husband, and the sight of her loved children, would nerve the soldier's wife to bear with fortitude the misery to which she had been reduced.
And thus she toiled on, until the last source of support had vanished.
The Quartermaster from whom she received work, having completed all the clothing he required, had no further use for her services, and she then saw nothing but a blank and dreary prospect, looming up before her.

She had no means of purchasing food for her children.

Piece by piece her furniture was sold to supply their wants, until nothing was left in the room but a solitary bedstead.