The disclosure teaches a novel process for adding liquid or fluid to an absorbent article, such as an ink reservoir for marking devices such as marking pencils, and apparatus particularly adapted for carrying out the process. In accordance with the inventive process, the article is placed in a container which communicates with a source of the liquid or fluid at one place in the container, and with a source of reduced pressure at another place in the container. While the liquid or fluid is being provided to the container, the pressure in the container is reduced through the action of the source of reduced pressure to assist in drawing the liquid or fluid into the container by a sucking action. As the liquid or fluid is drawn into the container, it is added to the article contained therein. The apparatus consists of the container which comprises airtight means for communicating with a source of reduced pressure and further airtight means for communicating with a source of the liquid or fluid.