Such a thing had never happened before. During their several years of married life, he and Katy had never been separated a single night. This was something new. John read the note over and over. He suddenly felt very strange. There on the back of the chair lay the dress that Katy always wore while she was preparing dinner. A paper bag of her favorite butter candies lay on a table. Everything in the room spoke of a loss. Something very important to the apartment and in the life of John Perkins had suddenly gone. He felt very much alone. He began to put the apartment in order, and, each time he touched something of Katy's, the feeling of loneliness grew even deeper. He had never thought what life without Katy would be. He had become so accustomed to her that she was like the air that he breathed. necessary but never appreciated. Now she was gone. He ate dinner slowly. Later he did not feel like smoking. Outside, the city moved about him. He could hear the noise of the streets. Now he could go out and stay as long as he liked, and do what he liked. He could play pool at Closkey's until two in the morning. But he had no desire to do any of these things.