The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1910-11-23
CATCHING STEP
By JENNIE O. LOIZEAUX
Copyright. 1910. by Assoeia,ed Literary p.

WHICH was not tne WORST tnluS ne
did: he accepted 1t. which was fatal.
He not only recognized loneliness and
failure and limitation-he accepted
them. He had ceased to fight
When the two weeks were over he
went back to the Office. He gave up
the little rented house and moved to
a cheap boarding place 1t was not
comfortable, but neither was debt
He settled down to work and the
stoop in his shoulders was most
marked and his hair thinned a bit
more: but his smile grew very gentle
and a fine quality erept into his
voice. He slept and began to be
really rested. and some Of tho daze
passed.
After a few months he began to
read again magazine stories-foo,
fsh things. but they reminded him
tina, there was somewhere. youth and
love and laughter In the world.
And then there was Ninette. She
was the landlady's little girl. curly.
headed. warm-hearted. With the
confidence of her four years the
baby-woman walked into his heart
and took possession. She would
come up to his room. creep into his
arms. and demand a story. Unable
to deny her anything. he bestirred
his memory. his Imagination. and
the stories became an escape from
reality.
1t was his first step up from the
depths OF apathy. He would think
things out TO tell the baby and he
took to buying her candy and cheap
toys. 1t was the first time in years
that he had practiced self-indul-
Eence- He did ii as a lover wastes
gifts on the lady of his dreams. One
night the child. over-tired. fell
asleep, her yellow little head on his
breast: and he held her awhile be-
fore earring her down to her
mother. who was none too sorry to
nave the care of the child fall some
times upon this big. kind man.
He became lighter of heart and
brighter. and his work had q tinge
of his boyish energy in it. II oc-
Cured to him one morning lust as
The senior partner came up. to speak
to him TO ask for raise. Without
giving himself time to weigh and
ponder. somewhat TO his OWE sur.
prise. he did IL confidently on the
spot The request was granted: he
had forgotten that 4 man was valued
by himself and that others rated
him with some dependence on this
valuation.
That night he bought n new gray
suit and took the band from his ma;
II was early summer. and he took
NiEctte out for a walk in the little
park
Sitting IN red swing in the ;xi
light. with the sleepy child in his
arms. ali of sudden his heart was
'uil OF Amy Bartlett Where was
she? He longed to see her. to hear
her gentle voice and see the wom-
tnly. motherly. comforting smii,
Reing fair himself. he liked dark
there was to him something
that Amy had dimpie
IN her plump cheek Then he car
lied the little one home and went to
MS room with his mind full O! Amy
Bartlett
The next day he asked Mrs Farley.
who had been years in the Office.
what had become Of her The elder
looked at him with a sort O;
pity. before she replied.
We'll. you ACTUALLY want to know,
She's at Woodly's-two whole blocks
away. John Akers! And while we're
.alking about her. let me tell YOU
the most awful !
diot. Well. it's time you were
STEP"
That night he walked out of the |
,ffice thinking. What had Mrs. |
farley meant?-whatc He did not go |
lone. He went for a walk. passing !
,ut of the hot streets to a quieter |
way. one that led TO the little park. |
[ was early evening. He went alone,
nd then suddenly he turned his head
o glance at woman sitting on 4
,ench. He met her dark eyes.
Ii was Amy Bartlett. and he went |
traisht to her-it was as if she might |
disappear before he could tell her
omething She held out her hand
md gave him 4 smile. but there was
pathetic look in her e:es. A great
light came to him.
Amy" he said low and breathless-
Y. do you know how have starved
or you? how I have loved you? DO
ou know? l wanted you to know
/ will be easier then to go on alone"
The choked a little and he saw
hat her eyes were trimming with
ears.
Alone? Why should it be alone,
ohm"
They sat long into the twilight. and
he heav" past lifted itself like
mist and foated away. and love re-
ealed her shining face.