Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-12-23
THE LONGING HEART
By ROSS WAVERLY.

man and woman. He wore eXpen- sive, but neat attire. She was past the bloom of girlhood, but beauty and grace had not left her. Her attire was that of half mourning.
 She had arisen and confronted the man who had just spoken words that affronted all the womanliness of her nature.
 "You dare to make me this proposi- tion" she said with force and pas sion. "You, John Gaines, the gam' bler'
 "You know who am, then?' he be- gan, and, strong, great man that he Was he winced.
 "Who does not who reads the pub. lie prints?" she challenged scornfuly.
 Ut is my personality, then, that makes the proposition obnoxious to you?" he interrogated, with a certain degree of dignity. 'I do not forget that you are lady. They call me Honest John Gaines gambler though am. MT. Leith, the attorney, is q person you trust. Believe me, he could not have consented to this interview did he not know that there is honor ill my makeup
 She recalled her necessities, the struggle she was making to earn a living, to liquidate the debts left as her only heritage by an indifferent husband, dead but a year, and cer- tn;n harsh Starnncsc as Of a man in turn resisting a galling contempt, held her silent. He went on: T asked MT. Leith to select a lady who would be treated as such, true woman who could see in my peculiar situation something to pity. You are offered a thousand dollars to do the part of & play actress for a bare twelve hours. It is painful for me to act mine, but I wish to save breaking the heart of the only being have ever loyed-my mother"
 @"Your mother!" she murmured soft ly. Then sadly: q lost mine, my best friend on earth only last month. , And then apologetically, almost sub- missively: "I-I do not understand you." .---...s57
 "I hoped MT. Leith had told you," he spoke. q am John Gaines, gambler, to the city, but am John Willard, a beloved son, mothers idol and rich, influential and reputable business man to my old mother. I have kept my father and mother in comfort, thou sand miles away. For the first time in their lives that doting innocent old couple, on their way home from the funeral Of relative, will stop over for one day in the city here to see their boy have prepared for them. They will be welcomed to the home I have rented for the day, where well- bribed servants will assist in carrying out the fraud. They will go away proud and content"
 q understand and pity you," spoke Norma Winston, and her eyes were moist. "For one day I am to act out the mistress of your regal home, am 1 to wear the mask of the wife. For your mothers sake consent"
 "Thank you," said Gaines simply, al- | most coldly. "Mr. Leith will arrange 1 the details with you,' and was gone. It was a strange experience for Norma Winston, and it's details grew more complex and interesting as the farce continued. She was given money by the lawyer, Mr. Leith, to procure attire in keeping with that appropriate | for the wife of wealthy man. 1 Through the attorney Gaines sent her some diamonds to wear. At nine o'clock on the day set an automobile conveyed her to the elegant residence.
 One hour later the expected guests were brought to the house by their de- voted son. After an introduction, the mother reached out and drew Norma ] to warm embrace.
 | "Oh, you dear, sweet creature! SO beautiful, and we'll may John, good man that he is, be proud of you!'
 Then followed hours replete with charm and royal entertainment for the old hOmespun couple.
 It was just an hour before the pair were to resume their journey, and Gaines, satisfied and relieved, for the deception had materialized smoothly was passing the door ajar of the l library when. he chanced to glance within the apartment.
 ! At the feet of his mother Norma was seated on stool, her head resting on the breast of the dear old lady, who was planning out haven of bliss where John and his wife were to come and pass a month or two at the old homestead.
 Norma was in tears when the part. ing came. After they had seen the old couple safely started on their journey Gaines ordered his chauffeur to drive Mrs. Winston to her home. He hand ed her an envelope as they reached it It contained the fee promised by the lawye".
 "You have done me service never can forget" he said. "May I see you | Onca in a xUhilnoo