The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1918-03-09
THE LONGING HEART
by ROSS wAvERLY.

occupants of it's consultation room, a
man and a 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
a~ffronted all the womanliness of her
nature.
'eYou dare to make me this PROPOSE
ton" she said with force and pas
sion. "You, John Gaines, the gam
blerl"
"You know who l am, Them" he be-
gan, and, strong, great mar that he
was, he WINGED.
"Who does not who reads the pub
lie prints?" she challenged %scornfuly.
ut is my personality, then. that
makes the proposition obnoxious to
your" he Intercepted, with a certain
degree of dignity. II do not forget
that you are a lady. They call me
Honest John Gaines,' gambler though
l am. Mr.. Leith, the attorney, is a
person you trust. Believe me, he could
not have consented to this interview
did he not know that there is honor in
my makeup"
She recalled her necessities, the
struggle she was making TO earn q
living, to liquidate the debts left as
her only heritage by an Indifferent
husband. dead but a year, and a GER
tain harsh sternness, as of a man in
turn resisting a Calling contempt. held
her silent. He went on: Il asked Mr..
Leith to select a lady who would be
treated as such, a true woman who
could see in my peculiar situation
something to pity. You are offered a
thousand dollars to do the part of a
play actress for a bare twelve hours.
1t is painful for me to act mine, but
l wish to save breaking the heart Of
the only being I have eve loved-my
mother"
"Your mother I" she murmured soft
ly. Then sadly: 81 lost mine, my
best friend on earth only last month"
And then apologetically, almost sub
missively: IL do not understand
YOU"
81 hoped Mr.. Leith had told you" he
1 spoke. Il am John Gaines, gambler,
to the city, but / am John Willard, a
beloved son, a mothers idol and a rich,
influential and reputable business man
to my old mother. l have kept my
father and mother in comfort, a thou
sand miles away. For the first time
in their lives that doting innocent old
couple, on their way home from the
funeral of a relative, will stop yer
for n day In the city here to see
their boy / have prepared for them.
They will be welcomed to the home 1
have rented for the day, where we'll
bribed servants will assist In carrying
out the fraud. They will go away
proud and content"
II understand and I pity you" spoke
Norma Winston, and her eyes were
moist. For one day / am to act out
the mistress of your regal home, / am
to wear the mask of the wife. For
your mothers sake l consent"
"Thank you" said Gaines simply, al
most coldly. "Mr. Leith will arrange
the details with you," and was gone
1t 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 a wealthy man.
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 a warm embrace.
"Oh, you dear, sweet creaturel So
beautiful, and well may John. good
man that he is, be proud of you'll"
Then followed hours replete with
charm and royal entertainment for the
old homespun couple.
1t was just an hour before the pair
were to resume their journey, and
Gaines, satisfied and relieved, for the
deception had ma~terialized smoothly,
was passing the door ajar Of the
llbrary-when he CHANGED to glance
within the apartment.
At the feet of his mother Norma was
seated on a stool. her head resting on
the breast of the dear old lady, who
was planning out a haven of bliss,
where John and his wife were to come
and pass a month or two at the old
homestead.
Norma vas 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.
1t contained the fee promised by the
lawyer.
"You have done me a service / never
can forget" he said. MAY / see you
once in a whiIeT"