Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1918-01-01
THE LONGING HEART
BY ROSS wAvERLY.

1 Inc hCtut WIS laWttfa oulCct tuo
occupants OF It's consuiset.sn sccm. a
man and a woman. He wore expCn-
sive. but peat attire. She was past tie
bloom Of girihood. but beauty and
grace had not left her. Her attire wes
tAat OF half mourning.
She had arisen and confronted the
man who had Just spoken words that
affrcnted all Che womnnlIncss Of her
natune.
you darn to make me this proposi-
ton r. she said with force and pas
sion. you. John Gaines. the gam
bleri~
"You know who am, Them" he be-
gan, and. strong. great man that he
was. he WINGED.
"Who does not who reads the pub
lie printsT' she challenged scornfuly.
1T 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 n
person you trust. Believe me, he could
not have consented 20 this interview
did he not know that there Is honor In
my makeup"
She recalled her necessities. the
struggle she was making 20 earn a
living. TO llquidate the debts left as
her only heritage by an Indifferent
husband. dead but year, and a GER
q N harsh sternness, as OF man In
turn resisting a CALLING contempt. held
her silent. He went on: Il nsked Mfr.
Lelth 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
thousand dollars 10 do the part OF a
play actress for a bare twelve hours.
II is painful for me to act mine. but
/ wish 10 save breaking the heart OF
the only being have ever loved-my
mother"
"Your mother !" she murmured soft
ly. Then sadly: 81 lost mine, my
best friend on earth only last month"
And then apologeticalIy, almost sub
missiyely: I'll do not understand
you"
IL hoped Mr.. Lelth had told you" he
spoke. II am John Gaines, gambler.
to the city. but am John Willard,
beloved son. a mothers idol and rich,
influential and reputable business man
to my old mother. l have kept my
father and mother In comfort, a thou
sand i..lles 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.
I They will be welcomed TO the home ]
| have rented for the day. where we'll
brlbed servants will assist In carrying
out the fraud. They win 60 away
proud and content"
~ understand and pity you" spoke
Norma Winston. and her eyes were
moist. For one day l am to act out
the mistress OF your regal home. am
TO wear the mask Of the wife. For
your mothers sake | consent"
Thank you" said Gaines simply, al
most coldly. "Alr. Lelth will arrange
the details with you" and wns gone.
Il was 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.. Lelth, 60 procure
attire in keeping with that appropriate
for the wife Of wealthy man.
Through the attorney Gaines sent her
some diamonds to wear. At nine
o'clock on the day set an automobile
conveyed her 10 the elegant residence.
one hour later the expected guests
were brought 10 the house by their de-
voted sou. After an introduction, the
mother reached out and drew Norma
10 n warm embrace.
"oh. you dear, sweet creaturel SO
beautiful, and well may John, good
man that he Is. be proud Of youl"
Then followed hours replete with
charm and royal entertainment for the
old homespun couple.
Il was Just an hour before the pair
l Ntlt W J"AAANFf 49,
Gaines. satisfied and relieved, for the
deception had materiallzed smoothly.
was passing the door aJar OF the
library 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 we're 10 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 10 drive
Mrs. Winston TO her home. He hand
ed her an envelope as they reached H.
II contained the fee promised by the
lawyer.
"YOu have done me a service never