Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1918-01-18
The LONGING HEART
BY ROSS WAvERLY.


occupants Of Its consultation room. q
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. Her hands
were small and delicate, but the gloves
covering them showed. stitches Of fire.
quent repair here and there.
She had arisen and confronted the
man who had just spoken words that
a1ronted all the womanliness of her
nature. Her voice was vibrant with
the emotion Of a being driven to face
what she considered to be an indignity.
You dare to make me this PROPOSE
tion! she said with force and pas
sion. "You. John Gaines, the gam
bler!"
You know who I am, thenr' he be-
gan. and, strong. great man that he
was. he WINGED.
who does not who reads the pub
lie prints7" 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 lady. They call me
Honest John Gaines gambler though
l am. Mr.. Leith. the attorney. is
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 az
her only heritage by an Indifferent
husband, dead but a year. and q Ger.
tain harsh sternness, as of a man In
turn resisting a CALLING contempt. held
her silent. He went on: II asked Mr..
Leith to select lady who would be
treated as such, a true woman who
could see In my peculiar situation
something to pity. You are offered q
thousand dollars to do the part Of q
play actress for bare twelve hours.
1t is painful for me to act mine. but
l wish to save breaking the heart Of
the only being have ever loved-my
mother"
Norma Winston uttered a short.
sharp gasp. There was something
pathetic. almost dramatic in the man.
ner and words of this man Of many
phases that almost awed her.
"Your mother!" she murmured soft
ly. Then sadly: II lost mind, my
best friend on earth only last month"
And then alphabetically, almost sub
missively: IL do not understand
you"
II hoped Mr.. Leith had told you" he
spoke. II am John Gaines. gambler.
to the city, but l am John willard, q
beloved son, mothers idol and rich,
influential and reputable business man
to my old mother. have kept my
father and mothet IN comfort. a thou
sand miles away. Tog the first time
in theif. Ayes that dotin2 Innocent old
coupls! on their way home FROM the
funeral Of a 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
have rented for the day. where we'll
bribed servants viii assist In carrying
out the fraud. They will 60 away
proud and content. Do you under
stand nowT
II understand and 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 consent"
"Thank yOu." said Gaines simply. al
most coldIy. "Mr. Leith will arrange
the details with you" and was gone.
1t was q strange experience for
Norma Winston, and its details grew
more complex and interesting rs 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.
the attorney Gaines sent her
some diamonds to wear. At nine
o'clock on the day set an automobile
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 creature! So
and well may John, good
man that he il, 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 pagr
were to resume their journey. and
Gaines, satisfied and relieved, for the
deception had materialized 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 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 1t.
It contained the fee promised by the
lawyer.
uv., hcvo do0a mo n oopvtco I povop