The Wrangell sentinel., 1920-02-05
THE LONGING HEART
By ROSS WAVERLY.


 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 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 I 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.
 '1t is my personality, then, that makes the proposition obnoxious te you?" he interrogated, with certain degree of dignity. q do not forget that you are lady. They call me Honest John Gaines, gambler though l am. Mir. 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 Il living, ts liquidate the debts left as her only heritage by an indifferent husband, dead but year. and cer tain harsh Sternness, as of man in turn resisting galling contempt, held her silent. He went on: II asked Mir Leith to select q 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 bare twelve hours. It is painful for me to act mine, but l wish to save breaking the heart of the only being I have ever loved-my mother.'
 ly. Then sadly: 'I lost mine, my best friend on earth only last month" And then apologetically, almost sub- missively: 1T do not understand you."
 T hoped MT. Leith had told you," he spoke. "I am John Gaines, gambler, to the city, but 1 am John Willard, d beloved son, mothers idol and q rich, influential and reputable business man to my old mother. 1 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 I have prepared for them. They will be welcomed to the home have rented for the day, where we'll bribed servants will assist in carrying out the fraud. They will go away proud and content
 T understand and I pity yOu,' spoke Norma Winston, and her eyes were moist. For one day I am to act out the mistress of your regal home, I am to wear the mask of the wife. For your mothers sake I consent"
 "Thank you," said Gaines simply, al most coldly. "Mr. Leth will arrange the details with you" and was gone.
 It was q 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, Mir. Leith, to 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 to the elegant residence.
 One hour later the expected guests voted son. After an introduction, the mother reached out and drew Norma to warm embrace.
 "Oh, you dear. sweet creature. So beautiful, and well 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 tTulueS, SutlSIcu anu itiitNtu, lOl lHt deception had materialized smoothly, was passing the door ajar of the library when he chanced 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 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.
 "You have done me service I never can forget" he said. May see you once in a while?"
 "When you come with clean hands yes" she said.
 He came a month later "T have