Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1922-01-21
THE LONGING HEART
BY ROSS WAvERLY.

man and a woman. He wore eXpeE-
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
afrronted all the womanliness Of her
nature.
you dare to make me this PROPOSE
ton" she said with force and pas
sion. "You, John Gaines, the gam
bler"
You know who am, thenT he be-
gan, and, strong, great man that he
was. he WINGED.
"Who does not who reads the pub
lie prlntsI" she challenged scornfuly.
1T is my personality, then, that
makes the proposition obnoxious to
your" he Intercepted, with a certain
degree Of dignity. 81 do not forget
that you are a lady. They call me
Honest John Gaines gambler though
l am. Mr.. Leith, the attorney, is
person you trust. Believe me, ne 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 a
living, to liquidate the debts left as
her only heritage by an Indifferent
husband, dead but year, and GER
tain harsh sternness. as of man in
turn resisting a CALLING contempt, held
her silent. He went on: Il 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 a
play actress for bare twelve hours.
II is painful for me to act mine, but
1 wish to save breaking the heart of
the only being / have ever lOved-my
mother"
'Your motherl" she murmured soft
ly. Then sadly: 81 lost mine, my
best friend on earth only last month"
Aud then apologetically, almost sub
missiyely: IL do not understand
you"
II hoped Mr.. Leith had told you" he
spoke. 81 am John Gaines, gambler.
to the city, but / am John Willard,
beloved son, mothers idol and a rich,
influential and reputable business man
10 my old mother. / 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 relative, will stop over
for one day In the city here to see
their boy l 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 viii go away
proud and content"
Il ''~'ierstand and pity you" spoke
Norma Winston, and her eyes were
moist 'For one day | am TO act out
the mistress OF your regal home, i am
to wear the mask Of the wife. For
your mothers sake consent"
''Thank YOU" said Gaines simply. al
most coldly. "Mr. Leith will arrange
the details with you" and was gone.
II was strange experience for
Norma Winston and its details grew
more complex and interesting as the
farce continued. She was given money
by the lawyer, Mr.. Leith, to procure
attire 10 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
were brought to the house by their de-
voted son. After an introduction, the
mother reached out and drew Norma
10 warm embrace.
"0h. 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.
Ii was just an hour before the pair
were to resume their Journey, and
Gaines, satisfied and relieved, for the
wv ANANi hdh iiAAfA tdAAAGu EHlOOlHiN,
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 Il stool, her head resting on
the breast of the dear old lady. who
was planning out haven OF bliss.
where John aud his wife were to come
and pass II 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 II.
1t contained the fee promised by the
lawyer.
"You have done me service never
can forget" he said. May | see YOU
once in a while7"
when you come with clean hands
yes" she said