The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-02-25
chicken 4 La KING
BY PAYNE MORRIS.

SETFEEsssf's'sTF TTF'STTTTTTTs
Mr.. Peck didn't realize that it was
Monday until he was upon his own
pavement. When the fact crashed up
on HIM with stunning force, he began
nervously TO unbutton his coat. By
the time he was in the living room
both coat and waistcoat were off and
he was hurriedly turning back his
cuffs He knew there would be a
checked apron behind the kitchen door
and note concerning dinner on a nail
above the sink. 1t was club day. and
he knew that that meant that when
Mrs. Peck returned at $50 she would
expect dinner to be ready to serve.
Mr.. Peck found the apron and read
the note. Great days!" he exploded
Chicken la king. page rs in the
COOK book, potatoes au gratin, page
lOi, banana tritters-you know how
the desserts made ton ice), cucumber
and tomato salad, French dressing.
Put down the lace mats and yellow
candles and an extra place. I'm hav-
ing company"
A staccato knock sounded upon the
Kitchen door, and Mr.. Peck opened il
A young woman stood there-a very
pretty young woman. Even in Mr.
fecks perturbed state of mind, he had
enough gallantry to fling the door
quite wide and say pleasantly: Good
evening. Won you come in?"
She nodded appreciatively and
stepped into the kitchen. Il am Mrs
harmon from next door. l came in to
see if Mrs. Peck could lend me a
lemon"
IF you'll just sit down. I'll 60 look
in the pantry. Mrs. Peck is out and
m getting dinner"
on, how cute! Imagine my Harry
getting his own dinner! | can lust
see him in an apronl" She threw back
her head and laughed merrily.
The laugh was very contagious and
Mr.. Peck smiled. He wanted to hear
her laugh some more. Besides" he
added proudly, I'm not only getting
my own dinner, but that of my wife
and-and company"
Mr.. Peck procured the lemon and
was holding the door open for her
when a happy thought struck him.
DO you know how to make chicken a
la king?" he asked.
Heavens! Do you have to make
that?"
Yes. and-wait. I'll read you the
note"
You poor mani" when he had fin
1shed. You never can do that in the
world. It's almost six now"
Mr.. Peck looked at his watch anx.
iously. 80 it is! Why, I'd no idea
it was so late"
Don't you want me to stay and
help? I'd love to, tiff you don't tell"
Mr.. Peck promised with suspicious
promptness.
So Mr.. Peck and his pretty neighbor
dlssected chicken, made cream dress
ing, grated cheese, made batter and
altogether were so busy for the next
half hour that neither had time to
talk
Mr. Peck set the table while the
fritters were frying He knew where
to find things-lace mats and all.
well, Mr.. Peck, l guess it's time I
was going. The whole dinners ready
to serve" She laughed amiably.
Mr.. Peck turned the knob of the
kitchen door when he had thanked
his neighbor for her heaven-sent help
The door stuck. He turned the Knob
the other way. Still it stuck. He rat
tied the knob and kicked the door No
use! He looked anxiously at his watch.
Six-thirty! ITS time for Tillie, Mrs
Harmon, and the door doesn't seem to
open. Will you try the front Way"
I'll have to, guess. Wouldn't it be
dreadful If I'd meet Mrs. Peck"
You're just right, IL would"
snapped a womans voice from the
shadow of the front hall. "You didn't
hear me come in, eh. John? Well here
l am! And the gentleman I've brought
with me will be Just as interested as |
am, | guess" Mrs. Peck reached for
the switch in the living room and
turned on the light.
Harry gasped Mrs Harmon. "You
didn't tell me YOU were coming here
tonight. didn't expect to see you"
No. [ guess you didn't" said Mrs
Peck. This is pretty how do you
dol"
Mrs. Harmon looked nervously from
one to the other. Then she made the
speech of her life
Dent you dare to speak to me un-
til I'm through, Mrs Peck, nor you
either. Harry Harmon. You are both
so busy with clubs and lectures you
forget you have homes-both of you.
| came in here to borrow lemon for
my solitary supper. } ought to be &C.
customed to them. but I'm not This
poor man here was panic-stricken for
fear he couldn't cook the meal he'd
been ordered to get. So offered to
help and did What's more. you've
no more business being out with my
husband than have trying to kill my
self for yours. So therei" She rushed
! for the door sobbing.
Harry caught her in his arms. say
ing remorsefully: Wait a minute,
Toots! See mere! l nave Deen a
selfish old cad. but promise to reform
this minute. You're a little peach,
that's what you are. There-that's
better, dry your eyes. dearie"
MIS-. Peck surveyed ner husband