The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-02-28
CHICKEN A La king
BY PAYNE MORRIS.


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
Guns. 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.
MIR. 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
l04, banana fritters-you know how
the desserts made ton ice), cucumber
ana tomato salad. French dressing.
Put down the lace mats and yellow
candles and an extra place. I'm hay-
ing company"
A staccato knock sounded upon the
Kitchen door, ana Mr.. Peck opened il.
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't you come in?"
"a
stepped into the kitchen. Il am Mrs.
Harmon from next door. came in TO
see If Mrs. Peck could lend me a
lemon"
III you'll just sit down, I'll 60 look
In the pantry. Mrs. Peck is out and
I'm getting dinner"
oh, how cute, Imagine my Harry
getting his own dinner! can Just
see MN IN an apron!" 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
ahu-dnu 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.
ished. You never can do that in the
world. It's almost six now"
Mr.. Peck looked at his watch anx
iously. so It is! Why, Id no idea
it was 80 late"
J Don't you want me to stay and
help! I'd love to. Tiff you don't tell u
Mr.. Peck promised with suspicious
promptness.
So Mr.. Peck and his pretty neighbor
dissected chicken, made cream dress
ing. grated cheese, made batter and
altogether were 30 busy for the mex,
half hour that neither had time tc
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
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 knot
the other way. Still 1t stuck. He rat
tied the knob and kicked the door. NJ
use! He looked anxiously at his watch
Six-thirty! IT'S time for Tillie, Mrs
Harmon, and the door doesn't seem t.
open. VIII you try the front wayY"
I'll have to, guess. Wouldn't It bt
dreadful II I'd meet Mrs. Peck!"
You're Just right, IL would
snapped a woman's voice from tn,
shadow Of the front hall. "You didn'
hear me come in, eh, John? Well, her,
| am! And the gentleman I've brough
with me will be just as interested as
am, guess" Mrs. Peck reached fo
| shS oVh'Sn tuC ilNiu6 IOOlu d0t
turned on the light.
Harry" aasped Mrs. Harmon. "Yo,
didn't tell me you were coming her,
tonight. | didn't expect to see you"
No, | guess you didn't" said Mrs
Peck. This is pretty how do 70,
dol"
Mrs. Harmon looked nervously from
one to the other. Then she made tn,
speech of her life
Dent you dare to speak to me un
til I'm through, Mrs Peck, nor yol
either. Harry Harmon. You are boil
80 busy with clubs and lectures you
forget you have homes-both of you
| came in here to borrow a lemon To-
my solitary supper. ] ought to be &C
customed to them, but I'm not Thii
poor man here was panic-stricken To-
fear he couldn't cook the meal he'C
been ordered to get. So I offered Il
help and I did What's more, you'v,
no more business being out with m,
husband than have trying to kill my
self for yours. SO there," She rushed
for the door sobbing.
Harry caught her in his arms. say
ing remorsefully: Wait a minute
Toots! See here! / have been /,
selfish old cad. but promise to reform
this minute. You're a little peach
that's what you are. There-that,
better, dry your eyes. dearie"
Mrs. Peck surveyed her husband