Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-03-14
THE TANGLED WEB
Observation-Disclosures
BY LoTTIE W. SIMMONS.

after the 17-year-old niece intrusted TO
her care-a pretty little miss with a
too large appetite for ice cream sodas
and the admiring glances Of tall young
soldiers.
When bake-a-pie day rolled around
1t fell to Elizabeth to wrap up the ex-
ira half-dozen delicious ones Aunt Bet
ty baked and generously set aside for
the soldiers. Right under the crust Of
the most tempting pie Of all she sur
reptitiously tucked a small strip OF
paper with the words: 'If you Ike this
pie call at % Bowdoin street Saturday
evening for another" Aunt Betty al
ways baked on Saturday and spent the
evening at the Red Cross rooms, leav-
ing Elizabeth alone to keep house.
1t was a most delicious pie, so
thought Lieut.. John H, as he
tucked ElIzabeth's note inside his
pocket. 1t was Saturday evening be-
fore he thought of 1t again, at just
about the same time that Elizabeth
was fiufing her hair and wondering
If her scheme for a little fun would
DTluE uug TeSults
When the bell rang Elizabeth flew to
the door, sweet little pink-faced Wis
ion In blue. Lieutenant H was
rather taken aback, but Elizabeth was
equal to the occasion. "Oh, good even
ing" she trilled. $50 you are the one
that got my note, and you want an
other pie? Well, come right in-I have
one for you-so glad you liked it."
John H was by this time thorough
ly enjoying the most unusual situation.
In a pretty room with q pretty girl,
tying up an extremely tempting-look'
ing pie, all for him-well, the fates
were kind, thought he II must compll-
ment you on your skill as a pie-maker,
Miss -" hesitating to learn her
name. Elizabeth looked blank for a
second; then e" she added glib
ly. Elizabeth F.; and now who Is
going to accept this pie" Elizabeth
thrilled little when she learned his
name and his rank, and quite suddenly
decided that he was very, very good
looking. They chatted pleasantly for q
few moments, after which Lieutenant
II very properly took his leave
You may have another pie next Sat
urday evening-if you care to call fol-
IT," Elizabeth said coyly at the door
which invitation was most heartily
accepted b the. tall lieutenant.
The next morning Aunt Betty dis
covered that she was a pie short.
Safes alive you didn't eat whole
pie last night, did you, Elizabeth 2
she asked Mercy, mol Aunt Betty
Someone Called al the door last night
and gave one away.
Aunt Betty had just placed the pie
board on the table when the telephone
rang inslstently. Elizabeth few to an
swer it. "oh, It's for you" she called
Lizzie B. ls sick and they wan
you to come right over" Mercy
exclaimed Aunt Betty land my baking
just begun Well, must go, that's
plain. You might make that spong'
cake. Keep the fire, and don't let th'
beans burn"
Elizabeth gazed in dlsmay at Aun'
Betty's figure hurrying down the walk
That meant no pie for Lieutenan
Il that night. Oh, If only she
could bake one! Whatever had pos
sessed her to let him believe she coulC
why hadn't she explained? Wha
would he think of her? Disconsolately
she mixed the sponge cake, but was
too wise to attempt the pie. Supper
| time md nnNtv CHI
telephoned instead saying that she
would be home early in the evening
Elizabeth was in despair OF course
auntie would come while Lieutenant
| H was therel What should she
do1 II was not the radiant Elizabeth
of the week before who answered
Lieutenant rs ring at the bell
but very sober little girl in a plalr
white dress. Hardly was he seated
before Aunt Betty hustled in. Eliza
beth introduced them the best she
could, and Aunt Betty's frown van
ished before the frank smile and cor
dial handshake of the engaging young
soldier. IF your niece win make such
delicious pies" he began when the
formRllties were over. Bless my
soul" interrupted Aunt Betty, did
you bake pies today, Elizabeth? You
never made pies before In your life"
Looks on the two faces before her
stopped her ooh, Mr.. II Oh
Aunt Betty" stammered Elizabeth
then realizing that she must either
laugh or cry she began to laugh which
was the best thing she could do. She
explained everything to her listeners
de gracefully as she could, ending with
81 dop't think I am a natural-born
deceiver-really still don't know
why fooled you both so. Please for
give me-" John H laughed good
naturedly, seeming neither shocked
nor offended. much to Ellzabeth's re-
lief. Aunt Betty, too, was kind as Of
course she would be. you surely did
weave tangled web as the poet
says, Elizabeth" she said with laugh.
There isn't any pie for Mr.. IL to-
night, but you might bring on your
sponge cake--I suppose you made one
And If he will come over to dinner
next Sunday there viii be pie to grace
our table no doubt"
Lieut.. John IL was n frequent
and welcome guest at the F. home
after that 81 wonder which he likes
the best" mused Elizabeth one night,
Aunt Betty's pies, or me-; but some
thing in his eyes MS they met hers
across the supper table convinced her
that he would still come If Aunt Betty
never placed another pie before him /;
also that 1t was high time that she was
learning how To bake pies herself.
Copyright 1919 by The Mcclure News
paper SyrdicaicO
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