Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1919-09-30
THE TANGLED WEE


after the 17-year-old niece intrusted to
her care--e pretty little miss with a
too large appetite for Ice cream sodas
and the admlring glances Of tall young
soldiers.
When bakea-pis day rolled around
II fell to Elizabeth to wrap up the ex-
ira half-dozen delicious ones Aunt Bet
~ 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: III you like this
pie call at % Bowdoln 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.
II was most delicious pie. so
thought Lieut.. John H. as he
tucked Elizabeth's note inside his
pocket II was Saturday evening be-
fore he thought Of II again, at just
about the same time that Elizabeth
was nufiing her hair and wondering
II her scheme for little fun would
bring any results
When the bell rang Elizabeth few to
the door, sweet little pink-faced Wis.
lon 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 pie7 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 pretty room with pretty girl,
tying up an extremely tempting-look-
Ing pie. all for hlm-well, the fates
were kind, thought he. II must compli-
ment you on your skill as a pie-maker,
Miss -" hesitating TO learn her
name. Elizabeth looked blank for a
second; then "F-." she added glib.
ly. elizabeth F.: and now who Is
going to accept this pier Elizabeth
thrilled a little when she learned his
name and his rank. and quite suddenly
decided that he was very, very good
looking. They chatted pleasantly for
few moments, after which Lieutenant
H very properly took his leave.
you may have another pie next Sat
urday evening-if you care to call for
H." Elizabeth said coyly at the door,
which invitation was most heartily
accepted by the tall lieutenant
The next morning Aunt Betty dis
covered that she was pie short.
"sakes alive you didn't eat whole
pie last night, did you, Elizabeth"
she asked. "Mercy, mol Aunt Betty.
Someone called at the door last night
and I gave one away.
| Aunt Betty had Just placed the pie
board on the table when the telephone
rang lnsistently. Elizabeth few to an
swer It. "Oh. it's for you" she called.
Lizzie B. is sick and they want
you to come right over" "Mercy,"
exclaimed Aunt Betty, "and my baking
Just begunl Wen, must go, that's
plain. You might make that sponge
cake. Keep the fire. and don't let the
beans burn"
Elizabeth gazed In dlsmay at Aunt
Betty's figure hurrying down the walk.
That meant no pie for Lieutenant
H that night. Oh, II only she
could bake onel Whatever had pos
sessed her to let him believe she could
why hadn't she explained What
would he think Of herr DIsconsolately
she mixed the sponge cake, but was
too wise to attempt the pie. Supper
time came, and no Aunt Betty. She
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
dof II was not the radiant Elizabeth
OF the week before who answered
Lieutenant rs ring mt the bell.
but very sober little girl In plain
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 Will make such
delicious pies" he began when the
formallties 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. "Oh. Mr.. H 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
as gracefully as she could, ending with
al don't think l am 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 Elixabeth'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 a laugh.
There isn't any pie for Mr.. H to-
night, but you might bring on your
sponge cake-I suppose you made onef
And II he win come over to dinner