Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1905-06-08
Greer,
Disciplinarian
By Ethel harrington
Copyright, 1905, by Ethel harrington

| RoXana's dog wcs an i'll conditioned
brute. He was surly bull pup that
| had never met his master and delight
ed in making it most uncomfortable
| for those who sought Roxana's COM
| pany. He was not often docile, even
with her. but she was so proud of bis
blue ribbon and ugliness that she en-
| deavored to hide his delinquencies
| Nevertheless, there were times when
she would not have gone near him for
the world
| One day he snarled at her before
Goddard Greer, and that was the be-
ginning of trouble. Greer was Il col.
lege bred athlete who feared nothing
on earth except perhaps Roxana. En-
| ragged. he seized the luckicss prize Will
ner by the collar and bore him to the
hallway, where he administered
strong argument, after which he turn
ed the amazed animal loose down t,le
back stairs. Goddard returned to the
parlor. arranging his cuffs. but othc.'-
wise as usual He stopped short as he
faced Roxana. who looked like an out
ragged empress.
"A truly fine performance, she de-
clared scathingly. ''Thcre is your ring.
l never wish to see you again"
whats up? | don't understand
"If you think YOU can abuse my dog
or any animal ana keep my regard
you are greatly in error. 1t is fortu-
nate | discovered your true character
before it was zoo late
An amused twinkle lighted Grcer's
| eyes. DO you think if | let Il dog
| snarl ana snap ut YOU I'd be better
fitted to take care Of YOU: The beast
has been hunting trouble Come. don't
let us quarrel
Il shall mover quarrel with you
again" asserted RoXana sternly. as
though depriving him of some pleasant
pastimc. Cant YOU accept hint that
| wish to be alonef"
Greer stood his ground. He tried to
laugh, but not very successfully.
Come. RoXie. forgive me. You
Know the old proyerb y dog, 4 yo-
man and Il walnut tree The more
they be beaten the better they be"
RoXana's eyes blazcd as though she
already felt the suggested chastise-
ment. 'Oh. is that your theory? Well,
l decline to he the woman And she
left him to mediate on the ingratitude
of womankind. They had quarreled
before, but never with what appeared
to be such fnalty When Greer called
again RoXana was not ut home. lie
wrote, and his letter was returned I'M
opened. About week later RoXana,
having passed a day shopping and din
ing with her friend, Mrs Vining de-
cided not to await Mr.. Winnings de-
layed return, though he had promised
to escort her home
"Tll jump on II car. am not afraid"
she declared
But, dear, it's nearly 10. Phil can't
be long now" urged her hostess But
RoXana was obdurate
NO. | shall be all right"
There seemed to he delay on the
line for she had stood at the corner
some minutes. Then man joined her
Without looking she knew il was Cod
dard Greer. She was mcensed. Had
he followed her? Would he have the
presumption to ride Oh the same car?
AS the headlight shot into sight she de-
cided to wait for another car rather
than risk his unwelcome proximity
Greer glanced inquiringly at her, but
seeing that she made no move he like
wise retained his position ON the curb
ing RoXana tapped her foot impa-
tiently. It was absurd, Why had he
not taken his car? When the next car
appeared, as one of them must make
move, RoXana hailed the motorman,
mounted the step and took her seat.
From beneath her lowered lids she saw
Greer standing sentinel ON the plat
form. The car was empty, with the
exception of negro and ltoXana had
travelled several blocks before the con-
ductor came to collect her fare.
She opened her purse and looked hur-
riedly from one compartment to an
other. 1t was empty. Evidently she
had spent every penny during the shop
ping expedition. But there remained
her wrist bag, into which she frequent
ly dropped small change. The conduct
or went forward to speak to the mo-
torman. RoXana pursued the search.
In vain she emptied out her belongings
from the satchel. She found no coin.
Then she unfastened her cc~t. Surely
in the change pocket she would find q
nickel. Put the pocket was as bare as
Mother llubbard's cupboard. The con-
-ductor returned. Roxana was fright
ened. Ii was late, and she had quite
trip before her.
II seem TO have no change" she
commenced nervously.
ALLOW me-" Greer handed the fare
TO the official, who looked questioningly
mt RoXana.
nc. III get Of p}sese srop..s sic
decided Promptly Not FOR worlds
would she accept assistance from
Greer. She had dismissed him. lie had
no right TO intrude in any way.
Heroically Roxana left the car and
walked north. She had never been alone
on the street so late and. remembering
the distance, the darkness and the lone
Illness Of the blocks, She was really
alarmed. She did not fear the pedestri-
ans she met as much as those who