Smyrna times., 1905-05-24
Greer,
Disciplinarian
By Ethel Darlington
Copyright, 1905, by Ethel harrington

brute He was a surly bull pup that
81 had never met his master and delight
81 od in making it most uncomfortable
4 for those who sought Roxana's COM
h nany He was not often docile, even
with her, but she was so proud of his
B blue ribbon and ugliness that she en-
3 deavored to hide his delinquencies.
8 Nevertheless, there were times when
she would not have gone near him for
the world
One day he snarled at her before
3 Goddard Greer, and that was the be-
B ginning of trouble. Greer was a col
B lege bred athlete who feared nothing
on earth except perhaps Roxana. En-
ragged. he seized the luckless prize win
ner by the collar and bore him TO the
4 hallway, where he administered a
strong argument, after which he turn
ed the amazed animal loose down the
back stairs. Goddard returned to the
parlOr, arranging his cuffs, but other
wise as usual. He stopped short as he
faced ROXana, who looked like an out-
ragged empress.
u lAuit SDe de-
cared scathingly. There is your ring.
Inever wish to see you again"
whats up? don't understand
"If you think you can abuse nv dog
or any animal and keep my regard
you are greatly in error. 1t is fortu-
nate l discovered your true character
before it was too late"
An amused twinkle lighted Greer's
eyes. DO you think if 1 let a dog
snarl and snap at you I'd be better
fitted to take care of you? The beast
has been hunting trouble. Come don't
let us QuarreP'-
Il shall never quarrel with vou
again." asserted Roxana sternIv os
though depriving him of some pleasant
pastime. Cant you accept a hint that
wish to be alone?"
Greer stood his ground. He tried to
laugh, but not very successfully.
Come, ROxie, forgive me- You
Enow the old prOverb: "A dog, a wo-
man and a walnut tree. The more
they be beaten the better they be-"
Roxana's eyes blazed as though she
already felt the suggested chastise-
ment. "Oh, is that your theory? Well.
decline to be the woman! And she
iert MIN to mediate on the ingrattude
OF womankind. They had uuarreled
before, but never with what appeared
TO be such fnality. When Greer called
again Roxana was not at home. He
wrote, and his letter was returned I'M
opened. About week later ROxana.
having passed day shopping and din
ing with her friend, Mrs. Vining, de-
cded not to await Mr.. Vining's de-
layed return, though he had promised
10 escort her home.
I'll jump on 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.
mo, shall be all right"
There seemed to be a delay on the
line, for she had stood at the corner
some minutes. Then man Joined her.
Without looking she knew it was God
dard Greer. She was incensed. Had
he followed her? Would he have the
presumption to ride on the same car?
Us 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-
tently. 1t 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 Roxana 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
~ 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 coat. Surely
IN the change pocket she would find a
nickel. But the pocket was as bare as
Mother Hubbard's cupboard. The con-
ductor returned. Roxana was fright
ened. 1t was late, and she had quite a
"Trip before her.
Il seem to have no change" she
commenced nervously.
ALLOW me-" Greer handed the fare
70 the official, who looked questioningly
at Roxana.
No! I'll get Off Please stopT she
uecided promptly. Not for worlds
would she accept assistance from
Greer. She had dismissed him. He had
no right to intrude in any way.
HerOlcaliy Roxana left the car and