The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1905-05-23
Greer,
Disciplinarian
Copyright, 1905, by Ethel harrington
By Ethel Darlington

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 his
blue ribbon and ugliness that she en-
deayored 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 a col
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
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.
"a truly fine performance" she de-
clared scathingly. There is your ring
l never wish to see you again"
whats up? don't understand
eff you think you can abuse my dog
or any animal and keep my regard
you are greatly in error. 1t is fortu-
nate discovered your true character
before 1t was too late"
An amused twinkle lighted Greer's
eyes. do you think If l let dog
snarl and snap at you I'd be better
fitted to take care of your The beast
has been hunting trouble Come, don't
let us quarreP'-
Il shall never quarrel with you
again." asserted Roxana sternly, as
though depriving him of some pleasant
pastime. Cant you accept hint that
I wish to be aloneY'
Greer stood his ground. He tried to
laugh, but not very successfully.
Come, RoXie, forgive me. You
know 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 womanl" And she
left him to mediate on the ingratitude
of womankind. They had quarreled
before, but never with what appeared
to be such finality. When Greer called
again Roxana was not at home. He
wrote, and his letter was returned I'M
opened. About a 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 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 be a delay on the
line, for she had stood at the corner
some minutes Then a man Joined her.
Without looking she knew 1t was God
dard Greer She was incensed. Had
he followed her? Would he have the
presumption to ride on 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-
| fIu Il Oh hod he
not taken his car? When the next car
appeared, as one Of them must make
q 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 a 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 q
nickel But the pocket was as bare a.
Mother Hubbard's cupboard. The con
ductor returned. RoXana was fright
ened. 1t was late, and she had quite q
trip before her.
81 seem to have no change" she
commenced nervously.
ALLOW me-" Greer handed the fare
to the official, who looked questioningly
at Roxana
mol I'll get off! Please stopv' she
decided promptly. Not for worlds
would she accept assistance from
Greer. She had dismissed him. He 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
liness of the blocks, she was really
alarmed. She did not fear the pedestri
ans she met as much as those who
overlook her. She dreaded the SOUND
of footsteps behind, conjuring up al
sorts of horrors. AS she hurried up the
deserted thoroughfare 1t seemed to he
that some one followed. If she has
tened. the pursuing footsteps quick
ened. When she slackened speed, th'
other did the same. 1t frightened her
and she became breathless. With thu
passing minutes her terror gained. Sh'
began. to run. Then the dread became
certainty. The other one would sool
overtake her What if that negro hat
seen her gold purse?
Across the avenue she saw an alley
She had heard that thieves often evad
ed arrest by disappearing in the dark
ness of such places. If she cut throug
might not She too, escape? Desperate
half hysterical, Roxana made a sudde
rush across the road A trolley Craze
her shoulder, the motorman cursed a
he reversed the lever. Terrified, sh
had all but reached the desired shelte
when a strong hand grasped her sud
denly by the arm. She tried to scream
but no sound came. Lifting her eyes
her glance met Greer's. looking stern
" at her.
Il guess that will do for one night,
he remarked coldly. 'Come over to tn
drug store while l phone for a cab''
Completely unnerved, RoxAna TO
lowed The reaction had been suddeI
She tried to remember what they ha
quarreled about, but could only fee
relief in his presence. Greer ordere
the cab, then went outside to wait
Gomez he commanded tersely on IT
arrival.
Gratefully Roxana obeyed. Then a
he was about to close the door sh
/ l.