Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-05-13
Greer,
Disciplinarian
By Ethel Darlington
Copyright, 1906. by Ethel Harrington

eel In making IL 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-
deavored to hide his delinquencies.
Nevertheless. there were times when
she would not have gone near him for
the world.
One day he snarled ut her before
Goddard Greer. and that was the be-
ginning of trouble. Greer was 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, hut 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.
never wish TO see you again."
whats up? don't understand
"If you think you can abuse my dog
or any animal and keep my regard
you are greatly In error 1t is fortu-
nate i discovered your true character
before II was too late"
An amused twinkle lighted Greer's
eyes. "Do you think IL l let 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 quarrel"-
II shall never quarrel with YOU
again." asserted Roxana sternly. as
though depriving him Of some pleasant
pastime. Cant you accept hint that
! wish to be aloneT'
Greer stood his ground. lie tried to
laugh, but not very successfully.
Come. Roxie, forgive me. You
know the old proverb: a dog, n wo-
man and 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,
i decline to be the woman And she
left him to mediate on the ingratitud
Of womankind. They had Quarreled
before. but never with what appeared
to be such finality. When Greer called
again R0xana was not at home. He
wrote, and his letter was returned I'M
opened. About a week later Roxana,
having passed n 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
"I'll jump on q 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 delay on the
line. for she had stood at the corner
some minutes. Then u 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 carr
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. 1t was absurd. Why had he
not taken his car? When the next car
appeared. as one Of them must make
a 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
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 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
trip before her.
II seem to have no change" she
commenced nervously.
"Allow me-" Greer handed the fare
to the official. who looked qucstioningly
at Roxana.
"No. I'll get off! Please stop. 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
illness Of the blocks, she was really
alarmed. She did not fear the pedestri-
ans she met as much as those who
overfook har Gha draadad tho snund