The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-01-14

DruUe- he was q surly bull pup that
bad 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-
deavored 10 hide his dellnquencies.
4 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 lucSless prize win
ner by the collar and bore him TO the
I 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
never wish 10 see you again"
What's up? 1 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 it was too late"
An amused twinkle lighted Greer's
eyes. DO you think IL 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 quarreI"-
Il shall never quarrel with you
again." asserted Roxana sternlv. as
though depriYing him OF some pleasant
pastne. ''Can't you accept hint that
1 wish to be alOneg"
Greer stood his ground. He tried TO
laugh, but not very successfully.
Come, ROrie. forgive me. You
know the old proveEb: A dog. a wo-
man and a walnut tree. The more
they be beaten the better they be-"
Roxana's eyes blszed as though she
already felt the suggested chastise-
ment. "Oh, is that your theory? Well,
I decline 10 be the woman And she
left him to mediate on the ingratitude
OF womsnkind. They had quarreled
before, but never with what appeared
TO be such fnslity. When Greer called
again ROXana was not at home. He
wrote. and his letter was returned IN
opened. About a week later ROxana.
having passed day shopping and din
ing with her friend, Mrs. Vining, de.
cided not 10 await Mr.. Winnings de-
layed return, though he had promised
TO escort her home
'Tll Jump on a car. am not afraid"
she declared.
But, dear, it's nearly 10. Phil can't
be long now" urged her hostess. But
Roxana was obdurste
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 IL was God
dard Greer. She was incenSed. Had
be followed herr Would he have the
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. RoxsBa tapped her foot impa-
iently II was absurd! Why had he
not taken his car? When the next car
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 10 collect her fare.
She opened her purse and looked hur-
riedly from one compartment to an
other. II vas 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
1r went forward TO speak TO the mo-
tOrman. Roxana pursued the search.
In vain she emptied out her belongings
rom the sstchel. She found no coin.
Then she unfastened her coat. Surely
n the change pocket she would find a
nickel. But the pocket was as bare as
Mother Hubbard's cupboard. The con-
iuctOr returned. Roxana was fright
med. 1t was late, and she had quite
rip before her.
Il seem to have no change" she
nervOusly.
ALLOW me-" Greer handed the fare
o the official, who looked QuestiOningly :
It Roxana.
mo! I'll set on Please stOpr' she
Lecided promptly Not for worlds
would she accept assistance from
Treer. She had dismissed him. He ha0
10 right 10 intrude in any way.
HeroicaIly Roxana left ne car and
7sl1ed north. She had never been alone
n the street 90 late. aud, remembering
be distance. the darkness and the lone
mess OF the blocks, she was really
harmed. She did not fear the pedestri-
ms she met as much as those who