The Little Lady of the Big House

The narrative unfolds on a bleak March morning as the protagonist experiences a frustrating delay before boarding the Elsinore. Seated in a taxi, he grapples with the biting cold and the incessant whimpering of a fox-terrier puppy, Possum, whom he has no affection for. The puppy's restless behavior exacerbates his irritation, leading him to contemplate giving the dog away. The scene captures a sense of impending chaos and highlights the protagonist's emotional detachment amidst the discomfort of his situation.