whistle; it is perfectly irresistible."

"Please excuse me, Mr. Ross; I really cannot," replied Dexie.

"But we can take no excuse. After hearing you once, nothing but a
repetition will satisfy us. Mr. Gurney will play for you," was the eager
reply.

But Lancy kindly came to her aid, and by a few whispered words succeeded in
drawing off the attention from Dexie, by suggesting that if they would try
the opening piece first and give Miss Sherwood time to reconsider her
refusal, she might whistle later on; and Lancy was rewarded for this short
respite by a grateful look as he passed her the open book.

Dexie felt angry for bringing this embarrassing position upon herself, and
she was wondering if it would be possible for her to slip away unperceived,
when Gussie leaned over her shoulder.

"Well, you did make a show of yourself, you great tomboy! It is a pity that
you can't keep your bad manners out of sight, before strangers, anyway!"

This taunt acted like the prick of a goad, and made Dexie determine to stay
and show Miss Gussie whether her "bad manners" had placed her lower or
higher in the estimation of her friends. When the piece was rehearsed in
which she sang the solo, she put forth her best efforts, and rendered it
with such pathos and feeling that when it was ended, one and all, with the
exception of Gussie, were loud in its praise.

As she lingered a moment beside the piano talking with a member, Mr. Ross
stepped over to her side and begged her to try the new piece, and she
silently bowed in answer; but the hunted look in the dark eyes might have
told how hard it was to nerve herself for this ordeal.

The memory of Gussie's sneering remarks filled her with the needed courage,
and when Lancy sat down and passed his fingers over the keys her heart
ceased to throb; the very chords had a soothing power, and when Lancy
lifted his eyes to her face she replied with a look that she was ready.

The first notes of the piece sounded from the piano, but brought no
response from Dexie's lips. Lancy looked up quickly.

"Oh, Dexie, don't disappoint me!" he whispered.

Softly the bird-like notes ascended, fluttered and quivered, then slowly
gained strength, then the clear, full notes rang through the room, charming
every ear.

Those present listened in breathless silence. It was so faultlessly
rendered that it was hard to believe that weeks of practice had not been
given to bring such perfection of tone; but Dexie w