out some of the songs rather than miss the treat you can give
to those who will be eager to hear you," said the leader, persuasively.

"Indeed, Mr. Ross, I could not think of whistling before the audience we
hope to have, so I will excuse you from calling upon me, if that is to be
your errand," said Dexie, hurriedly. "I am doing my share as it is."

"Well, if you think it will be too much for you, someone else might take
your solo; but that seems a pity, when you are so well prepared. Do you
find it tiresome to whistle?"

"Oh, it is not that; it would not tire me if I whistled all day. But I
cannot face a hall full of people and whistle to them. It would be
dreadful!"

"I would not urge the matter if I did not feel positive of your success. I
am sure the members of the club have the average intelligence, and, seeing
that you have charmed us all by your unique performance, you need have no
hesitancy in trying your powers before a Halifax audience," was the reply.

"Don't think of it. Oh, I never could do it, Mr. Ross. I should be hissed
off the stage."

"No danger of that, Miss Sherwood," said Mr. Markman, the best tenor of the
club. "I'll answer for it that you will so electrify the audience that they
will demand an encore. Don't hide your talent from those who would be so
sure to appreciate it."

"Give the matter serious consideration," said Mr. Ross. "I will run in
to-morrow and see you, even though I may run the risk of a cool reception.
What time shall I call?" he added, with a smile.

"Well, if you must call and see me, I hope it will be on some other errand;
I will be at leisure any time in the afternoon, say three o'clock." Then,
looking up with a smile, added: "Don't imagine I shall reconsider the
matter; I simply could not do it."

"I'll hope to find you in a better frame of mind to-morrow, Miss Sherwood,"
he replied, giving her hand a cordial grasp. "May I ask permission for Mr.
Gurney to be present at the interview?"

"Oh, certainly. I think you can safely venture to do so, seeing that he
will probably come in of his own accord, if you don't ask him," and Lancy
joined in the laugh raised at his expense.

"Well, that settles it, Mr. Gurney, I shall depend on your support in this
difficult matter. Now, before we separate, I think I am voicing the
sentiments of the members here when I ask for one more song. Now, Miss
Sherwood, you have acknowledged that it does not tire you to whistle, so
you will s