from the
first. I did not think they would treat me so meanly, or I never would have
consented. But I won't go near the old hall to-night; no, not a step!"

Her father sat down on the bed beside her, and pushed away the hair from
her hot face, saying: "You are quite mistaken, dear, in thinking they meant
anything but praise in announcing your part of the programme. If you will
just think a moment, you will see it yourself."

"Praise, indeed! They have insulted me in a most public manner. How dared
they take such liberties with my name, when it was only as a special favor
I consented to whistle at all! Oh, it was such a mean, shabby trick!" and
the tears fell in showers.

"Come, Dexie, I can't let you cry like this," and he lifted her gently and
placed her beside him. "You will surely be sick if you do not control
yourself, my dear. It was too bad to vex you when there is so much
depending on you; but it was done unintentionally, I know, and they will
soon apologize when they know that the announcement has annoyed you."

"But what will be the good of that? An apology will not recall those
handbills, which, I daresay, are all over the city. But I'll make them
repent it; they'll find that even a worm will turn if trampled on."

"Tut, tut, what nonsense! You are not a worm nor the kind of bird that eats
the worm either--but here's Aunt Jennie. Auntie, can't you help me put a
grain of sense into this silly girl's pate? She imagines she has been
insulted by this bit of flattery, hence these tears," and he held out the
handbill for inspection.

"Why, Dexie, this will never do. You will spoil your eyes for to-night,
dear. Nothing so very dreadful has happened, after all. I was quite alarmed
at Gussie's account, and feared something serious had occurred. Don't be so
foolish as to mind this bit of paper."

But Dexie buried her face in her father's shoulder and cried the more.

"Oh, it is too bad of you, auntie. I thought you would care if I was
abused, but nobody does, not even papa; but I'll make somebody sorry, for I
won't go near their old concert," and she jerked away from her father's
arms, and threw herself back on the bed.

Aunt Jennie motioned for Mr. Sherwood and Gussie to leave the room,
thinking she might manage Dexie better alone, for this hysterical crying
needed to be checked at once. She sat down beside her and stroked the hot
face until Dexie's sobs had somewhat ceased. Her gentle voice did much to
soothe