ief it is to hear you
speak so confidently about it. I should feel very much aggrieved if she
persisted in her refusal, for I urged her to whistle, much against her
will, and I feel responsible for her appearance. I think, myself, that it
was not just the fair thing to send those handbills broadcast without
making her acquainted with the contents beforehand."

"Yes, they might have consulted her; but, of course, it never occurred to
them that she would feel offended, and really I wonder that she is myself.
Still, I can quite understand it when I consider how uncertain she must
feel about her reception as a whistler."

"Yes, that is the trouble, but she went out on purpose to buy some little
things to wear to-night, and I would like to know if she has everything
ready. But I daresay it will not be wise to refer to the matter while she
is of the same mind. Yet I want her to look as well as the rest of them,"
said Mr. Sherwood, in an anxious tone.

"To be sure. Well, her dress must be prepared for her. It would be a great
disappointment to Lancy if anything should happen to prevent her going; so
we must unite our efforts and carry the day, in spite of this little freak
of Dexie's. Now, I expect my girls know what Dexie's plans were for
to-night; and as my dressmaker is here finishing Cora's dress, I will have
her attend to Dexie's also; so let Gussie bring in what materials she
purchased while out this morning, and we will hold a consultation on the
matter. Now, do not be alarmed, Mr. Sherwood," she added, seeing his look
of concern. "I will promise to send her to the concert in good trim, and in
good temper too," and she smiled pleasantly as she bade him "Good morning,"
as if it were an everyday affair to bring refractory girls to terms.

CHAPTER XV.

Mr. Sherwood returned home feeling much relieved, and meeting Aunt Jennie
on the stairs, asked after Dexie's present condition.

"She is crying still, though not so violently. I fear she has fully
determined not to take part in the concert to-night. I have done my best,
but I cannot shake her determination, so I have left her to herself to
think it over."

"That's right. I have just been in to Mrs. Gurney's, and she has offered to
settle the difficulty and be responsible for her appearance to-night."

"That is good news, indeed. I have perfect trust in Mrs. Gurney's ability
to succeed where the rest of us all fail; but the next trouble is, I
haven't the least