isky thing. Had it not been announced I would not mind it
so much, as it would be unexpected by the audience, and the very audacity
of it would have won to my side the rougher element. As it is, the audience
will expect something beyond my power to give them."

"Looking at it in that way, I admit that the announcement was a mistake,
Dexie, since it has made you apprehensive of your power to charm; but no
one else doubts it, dear, and I feel sure that my Dexie will not put her
friends in the embarrassing position that would arise if she purposely
stayed away from the concert to-night. I grant that the announcement was a
mistake, as you look at it, and that it was very thoughtless of those who
got it up to send it to press without submitting it to your inspection; but
having done so, and sold hundreds of tickets on the strength of the
announcement, common honesty should make you fulfil your part. If your
absence only affected the members of the club, it would not matter so much,
but hundreds of outsiders would blame the club for obtaining money under
false pretences; so you see, Dexie, you really cannot stay home. Do be
reasonable, darling."

A deep blush tinged Dexie's cheeks, brought there by something else than
the frosty air, and for a few minutes there was silence between them.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sherwood had started out for a walk in order to quiet the
anxiety that filled his mind, and meeting Mr. Ross down by the Grand Parade
he astonished the man by telling him of Dexie's determination.

"But, Mr. Sherwood, she _must_ come," he cried aghast. "Her performance has
been announced and is the talk of the city."

"Can't help it, Mr. Ross. I am extremely sorry, but it was that very
announcement that has caused the trouble. She says you have insulted her,
and she has cried and scolded ever since she set eyes on it."

"Yet I expected the reverse. What's to be done?"

The question was as helpless as the man's face was hopeless.

"Well, I can't say. I can use my authority and insist on her going to the
hall, but you know the old saying, 'You can drive a horse to water, but you
can't make him drink.' It was only this morning that she came across a
handbill, and she flew home in such a temper that it put the whole house in
an uproar. I can truly say it has quite upset me, for I was anxious to have
her do her best to-night."

"But if I go and apologize, and assure her of my unwillingness to cause her
a moment's annoyance,