ll, I'll forgive you this time; but if you cut up any more such capers,
I'll hand you over to young Gurney for good."

"But I won't be handed over, you dear old papa," giving him a squeeze that
almost choked him. "I will not exchange my papa for the best-looking young
gentleman you can find in the city. But, papa! do persuade Gussie to leave
my shortcomings alone, for the next few hours at least," she added, in a
low tone.

"I will see that she does not annoy you. Now, don't you think you had
better go and practise awhile?"

"Couldn't think of it, papa mine!" Then, taking her father's face between
her two hands, she looked earnestly into his eyes, saying: "Do you think
there is the _least_ danger of me breaking down to-night? Do you? Confess
the truth, sir!" she laughingly demanded.

"Well, no; I don't think there is."

"Neither do I. Trust your naughty tomboy; she is going to 'eclipse all her
former efforts and cover herself with glory.' But, wait you till I see Mr.
Ross," and she shook her head. "I will forgive him for _this_ night only,
and then--well, never mind! How is mamma? Is she very angry with me?" she
added, presently.

"Not so much as might be expected. You must let her see you when you are
dressed."

"Oh! Aunt Jennie, _did_ you see anything of a stray parcel, with some lace
and other things inside of it? or have I really tossed it into the street?"

"It is in at Mrs. Gurney's with the rest of your apparel for to-night. I
have just finished Gussie's suit, and she is all ready to dress. Gloves and
all are waiting upstairs."

"Oh, dear! what shall I do, auntie? I completely forgot the gloves. That
abominable handbill turned my brain, I do believe; and I thought I was
learning to control my temper! Oh, dear!"

"Don't fret, my dear! The best of us are put out sometimes. But everything
has been prepared for you in at Mrs. Gurney's; for Lancy's success rests on
your appearance, and they were all anxious on his account as well as your
own."

"Well, I suppose I must go in next door and apologize; but I would rather
get a switching than see Mrs. Gurney."

Dexie's appearance was heralded by a number of little voices, as she made
her way to the sewing-room with heightened color and eyes bright with
unshed tears.

"I beg pardon of each one of you, separately and collectively," Dexie
began. "I never dreamed that my fit of temper was going to affect both
households. You are more than kind, and I have no wo