wn over our ears. May I announce that you will
whistle again at the conclusion of the programme?" and Dexie had to
consent. Mr. Ross led her to the front of the stage, and the audience,
expecting another repetition, subsided into silence; but it was soon broken
when the announcement was made that they should have another selection
later on.

Mr. Sherwood found his way to the dressing-rooms, and received Dexie with
open arms, while numbers gathered around to congratulate her on her
success.

"I am proud of you, Dexie," her father said, as they stepped aside. "I was
down among the audience while you were whistling, and on every side I heard
words of warmest praise. Your fear of being hissed was a foolish fear,
after all. I am sure you are not sorry that you came here to-night."

"No, papa; but I do hope that Mrs. Gurney will be pleased. I whistled for
her and Lancy to-night, and if they are satisfied, that is enough. But,
listen! That is Gussie's voice; that is the duet between her and Miss
Burns. Oh, I do hope they will applaud her heartily!"

But no such feeling had dwelt in Gussie's heart when Dexie was before the
audience. If she had failed, had completely broken down or been hissed off
the stage, as Dexie herself feared, Gussie would have exulted in her
failure; yet if Gussie had faltered in the least, none would have felt it
so keenly as her twin sister Dexie.

"Did you see Hugh among the audience?" Lancy whispered from behind her
chair.

"Yes; how savage he looked! Such a scowl does not improve his handsome
face, if he only knew it. I never saw him look more fierce."

"I expect that he did not like to see you leaning on my arm before them
all," he whispered. "He is fearfully jealous, Dexie, so do not flirt with
him any more when he goes in to see Gussie," he added, as he stroked his
growing moustache.

"I am not likely to flirt with Hugh McNeil or anyone else," she said, with
some spirit; "but judging by the looks cast in this direction, I am under
suspicion already, so please leave me, Lancy."

The several selections on the programme were performed to everyone's
satisfaction, but every time that Dexie appeared, either as a singer or
accompanist, she was received with such marked favor that it was plainly to
be seen who was the favorite.

"Now, Miss Sherwood," said Mr. Ross, as the last piece ended and cries for
"the warbler" arose in the hall, "send them home so well pleased with our
entertainment that