“But do you think she will consent to whistle after all, Mrs. Gurney?  That is the main thing.”

“Certainly; I have no fear.  If the matter is put before her in a serious light, she will be sure to do what is honorable.  Of course, I quite understand that until her temper cools off she will be immovable; those determined natures always are.  I have brought up one hot-headed person, and I think I know the weak spot; and Hugh McNeil was never quite unmanageable.  Do not fret about Dexie, I feel sure she will fulfil her part to-night, and do us all credit.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Gurney.  You cannot think what a relief 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.”