“There, my dear!  There! never mind.  It was only a mistake, and we all make mistakes sometimes; so don’t fret any more.  See how nicely we have managed.  Do you like it, my dear?”

“So very much that I feel I shall never be able to repay you for the trouble”—­her eyes still full of tears.

“Oh, yes, you will, I expect payment this very night,” and the firm, cool hand was laid lovingly across Dexie’s shoulder.  “When I hear that you have overlooked the cause of the trouble, and have sung and whistled your very best, and to Lancy’s satisfaction—­when I have heard this, I will consider the debt well paid,” and she bent over and kissed the wet cheeks.  “You had better try on the gloves, dear; then see if we have forgotten any one thing.”

The face was soon wreathed in smiles.  The many things made ready for her use by her dear friends made her realize how much they cared for her, and her girlish heart beat fast as she thought of the triumph she was determined to win, if only to please them.

“We are going to have an early tea, and then we will begin to dress,” said Cora, making her appearance in the room.  “You must put yourself into my hands to-night, Dexie, so be passive and obedient.  We have all set our hearts on your success, Dexie, dear.”

“And I will not disappoint you, I promise.  I would be a monster of iniquity if I did not do my best, after making so much extra trouble for everybody to-day.”

“Ask Gussie to come in with you for tea, Dexie,” said Mrs. Gurney, “and if she will bring in her dress, one can help the other get ready.”

“Oh, that will be splendid!  But I don’t want any tea; we had a nice lunch at the Four-Mile House, and I won’t eat anything more till after the concert.  So you can leave my share till then,” she said with a smile.  “What new whim possesses you now, Dexie?” asked Elsie.

“It is not a whim.  I am going to put forth my best efforts to-night, and I can whistle better if I do not eat.”

“What nonsense! did you ever try it?”

“Not purposely, but I know I can.”

“That is right, Dexie; use every means to enable you to appear at your best.”

CHAPTER XVII.

Mr. Ross had lingered near the house ever since he had parted from Mr. Sherwood, so anxious was he to hear the decision of his erratic “warbler,” and he was much relieved when he saw the sleigh drive up to the door at a much earlier hour than he had dared to hope.

Feeling quite sure that she had reversed her hasty decision, he turned his steps to the nearest conservatory, from which he emerged later on bearing a box which contained what he hoped would prove his “peace-offering.”

He was received by Mr. Sherwood, who had observed his approach from the window, and his smiling face told the story before there was time to exchange words thereon.

“Can I see her?” asked Mr. Ross, as he heard of Lancy’s success.