But Dexie did not like to flaunt the flag too near the lion’s face, and in his own den, as it were; so remembering some of the beautiful, pathetic songs, that had been inspired by the war, she thought they would be quite as much enjoyed.

Lancy Gurney was seldom far from the piano, and as Dexie finished her song she motioned him to her side.  A few whispered words passed between them, then Lancy sat down beside her, when there rang out a symphony that delighted every ear.

In a few minutes, Dexie took advantage of the movement she had brought about on purpose to relieve herself, and rose from the piano, leaving Lancy seated at the instrument.

This musical treat brought Dexie into social prominence, as there were several members of the “Song and Glee Club” present, and she was much surprised to receive invitations for herself and sister to join the club.

This club contained some of the best singers in the city, but had no members so young as those now invited to join them.  The invitation was never regretted, however, for they soon acknowledged that the “Sherwood twins” were quite an acquisition.

The pleasant evening was over at last, and the twins had received compliments enough to turn older heads than theirs; but Dexie did not dwell on the flattering remarks as Gussie did.  Her singing and playing came as natural to her as it did to talk, and she was not puffed up by the praise bestowed on her for it.  But Gussie was always vain of her good looks, and she magnified the remarks that her pretty face had elicited, and when they were about to retire Gussie had quite the air of a society belle as she said: 

“I have made quite an impression on Lieutenant Morton.  I feel quite sure he is almost in love with me already.”  But, receiving no answer to this remark, she added: 

“I hope you are not jealous, Dexie, because I received so many compliments from those fine-looking officers?”

“Pooh! you silly thing!  Jealous!  Well, that’s rich, I must say,” replied Dexie, in a tone of scorn.  “You seem to think it is a fine thing to be complimented by soldiers, but not so I. Why, didn’t Mrs. Gurney tell us one time that it was not considered respectable to be seen talking to soldiers on the street, and I can’t see how it makes so much difference if you talk to them behind closed doors.”

“Oh, but there was not one soldier invited to Mrs. Gurney’s party; they were all officers, every one of them,” was Gussie’s reply.

“Pshaw! what difference do a few ornaments on a man’s coat make to the man inside of it, I’d like to know?  I expect that half of them, at least, were common soldiers once themselves, and were bossed around like the very meanest of them.  I declare, I’d rather be a black on auntie’s plantation than be under some of those bawling officers we met to-night.”