The Song and Glee Club started up afresh as the winter evenings set in, and with a concert in the perspective the rehearsals were frequent and well attended.

Dexie’s fine voice caused her to be given a more prominent part than she thought was her just due.  She had no wish to be thrust forward into notice when there were older members of the club who were better entitled to her place, but she had no objection to being accompanist, for in that position she felt at home.  But she was destined to come before the public in a more conspicuous manner.

One evening a member of the club brought in some new music, and the few who had heard it were so delighted with its melody, that they eagerly urged its performance at the approaching concert.  A copy of the music being handed to Dexie by Lancy, she began to hum it softly to herself, but becoming enraptured with the bewitching strains of the composition, she unconsciously changed the low hum to a soft whistle, which grew louder as she proceeded.  Sense of time and place disappeared, and she was unaware of the delight of the little group around her, until the unusual silence caused her to lift her eyes and understand the meaning of the sudden hush that had fallen on those present.  A burning blush covered her face as she stammered out: 

“I beg your pardon, ladies and gentlemen; I forgot where I was,” and then sank on a seat near and hid her burning cheeks behind her book.

Lancy was at her side in a moment.

“Never mind, Dexie.  You can’t think how well it sounded.  They were delighted.”

“Oh, how could you let me go on, Lancy?  You might have stopped me, I’m sure,” she said, indignantly.

But she was immediately surrounded, and praises and interrogations poured forth from every side, making Gussie, who stood apart, turn pale with jealousy.

“Why did you not tell us that you could imitate the birds?”

“I never heard anything so perfectly sweet,” said a lady member, pressing forward to speak to the blushing girl.

Dexie wished the floor would open and let her drop out of sight, but she gradually regained her composure and listened with displeasure to the general conversation, during which this new element of music was discussed at length.

“Miss Sherwood, do come to the piano and try that again with the accompaniment,” said the leader, Mr. Ross.  “You really must give us the benefit of that flute-like whistle; it is perfectly irresistible.”

“Please excuse me, Mr. Ross; I really cannot,” replied Dexie.

“But we can take no excuse.  After hearing you once, nothing but a repetition will satisfy us.  Mr. Gurney will play for you,” was the eager reply.

But Lancy kindly came to her aid, and by a few whispered words succeeded in drawing off the attention from Dexie, by suggesting that if they would try the opening piece first and give Miss Sherwood time to reconsider her refusal, she might whistle later on; and Lancy was rewarded for this short respite by a grateful look as he passed her the open book.