Dexie felt angry for bringing this embarrassing position upon herself, and she was wondering if it would be possible for her to slip away unperceived, when Gussie leaned over her shoulder.

“Well, you did make a show of yourself, you great tomboy!  It is a pity that you can’t keep your bad manners out of sight, before strangers, anyway!”

This taunt acted like the prick of a goad, and made Dexie determine to stay and show Miss Gussie whether her “bad manners” had placed her lower or higher in the estimation of her friends.  When the piece was rehearsed in which she sang the solo, she put forth her best efforts, and rendered it with such pathos and feeling that when it was ended, one and all, with the exception of Gussie, were loud in its praise.

As she lingered a moment beside the piano talking with a member, Mr. Ross stepped over to her side and begged her to try the new piece, and she silently bowed in answer; but the hunted look in the dark eyes might have told how hard it was to nerve herself for this ordeal.

The memory of Gussie’s sneering remarks filled her with the needed courage, and when Lancy sat down and passed his fingers over the keys her heart ceased to throb; the very chords had a soothing power, and when Lancy lifted his eyes to her face she replied with a look that she was ready.

The first notes of the piece sounded from the piano, but brought no response from Dexie’s lips.  Lancy looked up quickly.

“Oh, Dexie, don’t disappoint me!” he whispered.

Softly the bird-like notes ascended, fluttered and quivered, then slowly gained strength, then the clear, full notes rang through the room, charming every ear.

Those present listened in breathless silence.  It was so faultlessly rendered that it was hard to believe that weeks of practice had not been given to bring such perfection of tone; but Dexie whistled for an object, and that was respect and honor from those present in the face of her “tomboy accomplishment.”

It is not everyone who can whistle for a thing and get their wishes gratified; but, to the honor and respect which Dexie desired, was added the praise and approval of the delighted listeners.  She felt proud to receive it, for it would forever silence Gussie as to how her “bad manners” were regarded.

Dexie was satisfied with her victory, and would not be persuaded into repeating the piece, though, at the close of the rehearsal, she consented to accompany Lancy in giving an exhibition of a bird-song.

It was the same chorus that had delighted the listeners the morning after the adventure in the snow-drifts, and the rendering of it was greatly enhanced by the better instrument before them.

Lancy played the accompaniment and whistled with her, and their voices seemed transformed into veritable song-birds, as they joined or answered each other’s call.

“We must have that at our concert, Miss Sherwood,” said Mr. Ross.  “We cannot afford to miss it.  How is it that I never had the pleasure of listening to this sort of music before, Mr. Gurney?  You should have told us of this new accomplishment, Miss Sherwood.”