“Indeed! you never would have heard it at all, if I had not forgotten myself so completely,” said Dexie, smiling; “but as to whistling at the concert, that is out of the question.  It is distressing enough to show my tomboyism before the members here.”

“Nonsense! there is nothing of the ‘tomboy’ about that kind of whistling,” said one of the members.  “It is an accomplishment few possess.”

“Well, it is fortunate for us that you made us aware of this talent of yours, even though it was unintentional on your part, Miss Sherwood,” said Mr. Ross.  “We must persuade you to give others the pleasure of hearing you.  It would add much to the attraction of our concert.”

“You are most kind, and your remarks most flattering, but I must be excused,” said Dexie, turning with a smile to those who had addressed her.  “I do not forget that ‘whistling girls’ are generally frowned down.”

“But there is no comparison between the usual tomboy whistle of girls, and those bobolink, canary-bird notes that come from your lips,” said an enthusiastic member.

“Miss Sherwood, I am going to place that piece third on the programme, and will call around to-morrow and see you and arrange for these extra pieces.  We can leave out some of the songs rather than miss the treat you can give to those who will be eager to hear you,” said the leader, persuasively.

“Indeed, Mr. Ross, I could not think of whistling before the audience we hope to have, so I will excuse you from calling upon me, if that is to be your errand,” said Dexie, hurriedly.  “I am doing my share as it is.”

“Well, if you think it will be too much for you, someone else might take your solo; but that seems a pity, when you are so well prepared.  Do you find it tiresome to whistle?”

“Oh, it is not that; it would not tire me if I whistled all day.  But I cannot face a hall full of people and whistle to them.  It would be dreadful!”

“I would not urge the matter if I did not feel positive of your success.  I am sure the members of the club have the average intelligence, and, seeing that you have charmed us all by your unique performance, you need have no hesitancy in trying your powers before a Halifax audience,” was the reply.

“Don’t think of it.  Oh, I never could do it, Mr. Ross.  I should be hissed off the stage.”

“No danger of that, Miss Sherwood,” said Mr. Markman, the best tenor of the club.  “I’ll answer for it that you will so electrify the audience that they will demand an encore.  Don’t hide your talent from those who would be so sure to appreciate it.”

“Give the matter serious consideration,” said Mr. Ross.  “I will run in to-morrow and see you, even though I may run the risk of a cool reception.  What time shall I call?” he added, with a smile.

“Well, if you must call and see me, I hope it will be on some other errand; I will be at leisure any time in the afternoon, say three o’clock.”  Then, looking up with a smile, added:  “Don’t imagine I shall reconsider the matter; I simply could not do it.”