to press without submitting it to your inspection; but having done so, and sold hundreds of tickets on the strength of the announcement, common honesty should make you fulfil your part.  If your absence only affected the members of the club, it would not matter so much, but hundreds of outsiders would blame the club for obtaining money under false pretences; so you see, Dexie, you really cannot stay home.  Do be reasonable, darling.”

A deep blush tinged Dexie’s cheeks, brought there by something else than the frosty air, and for a few minutes there was silence between them.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sherwood had started out for a walk in order to quiet the anxiety that filled his mind, and meeting Mr. Ross down by the Grand Parade he astonished the man by telling him of Dexie’s determination.

“But, Mr. Sherwood, she must come,” he cried aghast.  “Her performance has been announced and is the talk of the city.”

“Can’t help it, Mr. Ross.  I am extremely sorry, but it was that very announcement that has caused the trouble.  She says you have insulted her, and she has cried and scolded ever since she set eyes on it.”

“Yet I expected the reverse.  What’s to be done?”

The question was as helpless as the man’s face was hopeless.

“Well, I can’t say.  I can use my authority and insist on her going to the hall, but you know the old saying, ’You can drive a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.’  It was only this morning that she came across a handbill, and she flew home in such a temper that it put the whole house in an uproar.  I can truly say it has quite upset me, for I was anxious to have her do her best to-night.”

“But if I go and apologize, and assure her of my unwillingness to cause her a moment’s annoyance, surely I might make amends for my unintentional mistake.  I will do anything, everything, Mr. Sherwood, that you can suggest.”

“Believe me, Mr. Ross, everything possible has been already done to make her see that you had no intention of ‘insulting’ her, and we have had to pass her over to our next-door neighbors.  If they fail, you can try your persuasive powers.  She is out driving with young Gurney just now, and we are simply living on our hopes.”

“I trust he will succeed.  I would hardly dare to face the people to-night without her.  Come and see how well the hall looks while we await her return; then I must see her and explain.”

“Better not, Mr. Ross, unless you have some other excuse for calling.  If young Gurney gets her to change her mind, you had better make your peace with her after the concert is over, instead of risking it beforehand.”

“Very true; but I might call with a bouquet for both of your daughters, and I need not refer to the matter if her consent has been already secured.”

“Such an errand would seem natural and should do much towards earning forgiveness,” was the smiling reply.