“I will see that she does not annoy you.  Now, don’t you think you had better go and practise awhile?”

“Couldn’t think of it, papa mine!” Then, taking her father’s face between her two hands, she looked earnestly into his eyes, saying:  “Do you think there is the least danger of me breaking down to-night?  Do you?  Confess the truth, sir!” she laughingly demanded.

“Well, no; I don’t think there is.”

“Neither do I. Trust your naughty tomboy; she is going to ’eclipse all her former efforts and cover herself with glory.’  But, wait you till I see Mr. Ross,” and she shook her head.  “I will forgive him for this night only, and then—­well, never mind!  How is mamma?  Is she very angry with me?” she added, presently.

“Not so much as might be expected.  You must let her see you when you are dressed.”

“Oh!  Aunt Jennie, did you see anything of a stray parcel, with some lace and other things inside of it? or have I really tossed it into the street?”

“It is in at Mrs. Gurney’s with the rest of your apparel for to-night.  I have just finished Gussie’s suit, and she is all ready to dress.  Gloves and all are waiting upstairs.”

“Oh, dear! what shall I do, auntie?  I completely forgot the gloves.  That abominable handbill turned my brain, I do believe; and I thought I was learning to control my temper!  Oh, dear!”

“Don’t fret, my dear!  The best of us are put out sometimes.  But everything has been prepared for you in at Mrs. Gurney’s; for Lancy’s success rests on your appearance, and they were all anxious on his account as well as your own.”

“Well, I suppose I must go in next door and apologize; but I would rather get a switching than see Mrs. Gurney.”

Dexie’s appearance was heralded by a number of little voices, as she made her way to the sewing-room with heightened color and eyes bright with unshed tears.

“I beg pardon of each one of you, separately and collectively,” Dexie began.  “I never dreamed that my fit of temper was going to affect both households.  You are more than kind, and I have no words to thank you.”

“Well, don’t do it, then,” said Elsie; “save your breath, and run upstairs and see your dress, instead.  Come, let me show you the finery.”

“Where is your mother?  I must see her a moment.  How does my nose look now, Elsie?” she added, as they went through the hall.

“It looks as if it ought to be tweaked again, you bad girl!  But oh, Dexie! your dress is lovely.”

And so thought Dexie herself as she stood by the bed whereon it lay, and she bitterly reproached herself for the anxiety her waywardness had caused.

Tears were in her eyes as Mrs. Gurney came quietly into the room.

“Dear Mrs. Gurney—­” She could say no more, but the eloquent eyes told the story quite as well as if it had been spoken by the quivering lips.