“Well, I’m afraid not; she is engaged, I believe.  I suppose you wish to hear her rehearse?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’m afraid you will have to be content with the promise that she gave to me, that ‘she would do her best.’  Depend on it, she will not disappoint any of us to-night.  I’ll answer for that.”

“But I should like so much to see her.  I would like to apologize for my unintentional mistake.  Will you take this bouquet to her with my compliments, and ask if I may see her for a few moments?”

“She is in Mrs. Gurney’s at present,” said Mr. Sherwood, “but if you will wait here I will step in and see her; but I do not think it will be wise to insist on an interview.  My daughter has a temper of her own, and that announcement has provoked her in a way I never saw equalled, so unless she seems perfectly willing to see you, she should be let alone, until after the concert any way.”

Mr. Sherwood was soon in the next hall inquiring for his daughter, and she came down the stairs behind Mrs. Gurney, who also stopped to speak to her next-door neighbor.

“Dexie,” said Mr. Sherwood, “Mr. Ross sends his compliments with this bouquet, and wishes to know if you will see him and allow him to explain, or apologize, whichever you choose to call it,” and he handed her the fragrant flowers.

Instantly they were flung to the end of the hall, and an angry flush rose in her cheeks as she exclaimed, hotly: 

“Tell Mr. Ross that I—­”

“Dexie, my dear, your promise,” came the quiet words from Mrs. Gurney.

“Oh! do forgive me, this once more, Mrs. Gurney,” and Dexie rushed after the ill-used flowers; then, in a changed voice, gave the message: 

“Tell Mr. Ross that I appreciate his compliments—­oh! highly,” and she made a grimace, “also his flowers.  They smell nice—­what is left of them; but I—­oh, papa!—­I can’t see him.  Must I go and hear him talk when the very thought of him makes me angry?  Make him go away and leave me.  I have promised to do the best I can to-night.  What more can he ask?”

“You need not see him unless you choose; I will take him your excuses,” and he left the house, and returned to Mr. Ross.

“I have brought her excuses in place of herself, and you must rest content with that, Mr. Ross.  I think it will not be best to risk the chance of a second refusal, and but for Mrs. Gurney’s interference I would have had to bring it, I fear.  Let it pass till some other time and take no notice of any coolness she may show to-night, for that public announcement has cut her deeply.”