Mr. Sherwood found his way to the dressing-rooms, and received Dexie with open arms, while numbers gathered around to congratulate her on her success.

“I am proud of you, Dexie,” her father said, as they stepped aside.  “I was down among the audience while you were whistling, and on every side I heard words of warmest praise.  Your fear of being hissed was a foolish fear, after all.  I am sure you are not sorry that you came here to-night.”

“No, papa; but I do hope that Mrs. Gurney will be pleased.  I whistled for her and Lancy to-night, and if they are satisfied, that is enough.  But, listen!  That is Gussie’s voice; that is the duet between her and Miss Burns.  Oh, I do hope they will applaud her heartily!”

But no such feeling had dwelt in Gussie’s heart when Dexie was before the audience.  If she had failed, had completely broken down or been hissed off the stage, as Dexie herself feared, Gussie would have exulted in her failure; yet if Gussie had faltered in the least, none would have felt it so keenly as her twin sister Dexie.

“Did you see Hugh among the audience?” Lancy whispered from behind her chair.

“Yes; how savage he looked!  Such a scowl does not improve his handsome face, if he only knew it.  I never saw him look more fierce.”

“I expect that he did not like to see you leaning on my arm before them all,” he whispered.  “He is fearfully jealous, Dexie, so do not flirt with him any more when he goes in to see Gussie,” he added, as he stroked his growing moustache.

“I am not likely to flirt with Hugh McNeil or anyone else,” she said, with some spirit; “but judging by the looks cast in this direction, I am under suspicion already, so please leave me, Lancy.”

The several selections on the programme were performed to everyone’s satisfaction, but every time that Dexie appeared, either as a singer or accompanist, she was received with such marked favor that it was plainly to be seen who was the favorite.

“Now, Miss Sherwood,” said Mr. Ross, as the last piece ended and cries for “the warbler” arose in the hall, “send them home so well pleased with our entertainment that they will all be eager to attend our next.”

“There is to be no repetition this time, Mr. Ross,” said Dexie, decidedly.  “Let Mr. Gurney play the National Anthem directly the piece is ended.”

“Very well.  I will direct the members of the club to be ready to step forward the moment your piece is finished, and we will dismiss them with ‘God Save the Queen.’”

As Lancy and Dexie made their appearance the clapping of hands arose again, and, under cover of the noise, Dexie whispered a few words to Lancy, who immediately secured another piano stool.  Then they both sat down before the instrument and waited for the signal to begin.