rant me this favor
that impelled me to save you that night, you would make me very happy."

"And this favor, Lancy?"

"Remove the anxiety you have caused us all, and overlook what has vexed
you, and come with me to the concert. You know I can't go without you, and
our absence will spoil it. My wilful Dexie, don't you think you were rather
hasty in your judgment this morning?"

"My judgment don't amount to much when once my temper is up, as you know
very well, Lancy; but I'll acknowledge that I do feel rather ashamed of
myself, for making such a fuss, though I still think it was a shabby trick
to advertise me that way."

"So it was, Dexie; but will you make one shabby trick the excuse for a
second? You will take back your refusal, my Dexie?"

"Well, Lancy, perhaps I would, if it were not too late; but it is too late
to repent now, for my dress isn't ready, and there are endless other
matters to see to that would have kept me busy the whole day, so my
repentance will do no good. In fact I haven't the faintest idea what I did
with the purchases I made this morning, unless I flung them into the street
as I rushed along. What a fright I must have looked! But I don't believe I
met a soul that knew me; that's one comfort, anyway."

"Then you would whistle to-night if only your dress were ready?"

"Well, I hate awfully to say it, Lancy, but I do believe I would, for I did
not think that my absence would spoil your part of the performance when I
spoke so decidedly."

"Then we will consider the matter settled, for your dress will be ready
when it is time to put it on," and a look of relief spread over his face.
"Mother said she would see about it if you would only go."

"Oh, dear! Does your mother know how silly I have been? Who could have told
her?"

"Never mind, Dexie. She knows you won't come back as naughty as you went
out. She felt sure of that."

"Lancelot Gurney! Did you take me out on purpose--on purpose to make me
change my mind? Well, well! how eagerly I ran into the trap that was set to
catch me," and a smothered laugh rang out on the frosty air.

"All's well that ends well, you know. Your father was in despair when your
Aunt Jennie could not manage you, so he turned you over to us. Since I have
proved myself so capable, that ought to speak well for me in the future,
eh, Dexie?" and he smiled mischievously into her eyes. "But I'm not quite
sure of you yet, Dexie. Give me your word that you will whistle
to