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.

A moment later and the outburst of melody that filled the hall seemed to
come from a multitude of song-birds, and the peculiar, bird-like whistle
never sounded sweeter or clearer as it rang out in answer to Lancy's more
powerful notes, their fingers meanwhile flying over the keys in delightful
harmony. Dexie forgot the hundreds of eager listeners. She seemed to have
partaken of the free, joyous nature of the birds she was so cleverly
imitating, and when the last notes had died away the applause that greeted
their ears seemed to shake the building.

It was a decided relief when the notes from the piano overruled the uproar.
A moment later and the stage was peopled by the members of the club, the
notes of the National Anthem sounded through the hall, and the audience
below rose to their feet at this the closing signal.

As the crowd passed out the door, Hugh McNeil made his way to the front;
and as he went at once to help Cora Gurney, and gave Gussie the assistance
she asked for, Dexie thought nothing of his sudden appearance amongst them
until he bent over her and hissed in her ear:

"I could have killed the both of you as you stood there making love to each
other before them all, as if you belonged to him already! You shall be
mine, not his! I swear it! so take care how you trifle with me!"

Dexie, terrified by his angry looks, hurried away, and Lancy, noticing her
white face, asked anxiously:

"What has happened to you, Dexie? You are as white as a ghost."

"Oh! that big Frenchman has frightened me. Didn't you see him talking to me
just now?"

"Yes, but I supposed he was congratulating you on your success."

"It is a pity you could not have heard his congratulations, Lancy. I fancy
you would not consider them complimentary," and they hurried homeward.

Mrs. Gurney had arranged a little