to whistle, and
Dexie will run like a dog at a call."

But Dexie took it all in good part, saying, with a smile: "Well, even a
faithful dog is not a despised creature, you know, and it is something to
know that Lancy will not whistle for anyone else while I am around," and
turning at the door she added, "In case I do not come back, let me say you
can count on me for anything I can do towards the success of the picnic.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," and, as Hugh lifted his eyes, she
swept him an elaborate courtesy.

Hugh was too vexed to take any further part in the discussion, and he soon
withdrew, intending to find out what it was that drew Dexie away from the
pleasant gathering.

When Dexie entered the parlor next door, she found Lancy seated at the
piano, looking quite unlike himself.

"What is it, Lancy?" going over to his side. "Why did you not come into our
house to-night?"

"I have come across something unusual, Dexie, and I could not leave the
piano until I mastered it. Sit here and listen."

Lancy's hands moved across the keys, drawing forth such thrilling chords
that her heart was stirred to its lowest depths.

"Stop, Lancy, I cannot bear it," said she at last, laying her hand on
Lancy's arm before he had finished a page.

Lancy looked up into the agitated face so near him, saying in a tremulous
voice:

"Then I am not mistaken about it, since it affects you the same as myself.
What is there about those chords that thrills our hearts so painfully? It
is the only piece of music that has ever so affected me. I have not been
able to play it through yet without a break. Sit down and try how far you
can play, Dexie."

Dexie took the offered seat, and her hands swept the keys; but her firm
touch seemed wanting. Wherein was that peculiar power that thrilled her
with such exquisite pain; her hands fluttered, tears rose unbidden to her
eyes, then, with a sudden break in the chords, she bowed her face in her
hands.

Lancy was bending over her in a moment, and drawing her hands gently down,
held them in a firm clasp.

"What is the matter with that music?" she said, at last, in a low tone. "I
do not think I am nervous, but it sets my heart throbbing so that I cannot
bear it."

"I think it is the keynote of our hearts that is struck by those chords,
and gives back such answering thrills. I never came across anything before
that affected me like it."

"Well, whatever it is, it is painfully sweet. I