More than an hour passed before the contents of the box had been examined,
then with Dexie's assistance the wrappings which covered the floor were
picked up, tables were tidied, and the room put in order.
Mrs. Gurney drew Lancy aside as soon as he entered the house, to explain
the difficulty about Dexie.
"What! Not whistle or go near us!" he cried. "Why, she'll have to!
Everybody is talking about the concert, and inquiring about our 'warbler.'
Those handbills were the greatest success. Not whistle, indeed, when the
crowd will be there on purpose to hear her. Why, mother, she is the chief
attraction! Where is she? I'll show her very soon that she _can't_ back
out. They would mob us if she failed to appear. Why, I couldn't go either
if she did not."
"Softly, softly, my son," laying her hand on his arm. "Wait a moment till I
explain further. Dexie is not one to be forced into doing a thing she does
not like, and if you talk to her in that strain you will only strengthen
her determination to stay at home. She must be treated differently if we
would gain her full consent, and nothing short of that will do.
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