"Mr. Ross had no right to announce my part of the performance at all; it
was only as a favor I consented to whistle. If I am his 'drawing-card,' it
was only fair to consult me about publishing the fact. I feel positive
that, after such an announcement, I will be hissed off the stage before I
utter a dozen notes. Who ever heard of a girl whistling in public before?
It is considered vulgar enough if she is caught at it in private! I cannot
face them, Lancy; I truly cannot."
"If it is your reception you are afraid of, Dexie, then set your mind at
rest. Even the rougher element would as soon think of hissing a canary."
"But you forget, Lancy, that to be the first to appear in a part so unusual
is of itself a risky thing. Had it not been announced I would not mind it
so much, as it would be unexpected by the audience, and the very audacity
of it would have won to my side the rougher element. As it is, the audience
will expect something beyond my power to give them."
"Looking at it in that way, I admit that the announcement was a mistake,
Dexie, since it has made you apprehensive of your power to charm; but no
one else doubts it, dear, and I feel sure that my Dexie will not put her
friends in the embarrassing position that would arise if she purposely
stayed away from the concert to-night.
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