She was right. Jeanie's eyes opened very wide and fixed themselves enquiringly upon Piers' face. There was something in them, a species of dumb appeal, that went straight to his heart. He moved impulsively, and knelt beside her. Jeanie's hand came confidingly forth to him. "I did try to be brave," she whispered. Piers' hand closed instantly and warmly upon hers. "That's all right, little girl," he said kindly. "Pain pretty bad, eh?" "Yes," murmured Jeanie. "Ah, well, don't move!" he said. "We'll get your boot off and then you'll feel better." "Oh, don't trouble, please!" said Jeanie politely. She held his hand very tightly, and he divined that the prospect of the boot's removal caused her considerable apprehension. He looked round to consult Avery on the subject, but found that she had slipped out of the room. He heard her in the porch speaking to the children, and in a few seconds she was back again. "Don't let us keep you!" she said to Piers. "I can stay with Jeanie now. I have sent the children home, all but Ronald and Julian who have gone to fetch Dr. Tudor." Piers looked at Jeanie, and Jeanie looked at Piers. Her hand was still fast locked in his. "Shall I go?" said Piers. Jeanie's blue eyes were very wistful. "I would like you to stay," she said shyly, "if you don't mind." "If Mrs. Denys doesn't mind?" suggested Piers. To which Avery responded. "Thank you. Please stay!" She said it for Jeanie's sake, since it was evident that the child was sustaining herself on the man's strength, but the look Piers flashed her made her a little doubtful as to the wisdom of her action. She realized that it might not be easy to keep him at arm's length after this. Piers turned back to Jeanie. "Very well, I'll stay," he said, "anyhow till Tudor comes along. Let's see! You're the eldest girl, aren't you? I ought to know you by name, but somehow my memory won't run to it." He could not as a matter of fact remember that he had ever spoken to any of the young Lorimers before, though by sight he was well acquainted with them. Jeanie, in whose eyes he had ever shone as a knight of romance, murmured courteously that no one ever remembered them all by name. "Well, I shall remember you anyhow," said Piers. "Queenie is it?" "No,--Jeanie." "I shall call you Queenie," he said. "It sounds more imposing. Now won't you let me just slit off that boot? I can do it without hurting you." "Slit it!" said Jeanie, shocked. "We shan't get it off without," said Piers. "What do you think about it, Mrs. Denys?" "I will unfasten the lace first," Avery said. This she proceeded to do while Piers occupied Jeanie's attention with a success which a less dominant personality could scarcely have achieved.