But when it came to removing the boot he went to Avery's assistance. It was no easy matter but they accomplished it between them, Piers ruthlessly cutting the leather away from the injured ankle which by that time was badly swollen. They propped it on a cushion, and made her as comfortable as circumstances would allow. "Can't that old woman make you some tea?" Piers said then, beginning to chafe at the prospect of an indefinite period of inaction. "I think she is boiling her kettle now," Avery answered. Piers grunted. He fidgeted to the window and back, and then, finding Jeanie's eyes still mutely watching him, he pulled up a chair to her side and took the slender hand again into his own. Avery turned her attention to coaxing the fire to burn, and presently went out to Mrs. Marshall in her kitchen to offer her services there. She was graciously permitted to cut some bread and butter while the old woman prepared a tray. "I suppose it was Master Piers' fault," the latter remarked with severity. "He's always up to some mischief or other." Avery hastened to assure her that upon this occasion Piers was absolutely blameless and had been of the utmost assistance to them. "I'm very glad to hear it," said Mrs. Marshall. "He's a feckless young gentleman, and I often think as he's like to bring the old master's hairs with sorrow to the grave. Sir Beverley do set such store by him, always did from the day he brought him back from his dead mother in Paris, along with that French valet who carried him like as if he'd been a parcel of goods. He's been brought up by men from his cradle, miss, and it hasn't done him any good. But there! Sir Beverley is that set against all womenkind there's no moving him." Mrs. Marshall was beginning to expand--a mark of high favour which she bestowed only upon the few. Avery listened with respect, comfortably aware that by this simple means she was creating a good impression. She was anxious to win the old dame to a benevolent frame of mind if possible, since to be thrown upon unwilling hospitality was the last thing she desired. It was characteristic of her that she achieved her purpose. When she returned to the parlour in Mrs. Marshall's wake, she had completely won her hostess's heart, a fact which Piers remarked on the instant. "There's magic in you," he said to Avery, as she gave him his cup of tea. "I prefer to call it common sense," she answered. She turned her attention at once to Jeanie, coaxing her to drink the tea though her utmost persuasion could not induce her to eat anything. She was evidently suffering a good deal of pain, but she begged them not to trouble about her. "Please have your tea, Aunt Avery! I shall be quite all right." "Yes, Aunt Avery must certainly have some tea," said Piers with determination, and he refused to touch his own until she had done so. It was a relief to all three of them when the doctor's dogcart was heard on the drive. Avery rose at once and went to receive him.