CHAPTER VII.
A FRIEND IN NEED Mrs.Marshall at the lodge was a hard-featured old woman whose god was cleanliness.

Perhaps it was hardly to be expected of her that she should throw open her door to the whole party.

Piers, with his limp burden, and Avery she had to admit, but after the latter's entrance she sternly blocked the way.
"There's no room for any more," she declared with finality.

"You'd best run along home." And with that she shut the door upon them and followed her unwelcome visitors into her spotless parlour.
"What's the matter with the young lady ?" she enquired sourly.
Avery answered her in her quick, friendly way.

"She has had a fall, poor little thing, and hurt her foot--I'm afraid, badly.