"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.
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.