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.