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.
Piers stretched a kindly arm behind the cushion that supported Jeanie's head.

"Do you really want me to stay with you, little girl ?" he asked.
Jeanie was very white, but she looked at him bravely.

"Do you mind ?" she said.
His dark eyes smiled encouragement.