"Bertie can try-but gently, please."

Bertie's fingers were steady, and he managed better. The unlacing was accomplished, Dessie clutching the carriage-door, and writhing silently at each touch. But to get off the boot was a different matter. Miss Bruce took gentle hold, and gave the faintest possible pull, and her hands were again in Dessie's grasp.

"I can't stand that," Dessie gasped, turning livid.

"Shall Bertie try?" asked Miss Bruce.

"O no-no!

myself."

If it must come off, I'll try

"I'd use a penknife to cut the leather, but it wouldn't be safe in this jolting," said Bertie. "The blade might be in your foot any moment. You can't get the boot. off yourself."

"Yes, I can and I will."

She bent forward, laid hold firmly, and had it off with a sudden wrench.

"My dear-gently," expostulated Miss Bruce; but the deed was done.

Dessie looked up at her with a ghastly smile, winking both eyes fast.

"It's over," she said. "Oh!"

"Doesn't it feel easier without the pressure?" "O no! Easier! It's awful!"

"You did it too quickly, Dessie."

"I couldn't any other way. Don't say one word to me. Don't speak."

Dessie doubled herself forward, with her hands. supporting the right leg, and her face wrinkled

stiffly, as she rocked to and fro. her, but had no answer.

Bertie spoke to

quiet as

The other

Its driver

They left her quiet for a while, as was possible under the circumstances. carriage was now some way ahead. had chosen to pass along an unfinished road, rough and stony, with many low stout posts jutting out of the ground, which, in the dusky twilight, would have been a source of danger with even the most careful driver. Along this road the second carriage, too, sped madly; but like the first it regained the high-road without accident, although the wheels. actually passed over one short post, and the jolting was such that Dessie could have screamed aloud with what she was enduring.

By this time the worst of the drive was over. The river had to be crossed on a so-called "flying bridge," or large boarded boat; and here the first carriage was found awaiting the second. Mrs. Fitzroy was greatly concerned to hear of the injury to Dessie. Nothing, however, could be done for her as yet. Horses and carriages were conveyed safely across the water, the two coachmen appearing by this time somewhat tamed. A short and dark drive through Heidelberg streets followed, and then home was reached.

CHAPTER XXI.

LAID UP.

“O YES, I'm quite comfortable now-as jolly as possible. Oh, I beg your pardon, Aunt Laura; you don't like slang, I know, but one forgets sometimes. Can't I see Emmie? She is sure to be down in the deepest depths of despair, because she had not an opportunity of being thrown out instead of me."

"Emmie shall come in for a good-night kiss, if you will not excite yourself, Dessie."

"Dear me, no; there's nothing to excite myself about," said Decima, in her briskest tone.

"Then lie quiet while I am gone, and if you want me just touch this bell. Emmie will come to you in a few minutes. But I can't allow a great

deal of chatter to-night, Dessie."

Mrs. Fitzroy went into the drawing-room, and found her husband there with Emmie and Harry. The two gentlemen said, “Well?" inquiringly, and Emmie lifted a distressed face, which silently put the same question expressed by the monosyllable.

"Did you see Herr Bücher?" asked Mrs. Fitzroy of her husband.