"Worse than dull," Eustace responded soberly.
"But we can do our best to cheer her up till he comes back."
Eustace turned slowly round until he was staring right into Nesta's eyes, and his look was so queer that she was startled.
"Do you mean to say you don't understand?" he said solemnly.
"No, I certainly don't," Nesta replied.
Eustace wheeled quickly back to the railing, gazing seaward again.
"Then I'm not going to tell you," he said decidedly.
Nesta stood blankly wondering for a moment.
"Well, it's hateful of you," she began; then suddenly her expression changed. "Eustace," she exclaimed, grabbing his arm with both hands, "do you mean mother will be frightened?"
"I'm not going to tell you," repeated the boy with seeming obstinacy.