[CHAPTER V. "POOR LITTLE LAD!"]
[CHAPTER VI. THEIR MOTHER'S CHRISTMAS PRESENT]
GEOFF'S LITTLE SISTER.
[CHAPTER I.]
GEOFF'S CHARGE.
It was the end of November, and the cold winds were sweeping over the country, swaying the rooks backwards and forwards, as they perched on the topmost branches of the trees, opposite the nursery window.
But Geoffrey was not looking at, nor thinking of the rooks.
He sat doubled up before the fire, with his feet on the fender, staring at the red coals.
Forbes and Jack were surveying with tear-stained faces a dish of oranges, which nurse had just placed before them with the words: