Geoff had to stand some chaff from his friends on the subject of the "darkey," of course. At another time he would rather have enjoyed it than otherwise; but to-day he was unable to take part in any fun.
"What a surly humour Tudor's in!" said one of the boys to another.
Geoff overheard it, and glared at him.
"I shan't be missed here either, it seems," he said to himself.
He did not notice that evening, when he went home, that a respectable unobtrusive-looking man, with the air of a servant out of livery, or something of that kind, followed him all the way, only turning back when he had seen the boy safe within his own door. And there, just within, faithful Vicky was awaiting him.
"I've been watching for you such a time, Geoff dear," she said. "Mamma's better. Aren't you glad? The doctor's been again, just about an hour ago, and he told me so as he went out."
"Have you seen her?" said Geoff, abruptly.
Vicky hesitated. She knew her answer would vex Geoff, and yet she could not say what was not true.
"I've only just seen her," she said. "Elsa just took me in for a moment. She has to be kept very, very quiet, Geoff. She'll have to be very quiet for a long time."