diff --git a/geesh/environment.scm b/geesh/environment.scm
index 784a47f..ab37029 100644
--- a/geesh/environment.scm
+++ b/geesh/environment.scm
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ well."
 and @var{dflt} is provided, return @var{dflt}.  Otherwise, return
 @code{#f}."
   (match (hash-ref *variables* name dflt)
-    (#(value _ _) value)
+    (#(value _ _) (or value dflt))
     (value value)))
 
 (define (setvar! name value)