"Now," she continued briskly, "I know you're sleepy, but you hurry up and jump into the tub. I have the water ready, and then when you're through, you'll find a lovely surprise."
"Do I know, Mother?" asked Alice.
"No," replied Mrs. Merrill, "and you never in the world could guess, so don't try. While Mary Jane tubs, I'll brush and braid your hair and by that time the surprise will be coming and you'll be ready for it. And don't hurry too fast, Mary Jane," she added, "you want to scrub as well as tub, you know."
It was a good thing she gave that warning, for even with a warning Mary Jane hurried so furiously fast that there was no time wasted over details. But she felt fresh and clean anyway and was wide awake and glowing from her rub.
"Now where's the surprise?" she asked.
"Slip into the bathroom again both of you—scoot!" and at that minute there was a loud knock on the door.
"Now whatever do you suppose—" wondered Alice as she heard her mother open the door of the room and talk to someone.
They had not long to wait—fortunately. A couple of minutes and Mrs. Merrill opened the bathroom door and—what do you suppose they saw?
Drawn up near the windows that overlooked Copley Square was a cunning little table and on the table was—you never would guess—breakfast for three! Strawberries and cream and cereal and milk and eggs and toast and hashed brown potatoes—the hot things all on silver dishes and covered with big silver covers to keep them nice and hot while the fruit and cereal were being eaten.
"Mother!" exclaimed Mary Jane, and then she stopped for she couldn't think of anything to say.