"Do you know what time it is? It's fully eleven, and I was up at six this morning."
"At six, papa? What have you been doing?"
"I went down town, and then I drove far out into the country."
"Oh, why didn't you waken me and let me go?"
"I had business on hand. Come along down to the dining-room. Your mother had some breakfast saved for you. I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise, papa? What is it?"
"It wouldn't be as great a surprise if I told you." This was all the satisfaction she received until after she had breakfasted.
"We're going for a drive," said Mr. Davenport as she came out of the dining-room.
"Is the drive the surprise, papa?"
"You'll know all in good time, Beth. You must have patience," he answered as he led the way out to the piazza.