Ella looked completely puzzled. 'But what are you trying to prove now, George?'
'I was only showing you that, even though you have come back earlier, we couldn't possibly have got things ready in time, if I hadn't——' but here he stopped. 'No, I want that to be a surprise for you, Ella; you'll see presently,' he added.
Ella's delicate eyebrows contracted. 'I like to be prepared for my surprises, please, George. Tell me now.'
They had turned up one of the quiet streets leading to the hill. They were so near the house that George thought he might abandon further mystery, not to mention that he was only too anxious to reveal his secret.
'Well, then, Ella, if you must have it,' he said triumphantly, 'the house is very nearly ready now—what do you think of that?'
'Do you mean that—that it is furnished, George?'
'Papered, painted, decorated, furnished—everything, from top to bottom! I thought that would surprise you, Ella!'
'I think,' she answered slowly, 'you might have told me you were doing it.'
'What! before it was all done? That would have spoilt it all, dear. I should have written, though, if you hadn't been coming home so soon. And now it's finished I must say it looks uncommonly jolly. I'm sure you'll be pleased with it—it looks quite a different place.'