"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.

"Get your hats, and bring Beth's with you," he said to Mrs. Davenport
and Marian who were listening to the music.

"What do you think of that man and the rig?" asked Mr. Davenport of
Beth, indicating a middle-aged negro who stood holding a bay mare
hitched to a surrey.

Beth noted that the man looked good-natured. There were funny little
curves on his face suggestive of laughter even when in repose. Jolly
wrinkles lurked around his eyes. Beth saw two rows of pearly teeth