nine o'clock in the morning
_ wo n't you ? '' she pleaded eagerly , but in a low tone only meant for his ears . `` You know I love to gratify you , daughter , '' he said kindly , `` but I can not possibly say yes until I know what you want . '' `` Well , papa , '' she replied , speaking very fast , as if she feared he would interrupt her , `` a good many little girls and boys are going after strawberries to-morrow : they are to start from the school-house , at nine o'clock in the morning , and walk two miles to a field where the berries are very thick ; and they 've asked us to go -- I mean Harold and Sophy and me -- and we all want to go _ so much _ ; we think it will be such fun , and Mrs. Allison says we may if you will only say yes . Oh , papa , _ do please _ let me go , _ wo n't _ you ? '' Her tone was very coaxing , and her eyes pleaded as earnestly as her tongue . He seemed to be considering for a moment , and she watched his face eagerly , trying to read in it what his answer would be .