The ancients were always VERY surprised.

Did you, by chance, EXPECT my egg to hatch ?' 'Not us,' Cyril said.
'And if we had,' said Anthea, who had come in in her nightie when she heard the silvery voice of the Phoenix, 'we could never, never have expected it to hatch anything so splendid as you.' The bird smiled.

Perhaps you've never seen a bird smile?
'You see,' said Anthea, wrapping herself in the boys' counterpane, for the morning was chill, 'we've had things happen to us before;' and she told the story of the Psammead, or sand-fairy.
'Ah yes,' said the Phoenix; 'Psammeads were rare, even in my time.

I remember I used to be called the Psammead of the Desert.

I was always having compliments paid me; I can't think why.' 'Can YOU give wishes, then ?' asked Jane, who had now come in too.
'Oh, dear me, no,' said the Phoenix, contemptuously, 'at least--but I hear footsteps approaching.