“I think I must unorder the tea,” said she, with what gaiety she could assume, “if I am to be responsible for any mischief from your drinking it.” “No, no, you shan't be off now; but pray would it be quite out of rule for you to send and ask him to come to us?” “Why I believe--I think--” said she, stammering, “it's very likely he may be engaged.” “Well, well, I don't mean to propose any violent incongruity. You must excuse my blundering; I understand but little of the etiquette of young ladies. 'Tis a science too intricate to be learned without more study than we plodding men of business can well spare time for. However, when I have done _writing_ prescriptions, I will set about _reading_ them, provided you will be my instructress.” Cecilia, though ashamed of a charge in which prudery and affectation were implied, was compelled to submit to it, as either to send for Delvile, or explain her objections, was equally impossible. The Miss Charltons, therefore, joined them, and they went to tea. Just as they had done, a note was delivered to Dr Lyster; “see here,” cried he, when he had read it, “what a fine thing it is to be a _young_ man! Why now, Mr Mortimer understands as much of all this _etiquette_ as you ladies do yourselves; for he only writes a note even to ask how his mother does.” He then put it into Cecilia's hand. _To Dr Lyster_. Tell me, my dear Sir, how you have found my mother? I am uneasy at your long stay, and engaged with my friend Biddulph, or I should have followed you in person. M.D. “So you see,” continued the doctor, “I need not do penance for engaging myself to you, when this young gentleman can find such good entertainment for himself.” Cecilia who well knew the honourable motive of Delvile's engagement, with difficulty forbore speaking in his vindication. Dr Lyster immediately began an answer, but before he had finished it, called out, “Now as I am told you are a very good young woman, I think you can do no less than assist me to punish this gay spark, for playing the macaroni, when he ought to visit his sick mother.” Cecilia, much hurt for Delvile, and much confused for herself, looked abashed, but knew not what to answer. “My scheme,” continued the doctor, “is to tell him, that as he has found one engagement for tea, he may find another for supper; but that as to me, I am better disposed of, for you insist upon keeping me to yourself. Come, what says _etiquette_? may I treat myself with this puff?” “Certainly,” said Cecilia, endeavouring to look pleased, “if you will favour us with your company, Miss Charltons and myself will think the _puffing_ should rather be ours than yours.” “That, then,” said the doctor, “will not answer my purpose, for I mean the puff to be my own, or how do I punish him? So, suppose I tell him I shall not only sup with three young ladies, but be invited to a _tete-a-tete_ with one of them into the bargain?”