So I remained as I was; and presently came down Mr. _Fenwick_, who, _Prudence_ told me, had been quite another Man since Mr. _Caryl's_ Visit. Close on his Heels followed Dr. _Elwes_, in his best Wig and Ruffles, with a Flower in his Button-Hole; so our gala Preparations were by no Means in vain. Then our little Feast began: with two such Men at Table, 'twould have been surprising if good Conversation had been wanting, and every one seemed in happy Tune. As for the Doctor, he was quite on the merry Pin, praised the Cream, Butter, and Cakes, partook of Everything, and complimented us handsomely all round. I believe my dear _Mother_ had not had such a tranquilly pleasant Evening for many a Day. I presided at the Tea-Board, which was supplied with fairy-like Cups without Handles, of real China, and the Tea-Caddy was real Chinese too, one of my poor _Father's_ Purchases. _Prue_ tripped off now and then into the Shop; but our Man _Peter_ was on Duty there, as well as _Saunders's_ Daughter, so that we could leave the Business pretty safely in their Charge. All at once enters _Nanny Saunders_ from the Shop, with a Face as red as Currant-Jelly; and, "Sir,--Mr. _Fenwick_!" says she, "here's a Gentleman of Quality inquiring for you!" and without more ado, ushers Mr. _Paul Caryl_ in upon us. For my Part, I felt greatly confused; the rest expressed by their Looks simple Surprise, all except Mr. _Fenwick_, who, upsetting his Cup (which luckily was empty) in his Hurry to rise, and colouring very red, hastened to meet his Guest. "Faith, I find you pleasantly engaged, Sir!" were the easy, lively Words first spoken by our Man of Fashion. "Don't let me disturb any one, pray.--May I request to be presented to the Ladies?" And he bowed upon my _Mother's_ Hand as if she had been a Duchess, saluted _Prue_ and me more distantly, and stood at pause for a Moment when he came to _Gatty_, then bowed low, noticed the Doctor, and then turned to Mr. _Fenwick_. "I've good News for you," said he gaily, "so thought I would bring it myself. I know how I should have liked it, had I been in your Place. But suppose we postpone it a little, and enjoy the Goods the Gods provide us. Why should we forget the universal Doom of Man--'_Fruges consumere nati_'? Ha, Sir?" I mutely offered him a Dish of Tea, which he immediately accepted; and, as he sipped it, he addressed some trifling Remark to my _Mother_, who cheerfully replied. Many Persons would have been completely fluttered by the Entry of an unexpected Guest, of a Grade so removed from their own; but my _Mother_ never lost her Self-Possession or Self-Respect; which on this Occasion was so influential on all around her, that we almost immediately regained our Ease, and became as cheerful and chatty as we had been before.