"Upon my Life, this is a very pleasant little Interlude!" cried Mr. _Caryl_. "What a lucky Fellow I am! Always falling on my Legs! Here, now, have I dropped into the midst of a most agreeable little Tea-Party, and am made welcome to all these good Things as if my Presence were no Intrusion!" "Don't name Intrusion, Sir," says my _Mother_. "But I _must_ name it, Madam! Most abominable Intrusion! Hum,--hum,--I can't help thinking I have seen that Lady's Face before"--with his Eyes full upon _Gatty_. "The Day Lady _Betty_ was here, Sir." "Bless my Soul, yes! I remember all about it now. Most unlucky occurrence! You're quite recovered, Ma'am, I hope?" And he seemed all at once to reflect, that, whereas he had been here on a previous Occasion with my _Lady_, he was now taking Tea with the Lady's Maid. Too well-bred to behave superciliously, he nevertheless said not another Syllable to _Gatty_, but kept eyeing her continually like a fine Picture. For her Part, _Gatty_ looked so little towards him, that I believe she was quite unconscious of the Attention. A Physician is fit Company for Anybody; and Dr. _Elwes_ put some Question about the News of the Day, which soon led to general and fluent Conversation. Mr. _Caryl_ was evidently not aiming to shine, as when at Lady _Betty's_ Table. I cannot recall one witty Thing that he said; but, on the other Hand, there was a racy, genial flow of small Talk, in which all could take their Share, and no one felt distanced or outshone, that was even better than _Bon-mot_ or Repartee. Mr. _Fenwick_ was, I believe, on the Tenter-Hooks, at first, for Mr. _Caryl's_ good News; but soon making out that it was not immediately forthcoming, he gave himself up to the Enjoyment of the passing Moment. Ere Tea was well over, they fell to some amusing Play upon Words, that must be shown upon Paper. Writing Implements were immediately found Room for; and from one ingenious Puzzle to another they went on, now giving us Anagrams to make out, now sending round Quips and Queries that each was to answer in their own Fashion, till Doctor _Elwes_ exclaimed, "Oh, Brag and Loo! how well we can do without you!" I whispered to him softly, "Shall I fill your Pipe, Sir?" "No!" returns he, with equal Quietness, "I meant to have had one, but these young Sparks keep me awake without it. They're monstrous good Company, Mrs. _Patty_."