The arrival of Dr Lyster gave her much satisfaction, for upon him
rested her hopes of Mrs Delvile's re-establishment. He sent for her
down stairs, to enquire whether he was expected; and hearing that he
was not, desired her to announce him, as the smallest emotion might do
mischief.

She returned up stairs, and after a short preparation, said, "Your
favourite Dr Lyster, madam, is come, and I shall be much the happier
for having you under his care."

"Dr Lyster?" cried she, "who sent for him?"

"I believe--I fancy--Mr Delvile fetched him."

"My son?--is he here, then?"

"No,--he went, the moment he left you, for Dr Lyster,--and Dr Lyster is
come by himself."

"Does he write to you?"

"No, indeed!--he writes not--he comes not--dearest madam be satisfied,
he will do neither to me ever more!"

"Exemplary young man!" cried she, in a voice hardly audible, "how great
is his loss!--unhappy Mortimer!--ill-fated, and ill-rewarded!"

She sighed, and said no more; but this short conversation, the only one
which had passed between them since her illness, agitated her so much,
that Dr Lyster, who now came up stairs, found her in a state of