trembling and weakness that both alarmed and surprised him. Cecilia,
glad of an opportunity to be gone, left the room, and sent, by Dr
Lyster's desire, for the physician and surgeon who had already
attended.

After they had been some time with their patient, they retired to a
consultation, and when it was over, Dr Lyster waited upon Cecilia in
the parlour, and assured her he had no apprehension of danger for Mrs
Delvile, "Though, for another week," he added, "I would have her
continue your _patient_, as she is not yet fit to be removed. But pray
mind that she is kept quiet; let nobody go near her, not even her own
son. By the way he is waiting for me at the inn, so I'll just speak
again to his mother, and be gone."

Cecilia was well pleased by this accidental information, to learn both
the anxiety of Delvile for his mother, and the steadiness of his
forbearance for himself. When Dr Lyster came down stairs again, "I
shall stay," he said, "till to-morrow, but I hope she will be able in
another week to get to Bristol. In the mean time I shall leave her, I
see, with an excellent nurse. But, my good young lady, in your care of
her, don't neglect yourself; I am not quite pleased with your looks,
though it is but an old fashioned speech to tell you so.--What have you
been doing to yourself?"

"Nothing;" said she, a little embarrassed; "but had you not better have
some tea?"

"Why yes, I think I had;--but what shall I do with my young man?"

Cecilia understood the hint, but coloured, and made no answer.