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."