He had been there once before when his father and mother had come over to visit him.

And even with their presence as a set-off, the evening had been one of the most awful experiences of his life.

But now that he was to go all alone to partake of state tea with those two, this shy awkward boy felt about as cheerful as if he had been walking helplessly into a lion's den.
"Well, Riddell," said the doctor, pleasantly, as after long hesitation the guest at last ventured to arrive, "how are you?
My dear, this is Riddell, whom I believe you have seen before.

Miss Stringer too I think you met." Riddell coloured deeply and shivered inwardly as he advanced first to one lady then to the other and solemnly shook hands.
"I trust your parents are in good health, Mr Riddell," said Mrs Patrick in her most precise tones.
"Very well indeed, thank you," replied Riddell; "that is," he added, correcting himself suddenly, "my mother is very poorly, thank you." "I regret to hear you say so," said Mrs Patrick, transfixing the unhappy youth with her eyes.

"I trust her indisposition is not of a serious character." "I hope she will, thank you, ma'am," replied Riddell, who somehow fancied his hostess had said, or had been going to say, she hoped his mother would soon recover.
"Er, I beg your pardon ?" said Mrs Patrick, leaning slightly forward and inclining her head a little on one side.
"I mean, I beg your pardon," said Riddell, suddenly perceiving his mistake and losing his head at the same time, "I mean, quite so, thank you." "You mean," interposed Miss Stringer at this point, in a voice a note deeper than her sister's, "that your mother's indisposition _is_ of a serious character ?" "Oh no, not at all, I'm sure," ejaculated the hapless Riddell.
"I am glad to hear you say so, very," said Miss Stringer.
"Very," said Mrs Patrick.
At this point Riddell had serious thoughts of bolting altogether, and might have done so had not the servant just then created a diversion by bringing in the kettle.
"Sit down, Riddell," said the doctor, "and make yourself at home.