Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXIII: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina, recovering from the shock of Lord Orville's mysterious letter, encounters him at Mrs.
What happens
Evelina, recovering from the shock of Lord Orville's mysterious letter, encounters him at Mrs. Beaumont's house in Bristol Hotwells. She initially maintains a cold and distant demeanor to show her displeasure, but Lord Orville's polite, charming, and respectful behavior gradually melts her resentment. They take a phaeton ride together, and Evelina begins to reconsider her anger, seeking her guardian's approval to forgive him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Courtship
Evelina's internal conflict between resentment and affection for Lord Orville highlights the tensions of courtship and the power of polite behavior to mend misunderstandings.
Satire of Society
The affected manners of Lady Louisa and Lord Merton, along with Mrs. Selwyn's witty remarks, satirize the frivolity and pretension of the upper class.
Virtue and Reputation
Evelina's concern for maintaining proper conduct and her desire to uphold her dignity in the face of Lord Orville's past offense reflect the importance of reputation.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Narrates the letter; struggles with her feelings of resentment and attraction toward Lord Orville after the mysterious letter incident.
- Lord Orville
Appears at Mrs. Beaumont's garden; behaves with politeness and charm, seemingly having forgotten the letter, and offers Evelina a ride in his phaeton.
- Mrs. Selwyn
Accompanies Evelina to Mrs. Beaumont's house; engages in witty banter with Lord Merton and Lord Orville.
- Lady Louisa Larpent
Lord Orville's affected and languid sister; arrives with Lord Merton and displays exaggerated fatigue and coquettish behavior.
- Lord Merton
Arrives with Lady Louisa; shows surprise at seeing Evelina and engages in trivial conversation about the weather and driving.
- Mrs. Beaumont
Hosts the gathering at Clifton Hill; invites Mrs. Selwyn and Evelina to stay, and facilitates the phaeton ride.
Key passages
“Oh, Sir, Lord Orville is still himself! still what, from the moment I beheld, I believed him to be—all that is amiable in man!”
Evelina joyfully declares that Lord Orville remains the kind and admirable person she always thought him to be.
Reflects Evelina's relief and renewed admiration after her earlier doubts.
“I was grave and distant; I scarce looked at him when he spoke, or answered him when he was silent.”
Evelina deliberately acted cold and aloof toward Lord Orville to show her displeasure.
Illustrates Evelina's attempt to maintain her dignity and resentment.
“Lord Orville, brightening at these words, came forward, and pressed his offer in a manner not to be denied;—so the phaeton was ordered!”
Lord Orville's face lit up when Evelina softened her refusal, and he eagerly insisted on driving her in his phaeton.
Shows Lord Orville's eagerness to reconcile and Evelina's wavering resolve.