Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXX: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina recounts a walking party to the Hot Wells with Mrs.
What happens
Evelina recounts a walking party to the Hot Wells with Mrs. Selwyn and Lord Orville, where she encounters Mr. Macartney. She apologizes for a previous disappointment and declines a private meeting. Lord Orville, acting as a brother, questions her about Mr. Macartney, leading to emotional tension. Later, Mr. Macartney reveals that the young lady from the assembly is the daughter of Sir John Belmont—Evelina's father—implying they are siblings. Overwhelmed, Evelina realizes her love for Lord Orville and resolves to flee to Berry Hill to avoid him.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Identity
Evelina discovers Mr. Macartney is likely her brother, reshaping her understanding of her lineage and family ties.
Love and Courtship
Evelina acknowledges her deep feelings for Lord Orville, leading to her decision to flee to preserve her peace.
Guardianship and Paternalism
Lord Orville acts as a protective brother figure, while Mr. Villars remains Evelina's moral guide from afar.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Narrates the letter; struggles with her emotions for Lord Orville and discovers Mr. Macartney is her brother.
- Lord Orville
Accompanies Evelina to the Hot Wells, questions her about Mr. Macartney, and offers to facilitate a meeting.
- Mr. Macartney
Meets Evelina at the pump-room; reveals the young lady is Sir John Belmont's daughter, implying he is Evelina's brother.
- Mrs. Selwyn
Organizes the walking party and later extracts the details of the affair from Evelina.
- Sir John Belmont
Referred to as the father of both Mr. Macartney's beloved and Evelina, central to the revelation.
Key passages
“Good God, my dear Sir, what a wonderful tale have I again to relate! even yet, I am not recovered from my extreme surprise.”
Evelina expresses astonishment at the remarkable events she is about to describe.
Opens the letter with a tone of shock and wonder.
“Would to Heaven that I were worthy to know their import!”
Lord Orville wishes he were deserving of learning the meaning behind Evelina's words.
Shows Orville's respectful curiosity and restraint.
“Gracious Heaven! cried I, involuntarily laying my hand on his arm, 'you are then—' my brother, I would have said, but my voice failed me, and I burst into tears.”
Evelina realizes Mr. Macartney is her brother, but cannot finish the sentence due to overwhelming emotion.
Climactic moment of family revelation.
“Oh, Sir! why have I ever quitted you? why been exposed to dangers to which I am so unequal?”
Evelina regrets leaving Mr. Villars and facing emotional perils she cannot handle.
Reflects her vulnerability and longing for her guardian's protection.