# Letter LXXII: Evelina in Continuation explained — Evelina

> Chapter companion for Evelina by Fanny Burney.

## What happens

Evelina, having received a heart-piercing letter from Mr. Villars, resolves to avoid Lord Orville and suppress her feelings. She refuses his offers of attention, including a phaeton ride, and withdraws from his society, causing confusion and coldness between them. During a walk with Mrs. Selwyn, she is publicly noticed and followed by impertinent young men, then rescued by Sir Clement Willoughby, who declares his passionate pursuit of her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Courtship

Evelina's internal conflict between her growing feelings for Lord Orville and her duty to avoid him highlights the tension of courtship.

### Virtue and Reputation

Evelina's concern for propriety and her fear of public attention reflect the importance of reputation in 18th-century society.

### Satire of Society

The impertinent young men's public commentary and Mrs. Selwyn's teasing critique of coquetry satirize social manners and gender roles.

## Character check-ins

### Evelina Anville

Struggles with her resolve to avoid Lord Orville, feeling deep regret and conflict between duty and affection.

### Lord Orville

Shows coldness and gravity after Evelina's withdrawal, yet continues to show polite concern for her health.

### Sir Clement Willoughby

Arrives at Bristol, rescues Evelina from impertinent followers, and passionately declares his hopeless love.

### Mrs. Selwyn

Torments Evelina with arch raillery about Lord Orville's attentions, but accompanies her on a walk.

### Lady Louisa Larpent

Remains cold and silent toward Evelina, continuing her usual distant manner.

## Key lines

> Tell me, my dearest Sir, if you possibly can, tell me that you approve my change of conduct—tell me that my altered behaviour to Lord Orville is right—that my flying his society, and avoiding his civilities, are actions which you would have dictated.

Evelina begs Mr. Villars to confirm that her decision to avoid Lord Orville is correct, seeking reassurance that her painful sacrifice aligns with his teachings.

_Evelina's plea reveals her deep need for paternal approval and the emotional cost of her moral resolve._

> I have slighted—have rejected—have thrown it away!—No matter, it was an honour I merited not to preserve; and now I see—that my mind was unequal to sustaining it without danger.

She laments that she has forfeited Lord Orville's friendship, but rationalizes that she was unworthy of such an honor and too weak to handle it safely.

_This self-reproach underscores Evelina's humility and the internal battle between love and duty._

> I could not help observing that my reserve surprised him; yet he persisted in his civilities, and seemed to wish to remove it.

Evelina notices that Lord Orville is puzzled by her coldness, but he continues to treat her politely and tries to bridge the distance.

_Lord Orville's persistent courtesy contrasts with Evelina's deliberate withdrawal, heightening the romantic tension._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxii-evelina-in-continuation
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