Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXXVI: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina describes a private conversation with Lord Orville, who confronts her about her recent avoidance of him.
What happens
Evelina describes a private conversation with Lord Orville, who confronts her about her recent avoidance of him. After she denies any influence from Sir Clement Willoughby, Lord Orville professes his love and proposes, drawing from Evelina a confession of her own feelings. Their intimate moment is interrupted by Mrs. Selwyn, who sarcastically comments. Evelina then prepares to leave for London to meet her father, Sir John Belmont, and is overwhelmed by the joy of Lord Orville's affection.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Courtship
Lord Orville's declaration of love and proposal to Evelina is the central event, illustrating the formal yet passionate nature of 18th-century courtship.
Guardianship and Paternalism
Evelina's devotion to Mr. Villars as her true parent and her impending meeting with Sir John Belmont underscore the theme of paternal authority and identity.
Virtue and Reputation
Evelina's fear of being seen alone with Lord Orville and Mrs. Selwyn's sarcastic interruption highlight the importance of maintaining a spotless reputation.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Narrates the chapter; confesses her love to Lord Orville and prepares to leave for London.
- Lord Orville
Confronts Evelina about her reserve, declares his love, and proposes to her.
- Sir Clement Willoughby
Mentioned as a possible cause of Evelina's change in behavior, but she denies his influence.
- Mrs. Selwyn
Arranges the journey to London; interrupts Lord Orville and Evelina with sarcastic remarks.
- Rev. Mr. Villars
Evelina's guardian; she receives a letter from him and expresses her eternal gratitude.
- Mrs. Beaumont
Hosts the gathering; enters the parlour and later is informed of Evelina's departure.
Key passages
“You allowed me, Madam, a few days since, you allowed me to lay claim to your friendship—to interest myself in your affairs—to call you by the affectionate title of sister;—and the honour you did me, no man could have been more sensible of; I am ignorant, therefore, how I have been so unfortunate as to forfeit it:—but, at present, all is changed! you fly me—your averted eye shuns to meet mine, and you sedulously avoid my conversation.”
Lord Orville reminds Evelina that she once granted him the privilege of calling her a friend and sister, and he is puzzled and hurt by her recent coldness and avoidance.
Lord Orville confronts Evelina about her changed behavior, seeking an explanation.
“I revere you! I esteem and I admire you above all human beings! you are the friend to whom my soul is attached as to its better half! you are the most amiable, the most perfect of women! and you are dearer to me than language has the power of telling.”
Lord Orville declares his profound love and admiration for Evelina, calling her his soulmate and the most perfect woman he knows.
Lord Orville's passionate declaration of love to Evelina.
“My Lord, have you been so good as to help Miss Anville to look for my books?”
Mrs. Selwyn sarcastically asks Lord Orville if he was helping Evelina find her books, implying she caught them in a romantic moment.
Mrs. Selwyn's ironic comment upon discovering Lord Orville and Evelina alone together.