Evelina · Chapter
Letter VII: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars explained
Lady Howard writes to Mr.
What happens
Lady Howard writes to Mr. Villars, requesting permission for Evelina to accompany Mrs. Mirvan and Maria to London to meet Captain Mirvan after a seven-year absence. She argues that the short trip will be joyful and that Madame Duval is unlikely to learn of it, and she urges Villars to consider Evelina's own letter in support of the plan.
Themes in this chapter
Guardianship and Paternalism
Lady Howard respectfully seeks Mr. Villars' permission for Evelina's travel, highlighting his role as her guardian and the deference required in such decisions.
Family and Identity
The Mirvan family's reunion after seven years underscores the importance of familial bonds and the joy of return.
Characters to notice
- Lady Howard
Writes the letter petitioning Mr. Villars to allow Evelina to join the London trip.
- Rev. Mr. Villars
The recipient of the letter; his permission is being sought for Evelina's journey.
- Evelina Anville
The child referred to; she is writing her own letter to support the request.
- Mrs. Mirvan
Received news of her husband's return and plans to go to London with her daughter.
- Miss Mirvan
Eager to have Evelina accompany her to London for the reunion with her father.
Key passages
“Mrs. Mirvan has just received a letter from her long absent husband, containing the welcome news of his hoping to reach London by the beginning of next week.”
Mrs. Mirvan got a letter from her husband, who has been away for years, saying he expects to arrive in London early next week.
Sets the occasion for the proposed journey to London.
“She must be a stranger to the name your child bears; and, even should she hear of this excursion, so short a time as a week or less spent in town upon so particular an occasion, though previous to their meeting, cannot be construed into disrespect to herself.”
Madame Duval does not know Evelina's current name, and even if she heard about this brief trip, it would not be seen as an insult to her.
Lady Howard reassures Mr. Villars that the trip will not offend Madame Duval.