Letter XXXII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Satire of Society

  Captain Mirvan's crude delight in tormenting Madame Duval and Sir Clement's exaggerated flattery satirize both country and town manners.

• Love and Courtship

  Evelina's concealed unease about Lord Orville and Sir Clement's persistent attentions highlight the tensions of courtship.

Characters to notice

• Evelina Anville

  Narrates the letter; conceals her anxiety about Lord Orville and endures Sir Clement's advances.

• Sir Clement Willoughby

  Arrives unexpectedly at Howard Grove; flatters Evelina and Miss Mirvan, and joins Captain Mirvan's scheme.

• Miss Mirvan

  Accompanies Evelina on a walk and is greeted by Sir Clement.

• Captain Mirvan

  Welcomes Sir Clement boisterously and plots a scheme against Madame Duval.

• Madame Duval

  Expresses displeasure at Sir Clement's arrival; is the target of Captain Mirvan's scheme.

Key passages

• “I was strolling this morning with Miss Mirvan, down a lane about a mile from the Grove, when we heard the trampling of horses; and, fearing the narrowness of the passage, we were turning hastily back, but stopped upon hearing a voice call out, 'Pray, Ladies, don't be frightened, for I will walk my horse.'”

  While walking with Maria Mirvan, Evelina hears horses and prepares to retreat, but a gentleman's voice reassures them.

  Sir Clement's arrival interrupts their walk.

• “The Captain is now actually occupied in contriving some scheme, which, he says, is to pay the old Dowager off ; and so eager and delighted is he at the idea, that he can scarcely restrain his raptures sufficiently to conceal his design even from herself.”

  Captain Mirvan is eagerly planning a trick against Madame Duval, barely able to hide his excitement.

  Evelina disapproves of the scheme but feels unable to warn Madame Duval.