The Grandmother's Ultimatum — Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

Villars writes Evelina with painful reluctance that she must leave Lady Howard and accompany Madame Duval to London for a month. Custom and prejudice, he says, make them slaves who cannot stem an opposing world even when judgment condemns compliance.

Since the die is cast, he urges circumspection: judge and act for herself if improper schemes arise, and avoid passive facility that risks censure and future regret. She must attend Duval but mix little with associates who cannot reflect credit.

He reminds her that a woman's reputation is delicate and brittle, and confesses he will be ill at ease until the month ends.