Duty Without Displeasure — Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

Villars writes from Berry Hill answering Evelina's confession about the dropped purse. He denies displeasure: she has done her duty and shown the humanity without which he would blush to own her. He remits money not only as approval but as his wish to share her charity, adding that bounty should match ability and that greater or lesser gifts weigh little in justice.

Reading her account of Macartney, he fears misery born of misconduct: a man reduced to Branghton poverty should work, not read idly in his creditor's shop. Yet he will not condemn on partial knowledge; society and humanity deserve favorable reading, but discretion has equal claim.

The pistol pursuit delighted and terrified him. He urges Evelina to remain dauntless for distress while noting that fortitude suits women as nobly as men, though manner may vary with strength.

On Willoughby he burns with indignation at insufferable insolence and shocking suspicions. Evelina must forbid his sight; pliability must not invite offence without avowed resentment. The Branghtons, Smith, and young Brown are too contemptible for serious anger, yet he grieves her exposure to their rudeness.

The tedious month ending, he will send Mrs. Clinton to escort her to Howard Grove for a short stay before he folds his beloved child to his bosom. ARTHUR VILLARS signs a letter that blesses compassion while tightening the guardrails around it.