Lord Orville's Declaration of Love — Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

Evelina tries to finish her last letter from Clifton Hill, and finds Lord Orville alone in the parlour. She would leave. He stops her. He reminds her that she once allowed him her friendship, a claim on her affairs, and the affectionate title of sister. The time of her change makes him fear a cause. He asks whether Sir Clement Willoughby had any share in her inquietude. She answers, with firmness, none in the world. The relief does not last. Villars's letter arrives, commits her to her real parent, and fills her with fear of the interview and grief at the parting. She tells Selwyn. Selwyn is charmed that his opinion matches hers, orders the chaise for one o'clock the next morning, and goes to make speeches and tell lies to Mrs. Beaumont. At dinner Orville sits beside Evelina and tries to entertain a guest who cannot be entertained. When the journey is named, a cloud covers his face, and he becomes nearly as silent as she is.

Selwyn sends her to the parlour for books she has left there. Orville follows. He asks if she wishes to leave him, and he will not let her go. She cannot write the scene, though she says every word is engraven on her heart. His protestations draw from her the most sacred secret of her heart. She sinks, almost lifeless. When her strength returns she tries to rise. Mrs. Selwyn opens the door and finds him on his knees. For a moment the sarcasm about the books covers them. Selwyn finds the volumes, gives one to each, and leaves with a provoking look. He asks to walk with her before breakfast, then to attend her to town. She says this journey deprives her of all right to act for herself. He asks leave to write, so that absence will not be only inquietude. A sudden memory of the two letters that already passed between them makes her refuse at once.

She tells him of the foolish letter she sent when she was in town, and of the answer she believed was his. He has not the least idea what she means. He assures her, in the most solemn manner, that far from having ever written her a single line, he had never received, seen, or heard of her letter. Joy and perplexity arrive together. She is loved by the man she esteems. Someone else has been using his name. The chaise is already ordered, and the father she must face is still ahead of her.