The Art of Asking Permission — Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

Evelina writes from the joyful chaos of Howard Grove as the Mirvans prepare for Captain Mirvan's return. The house bustles with caps, furniture, and contradictory orders; Lady Howard insists Evelina petition Villars herself for permission to join the London party.

Evelina begins with elaborate disclaimers. A petition implies want, yet Villars has left her wanting nothing; she will be content to stay if he commands it. She lists London's splendors, playhouses, opera, Ranelagh, the Pantheon, then insists she hardly cares and will not sigh if they leave without her.

The letter collapses into honest desire. She admits she is bewitched, cannot keep her resolution to seem indifferent, and hopes Villars will grant what she can barely bring herself to ask. She closes by refusing to sign Anville, asking what other name she may claim, and pledging to accept his decision without repining once it is made.