EVELINA TO MR. VILLARS

I have spent the day in a manner the most uncomfortable imaginable.  Madame Duval, on my visiting her, insisted upon my staying with her all day, as she intended to introduce me to some of my own relations.  These consisted of a Mr. Brangton, who is her nephew, and three of his children—­a son and two daughters—­and I am not ambitious of being known to more of my relations if they have any resemblance to those whose acquaintance I have already made.

I had finished my letter to you when a violent rapping at the door made me run downstairs, and who should I see in the drawing-room but Lord Orville!

He inquired of our health with a degree of concern that rather surprised me, and when I told him our time for London is almost expired, he asked, “And does Miss Anville feel no concern at the idea of the many mourners her absence will occasion?”

“Oh, my lord, I’m sure you don’t think”—­I stopped there, for I hardly knew what I was going to say.  My foolish embarrassment, I suppose, was the cause of what followed; for he came and took my hand, saying, “I do think that whoever has once seen Miss Anville must receive an impression never to be forgotten.”

This compliment—­from Lord Orville—­so surprised me that I could not speak, but stood silent and looking down, till recollecting my situation I withdrew my hand, and told him I would see if Mrs. Mirvan was in.

I have since been extremely angry with myself for neglecting so excellent an opportunity of apologising for my behaviour at the ball.

Was it not very odd that he should make me such a compliment?

* * * * *

Mrs. Mirvan secured places last night for the play at Drury Lane Theatre in the front row of a side box.  Sir Clement Willoughby, whose conversation with Lord Orville respecting me on the night of the ball Miss Mirvan overheard, was at the door of the theatre, and handed us from the carriage.  We had not been seated five minutes before Lord Orville, whom we saw in the stage-box, came to us; and he honoured us with his company all the evening.  To-night we go to the opera, where I expect very great pleasure.  We shall have the same party as at the play, for Lord Orville said he should be there, and would look for us.

IV.—­A Compromising Situation

EVELINA TO MR. VILLARS

I could write a volume of the adventures of yesterday.

While Miss Mirvan and I were dressing for the opera, what was our surprise to see our chamber-door flung open and the two Miss Brangtons enter the room!  They advanced to me with great familiarity, saying, “How do you do, cousin?  So we’ve caught you at the glass!  Well, we’re determined to tell our brother of that!” Miss Mirvan, who had never before seen them, could not at first imagine who they were, till the elder said:  “We’ve come to take you to the opera, miss.  Papa and my brother are below, and we are to call for your grandmother as we go along.”