Evelina — 08 - LETTER VIII. Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
LETTER VIII
EVELINA TO THE REV.
MR.
VILLARS Howard Grove, March 26. THIS house seems to be the house of joy; every face wears a smile, and a laugh is at every body's service.
It is quite amusing to walk about and see the general confusion; a room leading to the garden is fitting up for Captain Mirvan's study.
Lady Howard does not sit a moment in a place; Miss Mirvan is making caps; every body so busy!
-such flying from room to room!
-so many orders given, and retracted, and given again!
nothing but hurry and perturbation.
Well but, my dear Sir, I am desired to make a request to you.
I hope you will not think me an encroacher; Lady Howard insists upon my writing!
-yet I hardly know how to go on; a petition implies a want and have you left me one?
No, indeed.
I am half ashamed of myself for beginning this letter.
But these dear ladies are so pressing-I cannot, for my life, resist wishing for the pleasures they offer me,-provided you do not disapprove them.
They are to make a very short stay in town.
The Captain will meet them in a day or two.
Mrs. Mirvan and her sweet daughter both go; what a happy party!
Yet, I am not very eager to accompany them: at least I shall be contented to remain where I am, if you desire that I should.
Assured, my dearest Sir, of your goodness, your bounty, and your indulgent kindness, ought I to form a wish that has not your sanction?
Decide for me, therefore, without the least apprehension that I shall be uneasy or discontented.
While I am yet in suspense, perhaps I may hope; but I am most certain that when you have once determined I shall not repine.
They tell me that London is now in full splendour.
Two playhouses are open,-the Opera-house,-Ranelagh,-and the Pantheon.
-You see I have learned all their names.
However, pray don't suppose that I make any point of going, for I shall hardly sigh, to see them depart without me, though I shall probably never meet with such another opportunity.
And, indeed, their domestic happiness will be so great,-it is natural to wish to partake of it.
I believe I am bewitched!
I made a resolution, when I began, that I would not be urgent; but my pen-or rather my thoughts, will not suffer me to keep it-for I acknowledge, I must acknowledge, I cannot help wishing for your permission.
I almost repent already that I have made this confession; pray forget that you have read it, if this journey is displeasing to you.
But I will not write any longer; for the more I think of this affair, the less indifferent to it I find myself.
Adieu, my most honoured, most reverenced, most beloved father!
for by what other name can I call you?
I have no happiness or sorrow, no hope or fear, but what your kindness bestows, or your displeasure may cause.
You will not, I am sure, send a refusal without reasons unanswerable, and therefore I shall cheerfully acquiesce.
Yet I hope-I hope you will be able to permit me to go!
I am, with the utmost affection, gratitude, and duty, your EVELINA - I cannot to you sign ANVILLE, and what other name may I claim?
LETTER IX
