“And you read the first two volumes and are now reading the third?”
“Nay, mamma, 'tis I that was led by my curiosity,” said Lottie hastily.
“Though you have often heard me protest against the vice of novel reading? I wonder at you, Lottie. I am shocked that you should so yield to a vulgar temptation,” said Mrs. Burney.
“Nay, my dear madam, you must not talk of our dear 'Evelina' as if she were an everyday person,” said Mr. Crisp. “On the contrary, she is a most interesting young lady, and if I do not soon learn what happens to her now that she has formed some very dubious intimacies, I shall be inconsolable. Have you read the book, Mrs. Burney?”
“Not I indeed,” replied Mrs. Burney, with more than a suggestion of indignation that such a charge should be brought against her. “I have heard enough about that book during the past month to prevent me from having any wish to read it, even if I were a novel reader, which I certainly deny. I am ashamed that any member of my household should so far forget her duty as to read such stuff.”
“Come, come, my dear lady, you must remember that there are novels and novels,” said Mr. Crisp. “I have heard you praise Mr. Richardson, have I not?”
“Mr. Richardson was a genius and a great moral writer, sir, as well.”
“The two are not invariably associated. But what if I tell you that this new book is worthy of being placed between 'Clarissa Harlowe' and 'Pamela'?”
“You will not do so gross an injustice to the memory of a great man, I am sure. But, if you please, we will discuss this no longer. No matter what this 'Evelina' may be, the fact remains that I gave a command that our home should be free from the taint of novel reading, and my wishes have been secretly ignored. I should not wonder if Fanny had encouraged Edward to procure the book for her.”
“I cannot deny it,” said Fanny in a low voice. “'Twas my doing altogether. All the blame should rest on my shoulders—yes, from the first—the very first—from the title page on to 'Finis.'”