The Female Quixote

Mr. Glanville is “too much in Love” (179) to sleep. He frets about his father’s possible romantic feelings for Arabella, but when he confronts him, Sir Charles surprises him by announcing his desire to cure Arabella of “these little Follies” (180). Meanwhile, Arabella meditates on how to react to Sir George’s letter. She decides to visit him, but as Miss Glanville is mocking her, Mr. Glanville enters. The two women ask him to settle their debate about the correct way to handle a romantic approach. Mr. Glanville immediately sides with Arabella, who shows him the letter sent to her by his “miserable Rival,” Sir George. The letter amuses Mr. Glanville, but he hides his mirth behind a “counterfeited Rage.” When he learns that she plans to visit Sir George, however, he does become angry and asks her not to go. Miss Glanville assures Arabella that Sir George’s claims that he will die without her company are empty. Arabella contents herself with writing a letter, which she shows to the others. In it, she commands Sir George “to live.” Mr. Glanville plots ways to avoid delivering the letter, but his plans are ruined by Sir George’s arrival.