The Female Quixote

Before the group departs, Sir George writes a letter to Arabella. She informs his messenger that Sir George, who betrayed Sydimiris and Philonice, is “not a Person worthy to adore Arabella” (256). As such, Sir George makes his excuses to Sir Charles for not joining them on their journey.

Sir Charles, Mr. Glanville, Miss Glanville, and Arabella travel to Bath. On the road, they are stopped by three highwaymen. Arabella misunderstands what the robbers are after, and her strange behavior causes them to flee. As they arrive in Bath, Arabella’s comparisons between the locale and locations from her historical novels confuse Sir Charles.

In Bath, Miss Glanville and Arabella prepare for a social event. Since Arabella has spent so long in the country, her fashion choices—informed by her love of romantic novels—are strange and outdated. Her decision to wear a veil amuses Miss Glanville, but her appearance causes a stir in the local society. She is admired by men and women despite her strange taste.

A man named Mr. Selvin is very interested in history. He has a reputation as an intellectual and a historian, though his knowledge is “very superficial.