Belinda. Volume 1, Chapters 5 and 6: Birthday Dresses and Ways and Means Summary

Belinda thinks on what Lady Delacour told her and determines that she will learn from her bad example. This attitude is tested immediately when her aunt sends her money to buy a dress to be presented at court. Belinda resolves not to spend any more money, but Lady Delacour soon convinces her that buying new dresses will be a good idea, reasoning that it will show Clarence Hervey that she does not care what he thinks.

When Clarence Hervey visits, Belinda's cold behavior towards him convinces him that he was wrong about her. At a gathering at Lady Delacour's, he entertains the company by dressing in women's clothes, claiming he can handle the hoop (bustle) as well as any woman. When Lady Delacour quickly loosens...