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Clarissa · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

  1. Chapter 1

    Clarissa

    The opening of the novel introduces Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman of virtue and sensibility, whose family pressures her to marry the wealthy but repulsive Mr. Solmes. Despite her refusal, her family intensifies their coercion, leading her into a secret correspondence with the libertine Robert Lovelace, setting the stage for her tragic elopement and downfall.

  2. Chapter 2

    Letter 1: Miss Anna Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing concern over the public disturbances in the Harlowe family following the duel between Clarissa's brother James and Mr. Lovelace. She relays reports that James was the aggressor and that Lovelace acted in self-defense, and notes that Clarissa is unfairly blamed at home. Anna urges Clarissa to provide a full account of events, including Lovelace's introduction to the family and his prior relationship with Arabella, to counter rumors and justify herself. She also mentions her mother's opinion that Clarissa should no longer see or correspond with Lovelace, and requests a copy of the preamble to her grandfather's will.

  3. Chapter 3

    Letter 2: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, responding to her praise with humility and confessing that she often borrows Anna's ideas. She describes the family turmoil following the 'unhappy transaction' and her own distress at being blamed. She then recounts the history of Mr. Lovelace's courtship of her sister Arabella, detailing Arabella's initial infatuation, her confusion at Lovelace's reserved behavior, and her eventual refusal of his proposal after a quarrel. Clarissa reflects on the dynamics of courtship and her sister's character.

  4. Chapter 4

    Letter 3: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts to Anna Howe how Lovelace, after being rejected by her sister Arabella, turned his attentions to her. She describes the family's divided opinions on his suit, her own initial indifference, and the circumstances that led to a correspondence between them under the guise of travel narratives.

  5. Chapter 5

    Letter 4: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts the arrival of her brother James from Scotland and his vehement opposition to Mr. Lovelace, detailing the family's escalating hostility, the duel between James and Lovelace, and the subsequent pressure on Clarissa to break off all correspondence with Lovelace. She also encloses the preamble to her grandfather's will, which favors her with a special estate, and reflects on her constrained position within the family.

  6. Chapter 6

    Letter 5: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe explaining her delay in correspondence due to her mother's illness. She reflects on the family tensions caused by the conflict over Mr. Lovelace, her brother and sister's caballing against her, and her mother's gentle but passive nature. Clarissa also critiques her father's temper, worsened by gout, and her brother's haughty disposition, while expressing regret that Anna could not have been her sister.

  7. Chapter 7

    Letter 6: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa updates Anna on family tensions following her brother's injury. Her parents grant permission for her to visit Anna, but her brother James insists she must not see Lovelace. Clarissa accepts the condition but notes the family's inconsistency in allowing her to leave home to avoid Lovelace's visits.

  8. Chapter 8

    Letter 7: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe describing her abrupt return home and the hostile reception she received from her family. She reveals that her brother and sister have orchestrated a new suitor, the odious Mr. Solmes, whom everyone except Clarissa supports. She recounts the tense family confrontation, her defense regarding visits from Lovelace, and her dismay at being pressured to accept Solmes.

  9. Chapter 9

    Letter 8: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about the escalating pressure from her family to marry Mr. Solmes. She describes how her brother and sister manipulate her parents, her father's stern command for obedience, and the prohibition on her correspondence with Anna. Clarissa feels trapped and distressed by the family's determination.

  10. Chapter 10

    Letter 9: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about her family's pressure to marry Mr. Solmes, revealing that her brother James has manipulated their father against her. She describes her aunt's visit and advice to comply, but Clarissa refuses. She proposes a secret correspondence via a hidden spot in the Green Lane near the wood-house, using chalk marks and deposits under sticks. She asks for Anna's advice but warns against favoring Solmes, and reflects on her forced clandestine measures.

  11. Chapter 11

    Letter 10: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing astonishment and outrage at the proposal that Clarissa marry Mr. Solmes. She criticizes Clarissa's family for their avarice and envy, and urges Clarissa to be more assertive. Anna also shares her suspicions about Uncle Antony's frequent visits to her mother and hints at a growing attachment between them. She playfully probes Clarissa's feelings for Lovelace, warning her to be cautious.

  12. Chapter 12

    Letter 11: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa responds to Miss Howe's playful accusation that she harbors romantic feelings for Lovelace. She defends herself, insisting she does not love him, and enumerates her objections to his character—his questionable morals, vanity, and constrained politeness. She reaffirms her gratitude to Miss Howe for her candid friendship and promises to confess if ever she should fall in love.

  13. Chapter 13

    Letter 12: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, playfully teasing her about not being in love with Lovelace while also sharing intelligence from Mrs. Fortescue about Lovelace's character. She describes him as industrious, secretive, and vain, with a talent for writing and shorthand. Anna warns Clarissa to be cautious, noting Lovelace's pride and questionable morals, and reports his impatience and resentment over the Harlowes' treatment of Clarissa.

  14. Chapter 14

    Letter 13: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa explains to Anna Howe the family dynamics behind the push for Mr. Solmes's suit, revealing that her brother James and sister Arabella fear losing their inheritance if she marries Mr. Lovelace, as her uncles favor her. She recounts a conversation where her uncles praised Lovelace's generosity and hinted at making Clarissa a peeress, which spurred James and Arabella to undermine Lovelace and promote Solmes. Clarissa reflects on the pressure to comply and the threat of litigation over her grandfather's estate.

  15. Chapter 15

    Letter 14: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in increasing distress, revealing that her family is pressuring her to accept Mr. Solmes and may fix a day for her compliance. She notes that her sister Arabella has joined her brother James in urging an absolute deadline, threatening forfeiture of her fortune and their love. Clarissa learns of a signed pact among her family to enforce their will, and hears worse reports about Mr. Lovelace from Betty Barnes. She feels entangled, forced to correspond with Lovelace for her family's sake, yet resolute in her refusal to marry Solmes.

  16. Chapter 16

    Letter 15: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing her dismay at the suitors proposed by the Harlowe family, particularly Solmes, and analyzes the motivations behind Arabella's hostility, revealing that Arabella still loves Lovelace and is driven by jealousy and revenge. Anna advises Clarissa to retain control of her grandfather's estate and warns of the family's determination to force the marriage.

  17. Chapter 17

    Letter 16: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a painful day of family pressure to accept Mr. Solmes as a suitor. She describes a tense breakfast where Solmes's advances offend her, followed by a series of confrontations with her mother, who insists she must comply with her father's wishes. Clarissa pleads for her freedom, declaring her heart free but abhorring Solmes, while her mother warns of defiance and loss of family blessing.

  18. Chapter 18

    Letter 17: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a tense conversation with her mother, who pressures her to accept Mr. Solmes as a suitor. Clarissa protests her lack of inclination to marry and offers to break off correspondence with Lovelace if allowed to refuse Solmes. Her mother takes Clarissa's letters to Lovelace to read, and the chapter highlights the family's coercive tactics and Clarissa's struggle between duty and personal will.

  19. Chapter 19

    Letter 18: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a painful morning interview with her mother, who coldly rebukes her for sullenness and disobedience. Despite Clarissa's tearful pleas and embrace, Mrs. Harlowe remains distant, leaving Clarissa distraught and faint. The chapter underscores the family's relentless pressure to force her into marriage with Solmes.

  20. Chapter 20

    Letter 19: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa responds to Anna's letter, defending her decision to relinquish control of her estate and reflecting on her family's pressures. She firmly rejects the prospect of marrying Mr. Solmes, asserting her moral duty to resist her brother's ambitions. She anticipates a difficult conference with her mother and expresses dread over the conflicts ahead.

  21. Chapter 21

    Letter 20: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a tense conference with her mother, who delivers an ultimatum: she must comply with the family's plan to marry Mr. Solmes or face disinheritance and estrangement. Despite her mother's pleas and threats, Clarissa refuses to give false hope, asserting her integrity and resistance to the forced match.

  22. Chapter 22

    Letter 21: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a disastrous encounter with her mother and sister, where she is forced to remain in Mr. Solmes's presence and pleads for her mother's favorable report to her father. Her defiance leads to her mother's anger, and she is ultimately confined to her chamber. The chapter ends with Clarissa learning that her father has returned, the family is in council, and her keys have been taken away, signaling her impending doom.

  23. Chapter 23

    Letter 22: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a letter from Lovelace, co-signed by Lord M., in which he boasts of Solmes's claims to marry her and offers an asylum if she is tyrannized. She feels trapped between her family's pressure to marry Solmes and Lovelace's advances, and is distressed by her brother James's control over her, as seen when her request to attend church is mockingly denied.

  24. Chapter 24

    Letter 23: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about the dismissal of her faithful servant Hannah Burton, who is replaced by the impertinent Betty Barnes. Clarissa is devastated by this indignity, which she sees as another attempt by her family to break her spirit. She gives Hannah money and gifts, and asks Anna to help find her a good position.

  25. Chapter 25

    Letter 24: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives a letter from her brother James, written by command of her parents, imposing strict confinement and forbidding correspondence with Lovelace, Miss Howe, or anyone else without leave. She is restricted to her chamber and garden walks only under Betty Barnes's supervision. Clarissa's brief reply bitterly acknowledges her brother's triumph and her own powerlessness.

  26. Chapter 26

    Letter 25: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe detailing her continued imprisonment and the family's pressure to marry Solmes. She describes her mother's refusal to intervene, her father's angry rejection of her plea for mercy, and her brother's manipulative influence. Clarissa expresses hope that her cousin Morden's return from Florence might save her, but fears a forced marriage before his arrival.

  27. Chapter 27

    Letter 26: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about receiving another letter from Lovelace, who seems to know everything happening in her family, including Hannah's dismissal and her family's resentments. She considers promising him she will never marry Solmes, but expresses concern over his threats of violence and his family's pressure. She has answered his letter, reiterating her preference for a single life and demanding he cease correspondence, though she leaves a small opening for one final letter. She also seeks Anna's help in discreetly learning the opinions of Lovelace's relations about the situation.

  28. Chapter 28

    Letter 27: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing frustration with the Harlowe family's treatment of her and urging her to reclaim her inheritance. She criticizes Solmes and contrasts him unfavorably with Lovelace, while also discussing her mother's interference and her own views on family duty and independence.

  29. Chapter 29

    Letter 28: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa rebukes Anna for her harsh criticisms of the Harlowe family, especially her mother, and defends her father's behavior as stemming from illness and love. She rejects Anna's advice to litigate for her estate, insists on her duty to her parents, and cautiously acknowledges a possible partiality for Lovelace while denying it is love. She also defends Mr. Solmes's person but not his character, and reaffirms the terms of their friendship.

  30. Chapter 30

    Letter 29: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe explaining her decision to change her tone with her family. She decides to let them believe she prefers Lovelace, hoping to alarm them into reconsidering their pressure to marry Solmes. She includes copies of her letters to her brother James and sister Arabella, along with their harsh replies, which accuse her of being in love with Lovelace and threaten further opposition.

  31. Chapter 31

    Letter 30: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe expressing her unease and displeasure at Lovelace's bold appearance at church, which caused a commotion in her family. She criticizes his pride and haughty behavior, fears it may lead to further violence, and laments the family's anger toward her, which she expects will worsen due to this incident.

  32. Chapter 32

    Letter 31: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from the countryside, expressing his frustration and obsession with Clarissa Harlowe. He describes the Harlowes' introduction of Solmes as a suitor, Clarissa's resistance and confinement, and his own conflicted feelings of love and revenge. He details his stratagems, his disdain for Clarissa's family, and his plans to involve Belford and others in his schemes, hinting at future mischief.

  33. Chapter 33

    Letter 32: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, enclosing copies of her letters to her uncles and their replies. She passionately argues against being forced to marry Mr. Solmes, detailing the miseries of a forced marriage and pleading for her free will. Her uncle John Harlowe responds harshly, accusing her of prepossession for Lovelace and defending the family's authority and Solmes's character. Clarissa refutes the charges, declaring she would never marry Solmes even if Lovelace did not exist, and offers to remain single if allowed.

  34. Chapter 34

    Letter 33: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Miss Howe detailing her failed attempt to discourage Mr. Solmes from pursuing her. She encloses her letter to Solmes, his reply, and a harsh letter from her brother James. Clarissa appeals to Solmes's generosity to desist for her sake, but Solmes persists, citing his love and the family's opposition to Lovelace. James's letter rebukes Clarissa for her 'romantic' behavior and reaffirms the family's determination to prevent her marriage to Lovelace.

  35. Chapter 35

    Letter 34: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from a humble inn near Harlowe-place, describing his concealment and his fascination with a simple, innocent local girl he calls 'Rosebud.' He extols her purity and warns Belford not to corrupt her, revealing his own conflicted nature and a plan to reward her virtue with a monetary gift. The letter also touches on his ongoing scheming against the Harlowe family and his reflections on vice and reform.

  36. Chapter 36

    Letter 35: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his manipulation of the Harlowe family through his spy Joseph Leman. He describes how Leman has been planted to monitor Clarissa's movements and has falsely reported that she attempted to bribe him to send a letter, thereby securing the family's trust and ensuring Clarissa's garden walks remain unsuspected. Lovelace reveals he has obtained keys to the garden door and plans a private interview with Clarissa, alternating between hopes of winning her love and threats of revenge if he fails.

  37. Chapter 37

    Letter 36: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a terrifying encounter with Lovelace, who secretly meets her behind a wood-stack near her family's estate. She expresses her shock and displeasure at his bold intrusion, but he argues that her family's cruelty and his own desperation justify his actions. Lovelace pressures Clarissa to consider escaping to his relatives' protection, warning that her family will force her to marry Solmes. Clarissa resists, insisting she will never marry Solmes but also refusing to commit to Lovelace, though she is shaken by his arguments and vehemence.

  38. Chapter 38

    Letter 37: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, urging her to be honest about her feelings for Lovelace. She criticizes Clarissa's family for their persecution and advises her to choose between Lovelace and Solmes. Anna playfully teases Clarissa about a 'conditional liking' for Lovelace and presses her to reveal the state of her heart, while also requesting her opinion on the role of personal appearance in love.

  39. Chapter 39

    Letter 38: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa responds to Anna's critical observations about her feelings for Lovelace, defending her openness and explaining that she writes her heart without reserve. She insists she has written more in dispraise than favor of Lovelace and clarifies that her conditional expressions are meant to maintain her character in an unhappy situation.

  40. Chapter 40

    Letter 39: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts how her family enlisted Mrs. Norton to pressure her into marrying Mr. Solmes. Despite Mrs. Norton's gentle advocacy and Clarissa's offer to remain single, the family insists on absolute obedience, with her brother James Jr. being particularly harsh. Mrs. Norton is unable to sway Clarissa and is dismissed by the family.

  41. Chapter 41

    Letter 40: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    In this midnight letter, Clarissa continues her defense against charges of reserve, analyzing Mr. Lovelace's character in both favorable and unfavorable lights. She weighs his sobriety, generosity, birth, and occasional good behavior against his immoral reputation, artfulness, and lack of a true heart. She also reports Solmes's boastful and degrading remarks about her, which further inflame her distress.

  42. Chapter 42

    Letter 41: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives a letter from her mother urging her to comply with the marriage to Mr. Solmes, offering rich silks, jewels, and financial independence as inducements. Clarissa rejects the offer, leading to a harsh ultimatum from her father threatening disownment and a forced private ceremony. She refuses to see Solmes, causing a family uproar, and learns that her brother and sister may be given control over her, with a warning from her cousin Dolly Hervey.

  43. Chapter 43

    Letter 42: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a heated argument with her sister Arabella, who confronts her on behalf of the family for refusing Mr. Solmes. Arabella mocks Clarissa's piety and her supposed affection for Lovelace, while Clarissa defends herself and proposes a conditional break with Lovelace if she is not forced to marry Solmes. Arabella initially appears to soften but then reveals she was jesting, dashing Clarissa's hopes. Clarissa receives a harsh letter from her brother James, who rejects her proposals and threatens to disown the family if his plans are thwarted.

  44. Chapter 44

    Letter 43: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa describes her anxious anticipation of the family conference, only to be confronted by her sister Arabella, who delivers the family's demand for unconditional obedience. Arabella mocks and insults Clarissa, who struggles to maintain her composure. Clarissa also receives a letter from Lovelace, full of threats and pleas for her to escape, leaving her torn between family duty and her feelings for him.

  45. Chapter 45

    Letter 44: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a visit from her aunt Hervey, accompanied by her sister Arabella, who attempts to persuade her to accept Mr. Solmes. Clarissa remains resolute, arguing for her right to remain single rather than marry a man she detests. The conversation reveals family tensions, with Arabella taunting Clarissa about her supposed preference for Lovelace and threatening that her father's will can override her grandfather's bequest. Clarissa defends her position, insisting she would never marry Lovelace without family consent, but refuses to be forced into a union with Solmes.

  46. Chapter 46

    Letter 45: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a visit from her aunt Hervey and sister Arabella, who pressure her to accept Mr. Solmes. Despite her aunt's kneeling entreaties and Arabella's mocking insults, Clarissa remains steadfast in her refusal, pleading to be sent away rather than marry a man she cannot endure. Her aunt privately admires her resolve but urges submission to her father's will.

  47. Chapter 47

    Letter 46: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Howe responds to Clarissa's letter with a mix of playful banter and serious concern. She discusses her mother's visit to Mrs. Larking, humorously critiques Mr. Hickman's character and appearance, and reflects on Clarissa's difficult situation, suggesting that Clarissa might find Hickman more tolerable due to her own unhappiness.

  48. Chapter 48

    Letter 47: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, criticizing her resolution not to litigate for her rights and urging her to assert herself against her family's tyranny. She reflects on the dynamics of power, pride, and submission within the Harlowe family, particularly regarding Mrs. Harlowe's passive compliance and James Harlowe Jr.'s insolence. Anna defends her frankness as a true friend's duty and warns Clarissa against yielding to unjust treatment.

  49. Chapter 49

    Letter 48: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Howe relays to Clarissa the results of Mr. Hickman's inquiries into Lovelace's reputation in London. Hickman encountered Lovelace's associates Belton and Mowbray, who praised Lovelace's qualities but said nothing of his morals. Miss Howe reflects on Hickman's discomfort with their free speech and recalls a lesson she once gave him about standing up for virtue. She concludes that while Lovelace may be capable of reformation, he still does not deserve Clarissa.

  50. Chapter 50

    Letter 49: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa about an unexpected visit from Lovelace, who seeks her help to win Clarissa's favor. Lovelace proposes schemes for Clarissa to escape her family's persecution, including resuming her estate with the assistance of Lady Betty Lawrance or Lord M. Anna reports Lovelace's threats of violence if Clarissa is forced to marry Solmes, but also his assurances of patience if she remains single. Anna advises Clarissa to make herself independent and to consider resuming her estate, while warning of Lovelace's violent nature.

  51. Chapter 51

    Letter 50: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives a letter from her brother James, conveying the family's unanimous resolution that she must go to her uncle Antony's house to receive Mr. Solmes's visits. The letter threatens confinement and isolation, cutting off her correspondence with Anna Howe. Clarissa writes a defiant reply, accusing her brother of cruelty and refusing to comply unless forced by violence.

  52. Chapter 52

    Letter 51: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa reports that her family is in an uproar over her refusal to comply with their demands. Her brother James writes a more moderate letter, endorsed by her mother, insisting she visit her uncle Antony's estate to entertain Mr. Solmes's courtship. Clarissa responds by appealing directly to her parents, pleading for liberty and expressing her aversion to Solmes, but fears her brother's influence will undermine her.

  53. Chapter 53

    Letter 52: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa forwards to Anna Howe a harsh letter from her brother James, which accuses her of manipulation and defiance, demands her submission to the family's will, and threatens her removal to Uncle Antony's estate. In her own commentary, Clarissa expresses despair at her isolation, wishes for Anna's marriage to Mr. Hickman as a potential refuge, and laments the torment she endures from her family.

  54. Chapter 54

    Letter 53: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa reports that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's house, and recounts overhearing her brother James, sister Arabella, and Mr. Solmes laughing and triumphing over her. She writes a defiant letter to her brother challenging him to an impartial debate, which provokes Arabella to confront her violently. Clarissa resolves not to be moved except by force and fears being hurried away without warning.

  55. Chapter 55

    Letter 54: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa shares a cruel letter from her sister Arabella, who mocks her defiance and announces that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's house. Clarissa's mother responds with a tear-stained note, reaffirming the family's authority. Desperate and isolated, Clarissa seeks Anna's advice on whether to flee to London or to her cousin Morden, while finding solace in setting the 'Ode to Wisdom' to music.

  56. Chapter 56

    Letter 55: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    In a calmer midnight moment, Clarissa reflects on Anna's letters, defending Mr. Hickman's character and gently chiding Anna for her harsh portrayal of him. She then addresses the proposal to assume her estate, explaining the practical and moral obstacles—her uncle's opposition, her cousin's absence, the legal complexities, and her principled refusal to litigate against her father. Clarissa also expresses displeasure with Lovelace's threatening behavior toward her brother and Solmes, and she reproaches Anna for her severe reflections on her family. She concludes by urgently seeking Anna's advice on how to avoid being sent to her uncle Antony's house.

  57. Chapter 57

    Letter 56: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing her admiration and sympathy for Clarissa's plight. She condemns the Harlowe family's persecution and Solmes's crude views on marriage, and offers conflicted advice, urging Clarissa to avoid being forced into marriage with Solmes while acknowledging the difficulty of any alternative.

  58. Chapter 58

    Letter 57: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her deep aversion to Mr. Solmes and her refusal to marry him, while also discussing her conflicted feelings about Mr. Lovelace and her determination not to leave her father's house unless absolutely necessary. She reflects on the pressures from her family and the precariousness of her situation.

  59. Chapter 59

    Letter 58: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Howe relays a conversation with her mother about the nature of love versus duty in marriage, using Clarissa's situation as a case study. Mrs. Howe argues that marriages based on love often fail, while those based on convenience and duty bring lasting satisfaction. Miss Howe counters that Clarissa's family's harsh treatment may drive her to desperate measures, and reads a letter Clarissa wrote personifying an elderly advisor, which advocates for gentle reasoning with young people. The discussion touches on Lovelace's character and the double standards of Clarissa's family.

  60. Chapter 60

    Letter 59: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing apprehension after receiving a letter from Mr. Solmes requesting a private meeting under the pretense of revealing information about Lovelace. She refuses to see him, writing a sharp reply. Her family reacts with fury: her father tears up her letters, her mother refuses to see her, and she is ordered to go to her uncle Antony's house. Desperate, she writes to her uncle John Harlowe, enclosing the rejected letters, hoping for some intervention.

  61. Chapter 61

    Letter 60: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives a tender letter from her uncle John Harlowe, urging her to comply with the family's wishes and marry Mr. Solmes. She responds with a proposal to renounce her grandfather's estate in favor of her sister Arabella, hoping to avoid marriage to Solmes while preserving family harmony. She also mentions receiving a letter from Lovelace but chooses not to open it until she sees the outcome of her offer.

  62. Chapter 62

    Letter 61: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in a state of deep distress, having proposed to renounce her inheritance and live single to avoid marrying Mr. Solmes. Her family rejects the proposal, accusing her of artfulness and rebellion. Her brother James sends a curt command that she prepare to be sent to her uncle Antony's. Clarissa appeals directly to her uncle John Harlowe for a fair answer, but fears further rejection. She also opens Lovelace's letter, which pleads for an interview and offers protection, but she remains uncertain how to respond.

  63. Chapter 63

    Letter 62: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives a harsh letter from her uncle John Harlowe, who condemns her defiance and informs her that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's moated house on Thursday, where she will be pressured to marry Solmes. She also receives a letter from Lovelace, who expresses tender concern for her health and reports that he has been watching and suffering in the rain. He pleads for an interview, offering to bring Lord M. or Lady Betty Lawrance to negotiate with her family, and vows to reform. Despite her misgivings, Clarissa agrees to meet him that night by the ivy summerhouse, though she is troubled by his use of a spy (Joseph Leman) and the pressure of her family's plans.

  64. Chapter 64

    Letter 63: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, recounting a sharp dialogue with the impertinent servant Betty Barnes, who delivers a letter from Uncle John Harlowe demanding Clarissa's compliance with the family's plan to marry her to Solmes. Clarissa revokes her appointment to meet Lovelace, citing the risk of discovery and her determination to avoid Solmes. She writes to her uncle pleading for a fortnight's respite before being sent to Uncle Antony's, hoping to delay the crisis.

  65. Chapter 65

    Letter 64: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe recounting her distress after receiving an angry, impassioned letter from Lovelace, who accuses her of breaking a promise to meet him. She defends her decision to change her mind, rebukes his presumption and impatience, and resolves to maintain her distance from him. She also reflects on her difficult family situation, her aversion to Solmes, and her hope that breaking with Lovelace might restore her family's favor or at least buy time until her cousin Morden arrives.

  66. Chapter 66

    Letter 65: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe explains her recent silence due to being forced by her mother to accompany her to visit a dying cousin, Mrs. Larkin. She describes the tedious journey, her disdain for Mr. Hickman's foppish behavior, and her mother's favoritism toward him. Anna reflects on death and duty, and promises to investigate Lovelace's activities, teasing Clarissa about her feelings for him.

  67. Chapter 67

    Letter 66: Mr. Hickman, to Mrs. Howe

    Mr. Hickman writes to Mrs. Howe expressing his despair over Miss Howe's apparent scorn and his decision to discontinue his addresses, despite his deep love and Mrs. Howe's approval. He reflects on the impossibility of forcing affection and wishes for Miss Howe's future happiness.

  68. Chapter 68

    Letter 67: Mrs. Howe, to Charles Hickman, Esq.

    Mrs. Howe writes to Mr. Hickman, defending her daughter Nancy's skittish behavior and advising him to be patient. She argues that Nancy's free treatment of him indicates her favorable regard, and warns against comparing her to Clarissa Harlowe or showing anger. She invites him to breakfast, urging him to come without resentment.

  69. Chapter 69

    Letter 68: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Howe responds to Clarissa's recent letters, offering a mix of reproof and advice. She warns against Lovelace's manipulative 'ingenuity' and cautions Clarissa about the dangers of forgiving his faults. She also advises Clarissa to stand firm against her family's pressure, particularly regarding the impending interview with Solmes, and criticizes the treatment she receives from her relatives.

  70. Chapter 70

    Letter 69: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, acknowledging her silence and expressing anxiety over their friendship. She defends Anna's satirical style as instructive and good-natured, contrasting it with the harsh satire of modern writers. Clarissa describes her precarious situation, torn between the 'rocks' of Lovelace and the 'sands' of Solmes, and considers the possibility of seeking refuge under Anna's mother's protection until her cousin Morden arrives. She details her precautions, including depositing linen and papers secretly, and notes that Lovelace has not written to her, leaving her feeling 'vexedly easy'.

  71. Chapter 71

    Letter 70: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe reports on her investigation into Lovelace's behavior at an inn, where he has been pursuing a young innocent girl named Rosebud. She details his rakish activities, his deception of the locals, and expresses her determination to rescue the girl. Anna warns Clarissa of Lovelace's true character and advises her against both Solmes and Lovelace.

  72. Chapter 72

    Letter 71: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna in a state of alarm after hearing rumors about Lovelace's involvement with a young, innocent girl in disguise. She condemns his behavior and expresses her determination to avoid him, refusing to open his letter until she learns more.

  73. Chapter 73

    Letter 72: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Howe writes to Clarissa to correct her earlier accusation against Lovelace, revealing that after further inquiry she finds him innocent of the charge. She describes how Lovelace has helped a young country girl and her fiancé, giving them money and promoting their marriage, and has even acted as a moral instructor. Miss Howe expresses concern that this evidence of Lovelace's goodness may engage Clarissa's generosity and turn her conditional liking into unconditional affection.

  74. Chapter 74

    Letter 73: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, reflecting on her hasty censure of Lovelace regarding the 'pretty rustic' incident, which has been cleared up. She acknowledges Lovelace's faults but appreciates his generosity, though she remains wary of his controlling nature and methods. She discusses her family's pressure to marry Solmes, her uncle Antony's impending visit, and her hope that Colonel Morden's arrival may provide an escape. She also critiques Lovelace's anti-matrimonial views and his manipulation of servants, while expressing her determination to resist forced marriage.

  75. Chapter 75

    Letter 74: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe acknowledges receipt of Clarissa's parcel and discusses the traitor Joseph Leman's vigilance. She recounts reading Clarissa's letters to her mother, who is charmed by Clarissa's sentiments. Anna's conversation is interrupted by Mr. Hickman, whom she treats with playful disdain. She declines to open Clarissa's sealed parcels, trusting her conduct entirely, and playfully hints at Clarissa's internal struggle regarding Lovelace. Anna scolds Clarissa for overpaying her mother's servants, praising her generosity while critiquing her singular virtue.

  76. Chapter 76

    Letter 75: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa describes a day of puzzling behavior from her family, who treat her with unexpected kindness and avoid discussing the forced marriage to Solmes. She recounts visits from Dr. Lewen and her uncle Harlowe, both of whom refuse to engage on the subject, and notes her brother and sister's affectionate demeanor. Clarissa also shares Lovelace's letter, which promises reformation and warns against going to her uncle Antony's moated house. She expresses hope in Anna's efforts with her mother and offers to flee to Anna if necessary.

  77. Chapter 77

    Letter 76: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her distress over the impending meeting with Mr. Solmes and sharing Lovelace's urgent warnings and proposals for her escape. She reiterates her determination to never marry Solmes and pleads for Anna's prayers as she faces the dreaded interview.

  78. Chapter 78

    Letter 77: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe on the morning of her dreaded interview with Mr. Solmes. She describes a sleepless night and a tense visit from her aunt Hervey, who pressures her to comply with her family's wishes and receive Solmes as a suitor. Clarissa resists, arguing that the meeting is a trick to force her compliance, and expresses her distress at being manipulated by her brother and the rest of the family.

  79. Chapter 79

    Letter 78: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa describes a tense confrontation with her family and Mr. Solmes, who is presented as a suitor. She resists their pressure, defends her principles, and argues against Solmes's character while hinting at her preference for Lovelace. The chapter highlights her isolation and the family's coercive tactics.

  80. Chapter 80

    Letter 79: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe detailing the escalating pressures from her family to marry Mr. Solmes. She describes her aunt's attempt to persuade her to hear Solmes's accusations against Lovelace, a violent confrontation with her brother who forces her into a room with Solmes, and the confiscation of her pens and ink by her parents. Clarissa remains defiant, refusing to see Solmes again and asserting her aversion to him.

  81. Chapter 81

    Letter 80: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, describing her growing desperation as her family tightens control over her. She has deposited a long letter and Lovelace's letters, and finds another from Lovelace urging her to escape before she is forced to marry Solmes. She recounts overhearing her father delegate authority over her to her brother and sister, and her mother's harsh refusal of her inquiries. Betty delivers threats of further restrictions on her walks and writing. Clarissa feels torn between her family's coercion and Lovelace's violent schemes, and ends the letter in a state of anxiety, noting mysterious activity in the house.

  82. Chapter 82

    Letter 81: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters detailing the interview with Solmes. She expresses outrage at the Harlowe family's treatment of Clarissa, praises her spirit, and offers advice on possible courses of action, including going to London or marrying Lovelace. Anna also reveals her failure to secure her mother's protection for Clarissa and proposes they elope together.

  83. Chapter 83

    Letter 82: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa reflects on her dire situation, acknowledging her family's hostility and her own hidden pride. She rejects Anna's proposals to elope with Lovelace or seek protection from his family, and instead considers escaping to London alone, though she fears the practical and moral difficulties.

  84. Chapter 84

    Letter 83: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa reveals that her family, having received intelligence of Lovelace's violent intentions, has changed their plan: instead of sending her to her uncle's, they intend to force her to marry Solmes on Wednesday. Her aunt Hervey delivers the ultimatum, offering a week's reprieve only if Clarissa promises not to write and to marry Solmes afterward. Overhearing her brother and sister gloating over the scheme, Clarissa's despair turns to defiance, and she writes to Lovelace proposing to escape to his aunts' protection.

  85. Chapter 85

    Letter 84: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe recounting a disturbing dream and her aunt Hervey's visit. She has sent a letter to Lovelace and now regrets it. Her aunt pressures her to comply with her family's demand to marry Solmes, but Clarissa refuses. She is torn between her family's authority and her own will.

  86. Chapter 86

    Letter 85: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a letter from Lovelace full of vows and promises, proposing she escape to Lady Betty Lawrance's protection. She is torn between the pressure from her family to marry Solmes and her fear of committing to Lovelace. She describes her worsening health and the family's plan to force her to sign marriage articles on Wednesday, with her father presiding. She resolves to postpone her appointment with Lovelace if possible, but feels trapped and without pity from her family.

  87. Chapter 87

    Letter 86: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe detailing her decision to leave her family home with Lovelace's assistance on Monday next. She outlines the terms of her departure, including her insistence on privacy, her refusal to litigate for her estate, and her conditions for Lovelace's conduct. She expresses deep regret and anxiety about the step, noting Solmes's presence and her family's watchfulness, while describing the practical arrangements for the escape.

  88. Chapter 88

    Letter 87: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing frustration over her mother's interference and the family's pressure on Clarissa to marry Solmes. She urges Clarissa to consider eloping with her instead of Lovelace, and if she must go with Lovelace, to marry him immediately to protect her reputation. Anna defends her offer of assistance and critiques Clarissa's punctiliousness in her dire situation.

  89. Chapter 89

    Letter 88: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives an ecstatic reply from Lovelace, who promises to comply with all her wishes regarding a private lodging and future plans. He assures her of his family's support, financial security, and willingness to reconcile with her family. Despite his reassurances, Clarissa is filled with doubt and anxiety about eloping, contemplating retreating to a single life instead.

  90. Chapter 90

    Letter 89: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa responds to Anna's critical letter, defending her own conduct and explaining her decision to revoke her appointment with Lovelace. She resolves to face her family's pressure to marry Solmes, hoping to sway them through prayers and appeals, rather than elope. She prioritizes self-acquittal and seeks to avoid rash actions, trusting in her own conscience.

  91. Chapter 91

    Letter 90: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe on Sunday, April 9, describing her family's mistrust and surveillance. She has written to Lovelace to suspend their planned elopement, hoping for a peaceful resolution. She fears being forced to marry Solmes on Wednesday. Betty Barnes searches her belongings, and Clarissa learns that Mrs. Norton will be brought to persuade her. She receives a note from Dolly Hervey warning of a license for the wedding and a planned search for letters. Clarissa waits anxiously for Lovelace's response.

  92. Chapter 92

    Letter 91: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe from the Ivy Summerhouse, detailing a visit from her aunt who conducts a search of her belongings under family orders. Clarissa cleverly complies to avoid suspicion while secretly preparing for a clandestine meeting with Lovelace. She wrestles with anxiety over the impending interview, torn between duty and her own inclinations, and reflects on her brother's cunning and the family's oppressive surveillance.

  93. Chapter 93

    Letter 92: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in deep distress after eloping with Lovelace. She confesses her rashness and seeks forgiveness, asking Anna to suspend judgment until she can explain fully. She requests her linen parcel and expresses anguish over her family's likely reaction.

  94. Chapter 94

    Letter 93: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa in shock after learning of her elopement with Lovelace. She expresses astonishment that Clarissa changed her mind, blames her family for pushing her to it, and urgently advises her to marry Lovelace immediately if not already married. Anna also worries about how to break the news to her mother and notes that Clarissa's brother and sister will be triumphant.

  95. Chapter 95

    Letter 94: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Miss Howe, expressing deep self-reproach and fear of social condemnation. She recounts her internal debate about whether to elope with Lovelace, her attempts to rationalize staying, and the tense confrontation in which Lovelace pressures her to flee, warning of the imminent threat of forced marriage to Solmes. Despite her resistance, she is ultimately drawn into a compromising situation.

  96. Chapter 96

    Letter 95: Mr. Lovelace, to Joseph Leman

    Lovelace writes to Joseph Leman, detailing his plan for Clarissa's escape from her family's garden. He instructs Joseph to create a disturbance to frighten Clarissa into fleeing with him, and provides elaborate signals and contingencies to ensure the plot succeeds without revealing Joseph's involvement.

  97. Chapter 97

    Letter 96: To Robert Lovelace, Esquier, His Honner

    Joseph Leman writes to Lovelace, expressing his gratitude for Lovelace's bounty but also his anxiety about the intricate and risky commands he has been given. He reassures Lovelace of his loyalty and honesty, while also hinting at his ambition for an inn and his concern for Clarissa's well-being. Leman reflects on his moral qualms and his perception of Lovelace's true character.

  98. Chapter 98

    Letter 97: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from St. Alban's, exulting in his successful elopement with Clarissa. He revels in his triumph over her family, yet is troubled by her evident grief and lack of affection. He resolves to test her love and asserts his control over her situation.

  99. Chapter 99

    Letter 98: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts her forced elopement with Lovelace, describing the frantic journey to St. Alban's and her subsequent distress. She details her arrival at an inn, where Lovelace pretends to be her brother to explain her disheveled state. Clarissa reflects on Lovelace's triumphant demeanor, her own guilt and remorse, and her growing unease about his character. She also shares a conversation with Mrs. Greme about Lovelace's reputation and her current lodgings at Mrs. Sorlings' farm.

  100. Chapter 100

    Letter 99: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his successful elopement with Clarissa. He describes her beauty and dress in detail, revels in his power over her, and debates whether to marry her or seduce her. He acknowledges his conflicting feelings of reverence and vengefulness, and resolves to proceed cautiously, keeping his options open.

  101. Chapter 101

    Letter 100: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing unwavering support and admiration for her friend's integrity despite the family's harsh treatment. She recounts a visit from Uncle Antony, who attempted to turn Mrs. Howe against Clarissa, leading to a prohibition on their correspondence. Anna defies this, vowing to continue writing. She advises Clarissa to consider marrying Lovelace if a good opportunity arises, or to secure her own estate. Anna offers financial assistance and arranges a new channel for their letters via Mr. Hickman. She also relays the family's reaction to Clarissa's flight, including a staged alarm by Joseph Leman, and warns Clarissa about Lovelace's potential duplicity.

  102. Chapter 102

    Letter 101: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing deep concern over the discord between Anna and her mother caused by their correspondence. She reflects on her own loss of character and the painful doubts she endures. Clarissa advises Anna to obey her mother and temporarily cease their correspondence, fearing her own example may corrupt Anna. She discusses her precarious situation with Lovelace, her hopes for reconciliation with her family, and her reliance on her cousin Morden's return. Clarissa also criticizes Lovelace's arrogant spirit and laments being tricked into elopement. She encloses a copy of her letter to her sister and reaffirms her desire to retire to her estate if permitted.

  103. Chapter 103

    Letter 102: To Miss Arabella Harlowe

    Clarissa writes to her sister Arabella, confessing that her elopement with Lovelace was a rash and undutiful act, but one driven by her family's severity and the threat of being forced to marry Solmes. She expresses a desire to return home under reasonable conditions, pleads for leniency to restore her reputation, and requests her clothes, money, books, and jewels be sent to her.

  104. Chapter 104

    Letter 103: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts to Belford the journey and arrival at St. Albans with Clarissa, detailing his manipulation of perceptions (posing as a brother), his arguments with Clarissa, his internal conflict between desire for marriage and love of intrigue, and his strategic use of a promise to secure a kiss. He also reveals his manipulation of the Harlowe family through Joseph Leman and his satisfaction at their continued rage.

  105. Chapter 105

    Letter 104: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his efforts to maintain Clarissa's trust by introducing Mrs. Greme as a respectable companion and allowing her to choose lodgings. He reflects on his rakish reputation, his manipulation of the Howe family through Joseph Leman, and his anxiety over Clarissa's correspondence with Anna Howe.

  106. Chapter 106

    Letter 105: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his ongoing correspondence with Clarissa, his schemes to control her communications, and his plans to prevent a reconciliation with her family. He discusses his alias 'Robert Huntingford,' his instructions for directing letters, and his interactions with the Sorlings family, while asserting his unwavering fixation on Clarissa.

  107. Chapter 107

    Letter 106: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace exults over Clarissa's escape from marrying Solmes, comparing the Harlowe family to timid spiders and himself to a bold adventurer above the law. He muses on his past misdeeds, blaming women for his moral failings, and jokes about segregating churches by gender. He mentions his 'Rosebud' affair and laments that his good deeds go uncredited while his faults are highlighted.

  108. Chapter 108

    Letter 107: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a heated debate with Lovelace, who demands more of her time and company. She rebukes his impertinence and insists on her independence. Lovelace apologizes and proposes a speedy marriage, but Clarissa, torn between her situation and her pride, rejects the offer and resolves to distance herself from him.

  109. Chapter 109

    Letter 108: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, reflecting on his pursuit of Clarissa and his frustration at her rejection. He boasts of his restraint and plans to feign reformation to win her over, while expressing anger at her criticisms and hints at future coercion.

  110. Chapter 110

    Letter 109: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his psychological victory over Clarissa. He interprets her distress and silent tears as a sign of her hidden desire for marriage, and he resolves to continue his manipulative games rather than offer genuine reform or commitment.

  111. Chapter 111

    Letter 110: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace engages in a self-justifying argument with Belford, questioning the foundations of Clarissa's virtue. He speculates that her virtue may be rooted in pride rather than principle, and rationalizes his plan to test her chastity. He reflects on her past correspondence with him as evidence of fallibility, and asserts that a wife's purity is paramount, even for a libertine husband.

  112. Chapter 112

    Letter 111: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, defending her own quarrels with her mother and urging Clarissa not to be overly self-accusatory. She reports that Clarissa's family has refused to send her money and clothes, and advises Clarissa to accept her offers of help and to adopt a more strategic approach in her dealings with Lovelace, balancing sweetness with reserve. Anna also touches on her own relationship with her mother and Mr. Hickman, and expresses deep concern for Clarissa's uncertain situation.

  113. Chapter 113

    Letter 112: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing hope that her family will eventually reconcile with her and send her clothes and money. She reflects on her relationship with Lovelace, denying that she ever encouraged him or promised love, and insists that her correspondence with him was initially for others' sakes. She defends herself against accusations of wearing a 'veil' and questions whether Lovelace intends to humble her. Clarissa also advises Anna on the duty of obedience to parents, drawing from her own painful experience, and acknowledges Anna's advice to be more reserved with Lovelace, though she cannot bring herself to palliate her feelings.

  114. Chapter 114

    Letter 113: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa confronts Lovelace about the garden-door incident and his manipulation of Joseph Leman. Lovelace confesses to bribing Leman to spy on her family and to orchestrating the alarm that forced her to flee with him. He admits he left her revocation letter at the loose bricks to ensure she would meet him, and reveals he planned to abduct Solmes if necessary. Clarissa is horrified by his deceit and acknowledges her own weakness in trusting him.

  115. Chapter 115

    Letter 114: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about her confrontation with Lovelace, expressing her disgust at his manners, contrivances, and threats against her brother and Solmes. Lovelace dismisses his menaces as mere pleasantry and claims his reputation is exaggerated, but Clarissa remains deeply troubled by his lack of moral character and her own desperate situation.

  116. Chapter 116

    Letter 115: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace exults in his schemes against the Harlowes, mocking their foolishness and predicting Clarissa's fall. He recounts his conversation with her about the garden-door noise, boasts of his stratagems, and reflects on bashfulness, modesty, and the nature of women. He also details his menaces toward her brother and Solmes, and his plans to punish Betty Barnes and Joseph Leman.

  117. Chapter 117

    Letter 116: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a conversation with Lovelace in which he reports that her family has ceased pursuing her, proposes a move to Windsor, and offers to send for her servant Hannah. Lovelace confesses his rakish past and expresses a desire for reformation through Clarissa's example, sharing a story of a past illness that briefly changed his heart. Clarissa responds with cautious hope, urging him to maintain his resolutions, while resolving to remain vigilant and keep him at a distance. She also writes to her aunt Hervey to plead for her clothes, books, and money, and to seek reconciliation with her family on terms that would allow her to live single.

  118. Chapter 118

    Letter 117: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his vanity and boasting of his inventive schemes. He recounts his interactions with Clarissa, his efforts to regain her favor after alarming her with threats, and his strategic proposal of Windsor lodgings to gain her trust. He also discusses his plans to use servants and agents like Joseph Leman to monitor Clarissa and manage potential obstacles, particularly from Miss Howe.

  119. Chapter 119

    Letter 118: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration that he cannot oblige Clarissa to accept money or gifts from him, as he believes financial dependence would humble her pride. He recounts his manipulative proposal to have Hannah or one of the Sorlings attend her, revealing his secret delight that Hannah is ill and thus unavailable. He also reflects on his own reformation as intermittent and admits a desire to bring Clarissa down to his level through some imperfection, so their comfort might be mutual.

  120. Chapter 120

    Letter 119: Miss Howe, to Mis Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing her mixed feelings about Lovelace's apparent candor and self-accusations. She advises Clarissa to marry the canon as soon as possible, while also criticizing her for meeting Lovelace. Anna repeats her offer of financial assistance and conveys Mr. Hickman's respects.

  121. Chapter 121

    Letter 120: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her doubts about Lovelace's sincerity and reformation. She reflects on her precarious situation, considers seeking Lady Betty's protection, and shares a letter from Mrs. Greme praising Lovelace's devotion. Clarissa laments her fall from grace and warns against the dangers of inconsiderate actions, while gently chiding Anna for her treatment of Mr. Hickman.

  122. Chapter 122

    Letter 121: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe recounting Lovelace's return from Windsor, where he found no suitable apartments. She describes their heated argument about her staying at Mrs. Sorlings's, his proposal to put herself under Lady Betty's protection, and his violent, passionate pleas for her to marry him. Clarissa expresses fear and distrust of Lovelace's motives, feeling trapped and uncertain about her next move.

  123. Chapter 123

    Letter 122: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, describing Lovelace's sudden humility and his apparent acceptance of her terms for reconciliation with her family. He shows her parts of letters from Lady Betty Lawrance and Miss Montague, which express support for their marriage. Clarissa remains wary of Lovelace's variable nature, calling him a 'perfect Proteus' and a 'chameleon,' and questions his sincerity.

  124. Chapter 124

    Letter 123: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about her conversation with Lovelace, in which she resists his urgings to go to Lady Betty's, expresses her desire for independence and reconciliation with her family, and criticizes his libertine character and inconsistent politeness. Lovelace defends himself with scriptural allusions, revealing his uneasy relationship with religion, while Clarissa insists on his absence and her need to appear independent.

  125. Chapter 125

    Letter 124: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a conversation with Lovelace in which she attempts to reprove him for his faults, but he deflects with flattery and shifts the discussion to practical proposals for her future. He offers to arrange her residence with the Howes, to escort her to her cousin Morden in Florence, or to have his cousins accompany her. Clarissa declines the offer of his personal escort, citing propriety, and decides to wait for word from her aunt or sister before making any decisions.

  126. Chapter 126

    Letter 125: Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa and Lovelace discuss possible living arrangements and servants. Lovelace offers to fetch her maid Hannah or Mrs. Norton, but Clarissa hesitates, fearing to embroil others with her family. She considers London but is wary of Lovelace's motives, noting his shifting character and her own isolation.

  127. Chapter 127

    Letter 126: Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about her restless night and a morning conversation with Lovelace regarding suitable London lodgings. They discuss the difficulty of finding accommodations that are independent of Lovelace's acquaintances and safe from her family's discovery. Lovelace writes to Mr. Doleman to secure proper apartments for her, and Clarissa awaits his reply while remaining ready to depart for London.

  128. Chapter 128

    Letter 127: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, recounting his return to find Clarissa in a solemn mood after receiving letters from Anna Howe. He describes his frustration at being kept at a distance, his schemes to intercept their correspondence, and his manipulative tactics to get Clarissa to propose London herself. He exults in his power over the families and boasts of his ability to outwit Clarissa and Anna. After a violent outburst where he seizes her hand and frightens her, he is forced to withdraw and now anxiously seeks readmission to her presence.

  129. Chapter 129

    Letter 128: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, discussing the pressures from Clarissa's family and society for her to marry Lovelace, the dangers of delay, and her own mother's interference. She analyzes Lovelace's character, advises Clarissa to consider marriage, and offers financial support. Anna also critiques Hickman's submissive courtship and reflects on the dynamics of power in relationships.

  130. Chapter 130

    Letter 129: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing relief that Anna approves of her move to London, but is deeply troubled by the disagreement between Anna and her mother. She insists on knowing the full details, and offers to accept financial help from Anna only if it can be done without forcing Anna to lie. Clarissa also laments her inability to have her servant Hannah, and sends two guineas for her. She is hurt by her uncle's cruel insinuations, which she blames on her brother James.

  131. Chapter 131

    Letter 130: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa shares Mr. Doleman's letter detailing potential London lodgings, including a widow's house in Dover Street. She chooses those lodgings, discusses her travel plans, and notes Lovelace's considerate gestures, such as giving money for her servant Hannah and suggesting she bring an attendant.

  132. Chapter 132

    Letter 131: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace shares with Belford his scheme to secure lodgings in London for Clarissa, revealing his manipulation of the correspondence with Mr. Doleman and his delight in outwitting her. He boasts of his plot, including the false name 'Sinclair' for the brothel keeper, and his plan to control information to prevent Clarissa from discovering the truth.

  133. Chapter 133

    Letter 132: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe warns Clarissa that her brother James plans to find her, waylay her, and have her taken by ship to a remote house, while also pursuing a prosecution against Lovelace. Anna advises Clarissa to inform Lovelace of the plot but to keep Miss Lloyd's name secret. She also recounts a quarrel with her mother over the correspondence, during which her mother slapped her hands, and notes that Mr. Hickman has secretly sent money to Hannah Burton and supports the correspondence.

  134. Chapter 134

    Letter 133: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing deep concern over Anna's disobedience to her mother. She argues that filial duty is paramount and that Anna's rebellious actions, though motivated by friendship, are unjustifiable. Clarissa reflects on her own fallen state as a cautionary example, emphasizing the need for parental vigilance over daughters, especially between ages sixteen and twenty-one. She gently rebukes Anna for criticizing her parents' past conduct and urges submission to maternal authority.

  135. Chapter 135

    Letter 134: Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, gently reproaching her for her critical and supercilious treatment of Mr. Hickman, defending his modest and worthy character, and reflecting on the nature of modesty versus confidence. She also declines Anna's repeated offers of financial assistance, wishing to keep their correspondence free of such obligations.

  136. Chapter 136

    Letter 135: Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa writes to Anna about the prohibition on their correspondence, expressing her need to write and her desire to continue under certain conditions. She discusses the possibility of reconciling with her family and the risks of revealing her story, and proposes that Anna's mother might oversee their letters in confidence. She also mentions her planned move to town and her fear that her situation may lead her into evasions from the truth.

  137. Chapter 137

    Letter 136: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, explaining that her mother refuses to comply with Clarissa's condition to cease their correspondence. Anna defends her decision to continue writing, arguing that the prohibition stems from the same spiteful minds that caused Clarissa's troubles. She also discusses her dynamic with Mr. Hickman, asserting her need to maintain power in their relationship.

  138. Chapter 138

    Letter 137: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about Lovelace's report of her brother James's scheme to have her kidnapped by Captain Singleton. She discusses her fears and Lovelace's reaction, which she finds both reassuring and troubling. Lovelace presses her to accept his marriage proposal, but she deflects, hoping for Colonel Morden's intervention. The letter reveals Clarissa's conflicted feelings and her struggle to maintain independence while relying on Lovelace's protection.

  139. Chapter 139

    Letter 138: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts to Belford a moment of vulnerability where he nearly proposed marriage to Clarissa, overcome by her beauty and confusion. He describes his impulsive offer, her tearful refusal, and his realization that her hesitation stems from fear of her family and hope for her cousin Morden's intervention. Lovelace resolves to continue his schemes, viewing her resistance as a challenge to his pride.

  140. Chapter 140

    Letter 139: To Robert Lovelace, Esq. His Honner

    Joseph Leman writes to Lovelace about gathering evidence from his cousin Titus regarding Lovelace's past seduction and rape of Miss Batirton of Nottingham, which Solmes planned to use against Lovelace. Leman expresses fear for Lovelace's life and offers to help prevent mischief, while also reporting on Captain Singleton and James Harlowe Jr.'s plotting for revenge. He reveals his own complicity in spreading stories that hardened the Harlowes against Clarissa, and worries about her safety.

  141. Chapter 141

    Letter 140: Mr. Lovelace, to Joseph Leman

    Lovelace writes to Joseph Leman, reassuring him of his abilities and addressing Joseph's qualms about his past with Miss Betterton. He defends his character, claiming he is reformed and strictly virtuous now, and outlines his plan to manipulate the Harlowe family through Joseph. Lovelace proposes using Captain Singleton to suggest carrying off Clarissa to Leith, and insists Joseph must persevere in their scheme, warning that if Clarissa is not secured, all their efforts will be lost.

  142. Chapter 142

    Letter 141: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Hervey

    Clarissa writes to her aunt Mrs. Hervey, expressing distress over not receiving a reply to her previous letter. She encloses a copy of that letter and pleads for her aunt's intercession in achieving a reconciliation with her family on less harsh terms. Clarissa requests the return of her clothes, money, and belongings, and hints at her miserable situation, though she notes that the person from whom she expected evil has behaved well so far. She asks for a reply directed to Mr. Osgood's near Soho-square.

  143. Chapter 143

    Letter 142: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing frustration with Lovelace's teasing behavior and doubting his sincerity. She advises Clarissa to either despise and hate Lovelace or commit to him fully by seeking protection from his family. Anna criticizes Clarissa's scruples and urges her to act decisively, warning against her brother's plots.

  144. Chapter 144

    Letter 143: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, urging him to reconsider his schemes against Clarissa. He argues that her virtue is unparalleled and that the trials he plans are unfair given her isolation and his manipulative resources. Belford appeals to Lovelace's self-interest, family honor, and the possibility of a happy marriage, warning him against pursuing revenge and further temptation.

  145. Chapter 145

    Letter 144: Mrs. Hervey, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Hervey writes to Clarissa, expressing her sorrow and disappointment over Clarissa's elopement with Lovelace. She reveals that Clarissa's family had been prepared to show leniency if Clarissa had stood her ground, but her flight has caused irreparable damage. Mrs. Hervey warns Clarissa of Lovelace's untrustworthiness and the impossibility of reconciliation, urging her to reflect on her actions.

  146. Chapter 146

    Letter 145: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe after receiving a letter from her aunt Hervey, which reveals that her father had intended to kneel to her in reconciliation before her flight. She laments being forced into Lovelace's power, expresses regret for not facing her family's trial, and reflects on her aversion to Solmes and her disappointment with Lovelace's character. She resolves to maintain her integrity and seek fortitude in the face of Providence's trials.

  147. Chapter 147

    Letter 146: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in deep despair, revealing that she has received a letter from her sister Arabella that includes a father's curse. She feels her heart is broken and believes the curse extends beyond this life, urging Anna to shun and avoid corresponding with her as she feels utterly devoted to ruin.

  148. Chapter 148

    Letter 147: To Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa receives a harsh letter from her sister Arabella, who informs her that the family has disowned her, her father has cursed her, and she will not receive her clothes, books, money, or jewels. The family renounces her, and Arabella warns that she will likely be ruined by Lovelace.

  149. Chapter 149

    Letter 148: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to comfort Clarissa after receiving a cruel letter from Arabella Harlowe containing a parental curse. She reassures Clarissa that God does not sanction such curses and urges her not to despair. Anna criticizes the Harlowe family's hypocrisy and advises Clarissa to marry Lovelace promptly. She also warns that the family's plot to seize Clarissa may not be over and recommends secrecy in London. Anna sends fifty guineas and vows not to marry until Clarissa's happiness is secured.

  150. Chapter 150

    Letter 149: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe on the morning of her departure for London, expressing comfort from Anna's letter but deep distress after receiving a violent letter from her sister. She has accepted Lovelace's declarations and is now more in his power than ever, though she feels unhinged and without resolution. Lovelace has offered marriage, but Clarissa hesitates due to lack of preparation and her overwhelming grief. She returns Anna's money, hoping to preserve her mother's favor, and asks for continued friendship.

  151. Chapter 151

    Letter 150: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing joy that her prospects have improved after Lovelace's vile letter and treatment. She urges Clarissa to marry Lovelace immediately, arguing that she should not let punctilio stand in the way. Anna contrasts Lovelace's spirited but dangerous nature with Mr. Hickman's dull but safe character. She also reveals that her mother has been meeting with Clarissa's uncle and has been strict about correspondence, even catechizing Mr. Hickman. Anna ends affectionately, reaffirming her love for Clarissa.

  152. Chapter 152

    Letter 151: From Miss Howe

    Miss Howe reports her investigation into the Harlowe family's intentions before Clarissa's departure, revealing that Clarissa's mother had planned to intervene and change the family's harsh measures, but Clarissa's elopement with Lovelace preempted this. Clarissa's reply reflects on her regret, her illness, her conflicted feelings about continuing correspondence with Anna against parental prohibition, and a hope for future reconciliation through her uncle Harlowe.

  153. Chapter 153

    Letter 152: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, describing how a violent letter from Clarissa's family, including a father's curse, has driven her into his arms. He recounts how he found her in fits and brought her back to life, leading her to acknowledge her preference for him and agree to marry him, though she postpones the ceremony and insists on going to London. Lovelace exults in his progress but hints at his continued duplicity, debating whether to remain honest or resume his schemes.

  154. Chapter 154

    Letter 153: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his conflicted feelings as preparations for London proceed. He struggles with his own villainous impulses, observing Clarissa's dejection and vulnerability. He contemplates the possibility of marriage but fears a joyless union, and instead fantasizes about a life of 'honour' with her outside wedlock. He also describes his method of testing a woman's virtue through indecent materials.

  155. Chapter 155

    Letter 154: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes triumphantly to Belford about having successfully brought Clarissa to Mrs. Sinclair's London brothel, disguised as a respectable lodging. He details his plans to manipulate Clarissa, including introducing the illiterate maid Dorcas Wykes to control her correspondence, and his intention to claim they are already married. He wrestles briefly with a pang of conscience but resolves to proceed with his scheme, driven by revenge against the Harlowes and the urgings of the women of the house.

  156. Chapter 156

    Letter 155: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe from her new lodgings in London, describing her arrival and the uncomfortable situation created by Lovelace's deception. He has told the landlady, Mrs. Sinclair, and her household that they are secretly married, forcing Clarissa into a false appearance. She expresses her unease with the servant Dorcas and her frustration with Lovelace's manipulative behavior, while also chiding Anna for her resolution against marrying Mr. Hickman.

  157. Chapter 157

    Letter 156: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe acknowledges receipt of Clarissa's letters and describes a new arrangement with an honest higler named Simon Collins to facilitate daily correspondence. She congratulates Clarissa on her improved spirits and arrival in town, expresses concern about the women Clarissa is staying with, and comments on Lovelace's report that they are married. Anna advises Clarissa to be cautious, not to make enemies, and to insist on marriage if Lovelace does not soon re-urge it. She reassures Clarissa of her vigilance regarding the letters and expresses a wish that they were truly married.

  158. Chapter 158

    Letter 157: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe expressing her displeasure with Lovelace for his boldness and untruths. She describes her interactions with the widow and her nieces, noting her discomfort and suspicion that they are more familiar with Lovelace than they appear. Lovelace departs on a journey, leaving Clarissa with a bank note and his servant William, while she contemplates writing to her uncle Harlowe.

  159. Chapter 159

    Letter 158: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about Lovelace's return and his evasion of his promise to leave for Berkshire. He pressures her to marry immediately, proposing to find a house and set up an establishment. Clarissa, though uneasy, decides not to insist on his promise due to his excuses about her brother's plots and the civility of the people below. Lovelace's letter to Belford reveals his manipulative schemes, including the introduction of a fabricated widow and the planned visit of his libertine friends, as he wavers between honorable intentions and deceit.

  160. Chapter 160

    Letter 159: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his Sunday with Clarissa, including attending church together and his schemes to manipulate her. He describes his good behavior at church, his reflections on the sermon about David and Bathsheba, and his plans to have Clarissa attend a collation with his friends. He boasts of his control over the household and his confidence in soon achieving his aims.

  161. Chapter 161

    Letter 160: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe describing a relatively pleasant Sunday spent with Mr. Lovelace, including attending church and dining with the widow and her nieces. She praises Lovelace's good behavior and serious discourse, though she remains cautious about his constancy. She reflects on her own tendency to judge others harshly and resolves to be more charitable. The letter ends with her displeasure at being introduced to Miss Partington and being obliged to attend Lovelace's collation, which she anticipates with dread.

  162. Chapter 162

    Letter 161: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa describes a painful evening spent in the company of Mr. Lovelace's libertine friends—Belton, Mowbray, Tourville, and Belford—along with Mrs. Sinclair and Miss Partington. She provides detailed character sketches of each gentleman, noting their vices and affectations, and reflects on the discomfort of being in such company, feeling that her reputation is compromised by her association with Lovelace.

  163. Chapter 163

    Letter 162: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about an unsettling incident where Mrs. Sinclair pressures her to share a bed with Miss Partington, a request Clarissa refuses due to suspicions about the household and its inhabitants. She reflects on her unease with Lovelace's associates and her growing distrust of her situation.

  164. Chapter 164

    Letter 163: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe with deep regret, informing her that she can no longer correspond due to a direct prohibition from Mrs. Howe. She encloses Mrs. Howe's letter, which forbids further writing without permission, and urges Anna not to become inflamed or reveal the true reason for the cessation. Clarissa reassures Anna that her prospects are not bad, mentioning the respectful treatment at her lodging, Miss Martin's upcoming marriage, and Mr. Lovelace's promise not to introduce his friends without her consent, hoping Anna will cheerfully acquiesce for her sake.

  165. Chapter 165

    Letter 164: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe expresses astonishment at her mother's prohibition of their correspondence but resolves to continue writing to Clarissa in secret. She offers to flee to London to aid Clarissa if necessary, discusses the silence in the Harlowe family regarding Clarissa's brother's schemes, criticizes Lovelace's companions, advises Clarissa on practical matters such as settlements and the widow lady's house, and insists that Clarissa continue to write to her with full details.

  166. Chapter 166

    Letter 165: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, pleading with her not to follow her example by defying her mother and eloping. She argues that Anna's situation is different and that such a rash act would bring maternal malediction and public shame. Clarissa urges Anna to subdue her passions and obey her mother, insisting that Anna cease writing to her and instead communicate through Mr. Hickman. Clarissa expresses distress at Anna's 'flaming love' and the discomposure it causes.

  167. Chapter 167

    Letter 166: Mr. Hickman, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mr. Hickman writes to Clarissa at Miss Howe's command, expressing her concern over the distress caused by her last letter and assuring Clarissa that she will not pursue the matter that alarmed her. He offers his own faithful service and wishes for Clarissa's deliverance from her troubles.

  168. Chapter 168

    Letter 167: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, recounting Clarissa's disapproval of his companions and the house, particularly her refusal to share a bed with Miss Partington. He interprets her caution as dishonourable fears of him and vows revenge, while also mocking Belford's desire for her good opinion.

  169. Chapter 169

    Letter 168: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a letter from Mrs. Howe to Clarissa, which causes Clarissa great distress. He suspects it forbids further correspondence with Miss Howe. Lovelace expresses mixed feelings—some sympathy for Clarissa's persecution but also relief that the prohibition may weaken Clarissa's support network and make her more vulnerable to his designs.

  170. Chapter 170

    Letter 169: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace expressing the unanimous admiration of their circle for Clarissa's intellect and beauty. He pleads with Lovelace to spare her from his schemes, arguing that her virtue and excellence deserve protection, not ruin. Belford warns that forcing her will bring neither happiness, and urges Lovelace to marry her honorably. The letter is endorsed by Belton, Mowbray, and Tourville.

  171. Chapter 171

    Letter 170: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace defends his predatory designs on Clarissa to Belford, using extended metaphors of bird-catching and hunting to argue that resistance can be overcome and that women, like birds, eventually adapt to captivity. He dismisses Belford's moral objections, accuses him of ulterior motives involving Lord M., and insists on his right to pursue Clarissa as a 'noble chase.'

  172. Chapter 172

    Letter 171: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace defends his plotting and intentions to Belford, arguing that Clarissa's virtue and rank make her a worthy conquest. He fantasizes about subduing her and claims he can marry her at will, justifying his schemes as a test of her love-proof and plot-proof nature.

  173. Chapter 173

    Letter 172: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, pleading with him to spare Clarissa from his malicious designs. He condemns Lovelace's cruelty and warns him of the moral consequences, while also revealing that his uncle is dying and he must attend to him.

  174. Chapter 174

    Letter 173: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her discontent with Lovelace's vanity and pride, and detailing her grim outlook. She mentions receiving her clothes but not her money or books, only a Drexelius on Eternity, Practice of Piety, and Francis Spira, sent by her brother to point her toward death and despair. She encloses a letter from her cousin Colonel Morden, who warns her against marrying a libertine like Lovelace, urging her to comply with her parents' wishes and marry Mr. Solmes for the sake of duty and family harmony.

  175. Chapter 175

    Letter 174: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her deep distress and the indignities she suffers under Lovelace's protection. She reveals that Lovelace now pressures her to go out in public with him but avoids any mention of marriage. Clarissa considers a desperate plan to regain her family's favor by surrendering her inheritance and vowing never to marry, hoping her uncle Harlowe might intercede. Meanwhile, Lovelace's letters to Belford expose his elaborate schemes to intercept Clarissa's correspondence, search her belongings, and tighten his control, all while justifying his libertine pursuit.

  176. Chapter 176

    Letter 175: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his frustrations with Clarissa's resistance and his schemes to control her. He recounts an incident where he attempted to steal a letter from her, leading to a confrontation. He also plots to use a false Singleton to manipulate Miss Howe and keep Clarissa dependent on him.

  177. Chapter 177

    Letter 176: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about her deteriorating relationship with Lovelace after he nearly intercepted one of Anna's letters. She describes his aggressive behavior and her growing realization that she is too much in his power. She resolves to seek reconciliation with her family through her uncle, hoping to abandon Lovelace if given hope. She reflects on her own folly in allowing her eye to betray her judgment, warning other women to guard against such weakness.

  178. Chapter 178

    Letter 177: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing her determination to continue their correspondence despite her mother's objections. She strongly advises Clarissa to leave Lovelace, revealing she has learned from a new informant that Lovelace is a villain with a history of betraying women, mentioning Miss Betterton and Miss Lockyer. Anna offers to sound Clarissa's uncle about reconciliation, suggests tactics to uncover Lovelace's secrets, and warns of a plot involving Captain Singleton. She provides extensive consolation, arguing that Clarissa's suffering will serve as a better example than her former prosperity, and urges her not to despair.

  179. Chapter 179

    Letter 178: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing gratitude for her friendship and discussing her strained relationship with Lovelace. She describes a confrontation with Lovelace when she attempts to go to church alone, and her resolve to remain distant until she hears from her uncle about a possible reconciliation with her family.

  180. Chapter 180

    Letter 179: Miss Howe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Anna Howe writes to Mrs. Norton, urging her to secretly inform Mrs. Harlowe that Clarissa desires reconciliation with her family, prefers a single life, and may be forced to marry Lovelace if no hope is given. Anna reveals she has taken this step without Clarissa's knowledge, based on Clarissa's earlier request for Mr. Hickman to approach her uncle John Harlowe. She asks Mrs. Norton to use her discretion and to keep the intervention secret if it fails.

  181. Chapter 181

    Letter 180: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Howe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Miss Howe expressing her heartbreak over the situation in the Harlowe family, noting that no application in Clarissa's favor can succeed. She mentions a confidential letter from Mrs. Harlowe and pleads for confirmation that Clarissa's honor remains unsullied.

  182. Chapter 182

    Letter 181: Miss Howe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Anna Howe writes to Mrs. Norton defending Clarissa's honor and condemning the Harlowe family's tyranny. She asserts that Clarissa is blameless and that her elopement with Lovelace was driven by her family's harsh treatment.

  183. Chapter 183

    Letter 182: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton

    Mrs. Harlowe writes privately to Mrs. Norton, pouring out her grief over Clarissa's elopement. She recalls Clarissa's former virtues and the pride the family took in her, but insists that her premeditated fault is unforgivable. She refuses to plead for reconciliation, citing family opposition and her own helplessness, and asks Mrs. Norton to keep their correspondence secret.

  184. Chapter 184

    Letter 183: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa with mixed feelings about Lovelace, acknowledging his past wickedness but noting recent good behavior and urging Clarissa to consider marrying him. She advises Clarissa to assert her independence and claim her own estate. Anna also reveals that Clarissa's uncle Antony is considering marrying Mrs. Howe, which distresses her.

  185. Chapter 185

    Letter 184: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her despair at being forced to consider marriage to Lovelace after her family's complete rejection. She struggles with the indignity of having to humble herself before him, feeling trapped and without support. She describes Lovelace's impatience and her own reluctance to see him, torn between Anna's advice to assert herself and her own pride and modesty.

  186. Chapter 186

    Letter 185: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a tense morning conversation with Lovelace, in which they debate pride, merit, and the nature of their relationship. She defends her decision to seek reconciliation with her family and refuses to be rushed into marriage, insisting on her own principles of rectitude and generosity. She reflects on her motives and reaffirms her commitment to acting according to her own judgment.

  187. Chapter 187

    Letter 186: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa receives Lovelace's formal marriage proposals, which include generous financial settlements and jointure terms, but she is dissatisfied with the cold and conditional conclusion that implies the next move is entirely hers. She reflects on the loss of delicacy and the burden of blame placed upon her.

  188. Chapter 188

    Letter 187: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts a tense morning meeting with Lovelace, who is disappointed by her lack of enthusiasm for his marriage proposals. She insists on consulting Miss Howe before discussing terms, and her poignant reflection on the word 'father' momentarily moves Lovelace, though she remains wary of his motives.

  189. Chapter 189

    Letter 188: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing her impatience and anger at Lovelace's proposals, which she finds lacking in warmth and earnestness. She criticizes Lovelace's character and suggests that Clarissa should either marry him quickly or find a way to escape. Anna offers to devise a scheme to secure Clarissa's safety until her cousin Morden arrives, while also acknowledging the difficulty of leaving Lovelace without cause to suspect his honor.

  190. Chapter 190

    Letter 189: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford implores Lovelace to reconsider his intentions toward Clarissa, urging him to marry her honorably rather than ruin her. He appeals to Lovelace's family's wishes, Clarissa's virtue, and the moral consequences of his actions, warning that Lovelace is becoming a tool of her enemies and the devil.

  191. Chapter 191

    Letter 190: Lord M. to John Belford, Esq.

    Lord M. writes to John Belford, urging him to intervene with his nephew Lovelace to ensure he marries Clarissa Harlowe. He expresses concern over Lovelace's delays, fearing he may have bad designs, and emphasizes the importance of the match for the lady's honor and Lovelace's own good. Lord M. uses proverbs and wise sayings to underscore his points, offering to support the marriage financially and warning of consequences if Lovelace misbehaves.

  192. Chapter 192

    Letter 191: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace defends his scheme to test Clarissa's virtue, dismissing Belford's moralizing and asserting his intention to overcome her resistance. He discusses his plan to use his family's influence to secure Clarissa's trust, mocks Belford's concern for his dying uncle, and offers to assist their friend Belton.

  193. Chapter 193

    Letter 192: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford refuses to engage with Lovelace's depraved letter and instead recounts the story of their mutual friend Belton, who is dying and has been betrayed by his kept mistress Thomasine. Belford uses Belton's case to reflect on the folly of libertinism, arguing that marriage is more honorable and secure than keeping a mistress, and that libertines often become dupes of the very women they exploit.

  194. Chapter 194

    Letter 193: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's letter, expressing pleasure at Belford's apparent approval of his pursuit of Clarissa. He reflects on the risks of keeping lowbred women, contrasting them with Clarissa's high station, and reaffirms his seduction schemes, interpreting Belford's earlier matrimonial pleas as jest.

  195. Chapter 195

    Letter 194: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of the current happy situation at Mrs. Sinclair's. He describes how Clarissa has been manipulated into a false sense of security through an overheard conversation about Mrs. Fretchville, Lord M.'s gout, and the impending visit of Lady Betty and Miss Montague. Lovelace details his plan to take Clarissa to the play 'Venice Preserved' and his schemes to further his designs, while noting her continued reserve and his own delight in teasing her.

  196. Chapter 196

    Letter 195: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, describing a more hopeful turn in her spirits after overhearing a conversation between Lovelace, Mrs. Sinclair, and Miss Martin. She reflects on the conversation's positive implications, including Lovelace's caution about avoiding violence with her brother and Singleton, his plans for the house, and his decision to write to Lord M. She also muses on education and illiteracy, particularly regarding Dorcas, and agrees to attend a play with Lovelace. Despite her cautious optimism, she acknowledges Lovelace's dangerous nature and asks Anna to perfect a plan for an asylum should she need to escape.

  197. Chapter 197

    Letter 196: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's delay in answering Lovelace's proposals, offering a scheme for Clarissa to find refuge with Mrs. Townsend, a contraband trader in Deptford, should she need to escape Lovelace. She also recounts showing Lovelace's proposals to Mr. Hickman, who annoyed her with his cautious deliberation, and mentions a sailor's attempt to bribe her servant for Clarissa's address. Anna expresses indignation at Clarissa's constrained situation and advises her to write to her cousin Morden.

  198. Chapter 198

    Letter 197: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa about her mother's courtship by Antony Harlowe, enclosing the original letter from Antony and Mrs. Howe's reply. Anna provides a satirical dialogue between herself and her mother regarding the proposal, ultimately revealing that Mrs. Howe has refused Antony's offer.

  199. Chapter 199

    Letter 198: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, enraged after secretly obtaining extracts of Miss Howe's letters to Clarissa, vows revenge against both women. He describes how Dorcas copied the letters, revealing Miss Howe's harsh criticisms and her encouragement for Clarissa to resist him. Lovelace also learns of Antony Harlowe's marriage proposals to Mrs. Howe and resolves to punish both Clarissa and Miss Howe, while noting Clarissa's defiance in attending church without him.

  200. Chapter 200

    Letter 199: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, having intercepted a letter from Anna Howe to Clarissa, is enraged by Miss Howe's contemptuous remarks about his character and intentions. He transcribes parts of the letter that reveal a plan for Clarissa to escape his control with the help of Mrs. Townsend until Colonel Morden arrives. Lovelace vows revenge, resolves to subdue Clarissa's pride, and announces his intention to force a meeting with her that evening.

  201. Chapter 201

    Letter 200: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about attending a play with Lovelace and Miss Horton, noting Lovelace's emotional response to the tragedy but still deeming him hard-hearted. She describes her efforts to maintain independence by spending Sunday alone and attending church without him, which provokes Lovelace's anger. He confronts her, demanding to know why she keeps him at a distance, and his violent passion terrifies her. Though he eventually allows her to withdraw, his aggressive behavior leaves her shaken and questioning his character.

  202. Chapter 202

    Letter 201: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a heated confrontation with Clarissa, who rebukes him for his ill humor and lack of merit. He attempts to justify his behavior, but she remains resolute, declaring her soul above him. After she retreats in distress, Lovelace reflects on her 'weakness of heart' versus her strength of will, and plots new strategies, including a fabricated story about Mrs. Fretchville's smallpox to delay their move.

  203. Chapter 203

    Letter 202: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, wrestling with his conflicting desires for Clarissa. He admires her virtue and purity, which often subdues his malicious intentions, yet he feels goaded by his companions and his own pride to test her further. He transcribes a paper from Clarissa outlining her conditions for marriage, emphasizing her wish to avoid litigation with her family and her hope for his condescension. Lovelace admits he cannot yet marry and fears being despised by a wife who excels him, but he resolves to try her a few more times before possibly making her legally his.

  204. Chapter 204

    Letter 203: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about the collapse of the Mrs. Fretchville house scheme, as Mennell refuses to continue the deception. He receives a letter from his cousin Charlotte Montague, which he uses to manipulate Clarissa into believing his intentions are honorable. Clarissa initially resolves to leave him but changes her mind after seeing the letter from his family.

  205. Chapter 205

    Letter 204: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford describing a morning interview with Clarissa, buoyed by a favorable letter from his cousin Miss Montague. He notes that Clarissa's reserves are not entirely gone, but he attributes this to feminine formality. He regrets Mrs. Fretchville's illness, which delays his plan to install Clarissa in a house before marriage, but sees no great loss as they can visit his relatives' estates. He inquires about Clarissa's smallpox history, offers her the original of Miss Montague's letter, and discusses settlements with Pritchard. He kisses her hand repeatedly and feels optimistic about his prospects. However, he reports that a man of good appearance has been making inquiries about them, asking Dorcas whether they are married, which alarms Clarissa. Lovelace uses this to reinforce the pretense that they are married, suspecting the inquiry comes from her brother.

  206. Chapter 206

    Letter 205: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a foolish letter from his uncle, Lord M., which he shows to Clarissa. She refuses a bill enclosed in it and returns the letter without Lovelace's intended reward. Lovelace reflects on modesty and the fall of women.

  207. Chapter 207

    Letter 206: Lord M. to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Lord M. writes to Lovelace expressing his hope that Lovelace will soon marry Clarissa and reform his rakish ways. He offers generous settlements, including a choice of estates and a thousand pounds a year, and advises Lovelace on both private and public conduct. Lord M. also conveys the support of Lady Sarah and Lady Betty, and urges Lovelace to seek a parliamentary seat and live virtuously.

  208. Chapter 208

    Letter 207: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, boasting of his progress with Clarissa as she becomes more compliant. He describes presenting her with marriage proposals, including settlements and a private ceremony at his Lord's chapel, though she declines public display and jewels. He sends a letter to Lord M. declining his offer to officiate and returning a bill, while inwardly fearing he may be trapped into marriage. Clarissa, in a postscript to Miss Howe, expresses hope for new friends in Lovelace's family and prays for reconciliation with her own, though she acknowledges their essential differences.

  209. Chapter 209

    Letter 208: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford detailing a new scheme to abduct and assault Mrs. Howe, Miss Howe, and Mr. Hickman by luring them onto a ship under false pretenses, with plans to dispose of Hickman and ravish the women. He fantasizes about the trial and public spectacle that might follow, reveling in the notoriety.

  210. Chapter 210

    Letter 209: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his multiple plots concerning Clarissa, including a scheme to feign illness to test her compassion and love. He recounts a past seduction of a French marquise and dismisses Sally Martin's accusations that he intends to marry Clarissa.

  211. Chapter 211

    Letter 210: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a pleasant airing with Clarissa, attended by the two nymphs (Sally and Polly). He describes their conversation, his attempts to gain access to her correspondence with Miss Howe, and his plans to feign illness to elicit her sympathy. He also notes that Dorcas has transcribed Miss Howe's letter and that Clarissa has moved her papers to a wainscot box, which he cannot yet access.

  212. Chapter 212

    Letter 211: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace feigns illness by taking ipecacuanha to manipulate Clarissa's sympathy and confirm her love for him. He orchestrates a scene where Dorcas reveals his 'dangerous' condition, prompting Clarissa to visit and show concern. Lovelace revels in her pity, believing he has secured her forgiveness and a fresh start, while mocking the household's complicity.

  213. Chapter 213

    Letter 212: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about Mr. Lovelace's sudden illness, a vomiting of blood, which deeply affects her despite their recent contentions. She reflects on her own feelings, confessing that she may have loved him more than she admitted, and struggles with self-reproach and the desire to govern her passions by reason.

  214. Chapter 214

    Letter 213: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace returns from an airing to find Clarissa alarmed by a suspicious inquiry from a servant in blue livery trimmed with yellow. The servant returns, claiming to be from Captain Tomlinson, a friend of Mr. John Harlowe. Lovelace feigns ignorance but agrees to see the captain, while Clarissa fears a trick. Lovelace gives precautionary orders and resolves to stay put until the matter is resolved.

  215. Chapter 215

    Letter 214: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a visit from Captain Tomlinson, who claims to be sent by Mr. John Harlowe to negotiate a reconciliation if Clarissa and Lovelace are married. Lovelace manipulates the situation, hoping to trick Clarissa into acknowledging the marriage before the Captain, but she remains cautious and withdrawn. The letter reveals Lovelace's scheming and Clarissa's growing distrust.

  216. Chapter 216

    Letter 215: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his conference with Clarissa following Captain Tomlinson's visit. He describes how Clarissa refuses to pretend they are married to please her uncle, insisting on truth and honesty. Lovelace is frustrated but determined to continue his schemes, vowing not to be outdone by Clarissa and Anna Howe.

  217. Chapter 217

    Letter 216: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace reports to Belford on his successful meeting with Captain Tomlinson, whom he has deceived into believing that he and Clarissa are as good as married. Lovelace confesses the truth to Tomlinson—that they are not yet married—but spins a tale of delays due to Clarissa's desire for family reconciliation and her delicate scruples. He shows Tomlinson forged settlement proposals and a letter from Lord M. to bolster his credibility. Clarissa, overhearing the conversation, is overjoyed at the prospect of reconciliation with her family and expresses gratitude to Lovelace. However, Lovelace's inner turmoil is evident: he wavers between admiration for Clarissa's virtue and his vengeful schemes, ultimately steeling himself again after rereading Miss Howe's insults.

  218. Chapter 218

    Letter 217: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace reveals to Belford that 'Captain Tomlinson' is actually a forger named Patrick McDonald, hired to deceive Clarissa into believing her uncle Harlowe seeks reconciliation. He outlines his scheme to intercept any letters from Miss Howe via Wilson. Clarissa, in her letters to Anna, expresses cautious hope about the apparent reconciliation, though she remains troubled by Lovelace's mixed character—his pride, vanity, and lack of genuine humanity.

  219. Chapter 219

    Letter 218: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a letter from Lord M. consenting to his marriage and offering financial support, which he hides from Clarissa. He describes a pleasant carriage ride with her where they discuss their future life, including servants, church attendance, and marriage settlements. Lovelace reveals his internal conflict between admiration for Clarissa's virtue and his libertine inclinations, while Mrs. Sinclair and the nymphs urge him to take advantage of her trust. He also mentions receiving the marriage settlement drafts and his ongoing deception.

  220. Chapter 220

    Letter 219: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his ongoing manipulation of Clarissa, describing his attempts to break down her reserve and his frustration with her insistence on 'marriage-purity.' He recounts a dispute where Clarissa rebukes his liberties, asserting that marriage is a state of purity, not licentiousness. Lovelace reflects on his rakish philosophy, including his belief that women have no souls, and reveals he has been trying to obtain a marriage license but faces difficulties due to lack of family consent. Clarissa has approved the settlements and written to Anna Howe about their situation.

  221. Chapter 221

    Letter 220: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford of his frustration with Clarissa's unyielding modesty, despite his elaborate schemes including a false license and settlements. He describes an attempted seduction where he kisses her breast, causing her to flee in indignation. He reflects on her virtue as both an obstacle and a challenge, and muses on his aversion to marriage.

  222. Chapter 222

    Letter 221: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a letter from Captain Tomlinson, which reports that Mr. John Harlowe is surprised and grieved that Lovelace and Clarissa are not yet married. Mr. John Harlowe proposes that they marry privately but let it be believed they have been married since the time of Hickman's application. Lovelace pressures Clarissa to agree, and she reluctantly acquiesces, though she insists on waiting for the settlements and license. Lovelace reveals he is planning further manipulations, hinting at a 'little mine' he intends to spring.

  223. Chapter 223

    Letter 222: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, pleading with him to spare Clarissa from further harm. He argues that Lovelace's actions will lead to tragedy, possibly Clarissa's suicide or death from grief, and warns against handing her over to the merciless Mrs. Sinclair. Belford reflects on Clarissa's superior virtue and intellect, contrasting her with Lovelace's past victims, and urges reform.

  224. Chapter 224

    Letter 223: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace defends his stratagems to Belford, arguing that his contrivances are simple and natural, and that Clarissa's virtue and resistance only stimulate him. He outlines a hypothetical future where he seduces her without marriage, and insists that his methods are justified by the end. He threatens to stop writing so freely, as his letters serve as indictments against himself.

  225. Chapter 225

    Letter 224: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford on Wednesday night, eleven o'clock, describing his internal turmoil and the imminent execution of his plot against Clarissa. He vacillates between resolve and cowardice, reflecting on his plans with the women and his fear of the consequences. He resolves to proceed despite his trembling and convulsive fears.

  226. Chapter 226

    Letter 225: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a false fire alarm at Mrs. Sinclair's brothel, orchestrated to frighten Clarissa out of her room. He describes her desperate pleas for honor and mercy as she kneels before him, and his own internal conflict between his predatory desires and her angelic virtue. Ultimately, he retreats without fully violating her, but immediately regrets his leniency.

  227. Chapter 227

    Letter 226: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford the morning after the fire scene, reflecting on Clarissa's extreme distress and refusal to see him. He attempts to justify his actions as a 'romping bout' and expresses impatience at her continued anger. Clarissa remains locked in her room, rebuffing his pleas for forgiveness and communication. She eventually sends a billet refusing to see him for at least a week, citing his baseness and ingratitude. Lovelace, though momentarily moved by her anguish, resolves to persist in his schemes, relying on the Tomlinson plot to complete his triumph.

  228. Chapter 228

    Letter 227: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a series of billets exchanged with Clarissa after the fire scene. He attempts to reconcile with her, insisting on seeing her to discuss the license and other matters, but she refuses, expressing deep resentment and calling him a 'Judas protector.' Lovelace reflects on her dignity, his own pride, and his conflicted feelings of love and resentment, while planning to obtain a marriage license with the help of Mowbray and Mallory.

  229. Chapter 229

    Letter 228: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, in a frenzy of rage and despair, writes to Belford that Clarissa has escaped from the brothel. He curses her 'art' and 'hypocrisy,' recounts his frantic search, and learns from Mrs. Sinclair how Clarissa feigned compliance and sent a letter via Will, which was intercepted.

  230. Chapter 230

    Letter 229: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace intercepts a letter from Anna Howe to Clarissa, in which Anna warns Clarissa that she is in a vile house and that Lovelace is a villain. Lovelace reads the letter with rage, considers revenge against Anna Howe, and contemplates forging a letter to lure Anna away, but decides to wait. He reflects on his failures with Clarissa and blames Anna for arming her against him.

  231. Chapter 231

    Letter 230: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in a state of terror and despair after narrowly escaping Lovelace's attempt to rape her during a staged fire at the brothel. She recounts her flight to Hampstead, her resolve to avoid Lovelace forever, and her desperate plan to flee abroad—perhaps to the American colonies—to escape his pursuit and her family's wrath. She reflects on her ruined prospects, her desire to provide for Mrs. Norton and her poor dependents, and her hope that her sufferings may lead to spiritual redemption. She begs Anna for advice and assistance in finding a safe passage, signing as the ever-affectionate Clarissa Harlowe.

  232. Chapter 232

    Letter 231: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace exults in discovering Clarissa's location at Hampstead after her escape. He receives a report from his servant Will, who has tracked her to Mrs. Moore's lodgings. Lovelace intercepts Clarissa's letters, including one to Miss Howe and one to himself, and interprets her attempts to deceive him as a justification for his own manipulations. He plans to confront her, buoyed by the arrival of Captain Tomlinson, and resolves to turn her rebellion to his advantage.

  233. Chapter 233

    Letter 232: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts his pursuit of Clarissa to Hampstead, where he has arrived disguised as a gouty gentleman. He details how his servant Will gathered information from the locals, spinning a false tale that Clarissa is his jealous wife who has eloped from him. Lovelace plans to take lodgings at Mrs. Moore's under the pretense of caring for his 'sick wife,' and reflects on his manipulative schemes and his admiration for Clarissa's spirit.

  234. Chapter 234

    Letter 233: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace shares a letter from the false Captain Tomlinson, detailing Mr. John Harlowe's desire for reconciliation with Clarissa and his impatience for the marriage, while warning of James Harlowe's opposition. Lovelace then recounts his manipulation of Mrs. Moore and Miss Rawlins using forged letters from Lord M. and Lady Betty Lawrance, which praise Clarissa and urge the marriage, to pressure her into consummation. He threatens to abandon her if she refuses, deepening his deceitful plot.

  235. Chapter 235

    Letter 234: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace reflects on his strategy to re-engage Clarissa after leaving letters with her. He observes her innocent trust and lack of worldly experience, which he plans to exploit. Despite his admiration for her, his desire for revenge and dominance remains paramount.

  236. Chapter 236

    Letter 235: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a dialogue between Clarissa and the women of the house (Mrs. Moore and Miss Rawlins), where Clarissa refuses to acknowledge him as her husband and condemns his deceitful behavior. He attempts to reconcile with her, kneeling and pleading for forgiveness, but she rebuffs him, asserting her moral superiority and independence. The chapter ends with Lovelace taking lodgings at the house, hoping to win her over.

  237. Chapter 237

    Letter 236: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace dines with Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins, and the newly arrived widow Mrs. Bevis. He manipulates the conversation to discredit Miss Howe, suggesting she is jealous and in love with him, while also praising Clarissa. Lovelace reflects on women's preference for rakes over virtuous men, using Hickman as a counterexample. He plans to use his servant Will to further his schemes.

  238. Chapter 238

    Letter 237: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace entertains Captain Tomlinson and the women at Mrs. Moore's, weaving a web of deception about his marriage to Clarissa. He hints at non-consummation, blames Miss Howe for Clarissa's behavior, and manipulates the company into believing his version of events, all while maintaining a facade of bashful modesty.

  239. Chapter 239

    Letter 238: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace recounts his scheme to intercept Clarissa's correspondence and manipulate her through the fabricated Captain Tomlinson. He intercepts a letter from Anna Howe, learning of her plan to send another important letter via Wilson's. Lovelace resolves to continue his deception, aiming to secure Clarissa on his own terms.

  240. Chapter 240

    Letter 239: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace recounts his failed attempt to lodge in the same house as Clarissa, being forced to accept nearby lodgings. He intercepts a letter from Anna Howe to Clarissa, which he reads and then re-seals, noting its contents that discuss his character, the marriage settlements, and suspicions about his intentions. He boasts of his contrivances to manage the situation and plans to intercept future letters, relying on his allies Will and Mrs. Bevis.

  241. Chapter 241

    Letter 240: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace intercepts a letter from Clarissa to Anna Howe and forges a reply to prevent Miss Howe from learning of Clarissa's distress. He boasts of his deception and hints at further designs, possibly including Anna Howe herself.

  242. Chapter 242

    Letter 241: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace reports his return from Mrs. Moore's, where he was denied access to Clarissa. He reviews his current situation and precautions, including securing all rooms at Mrs. Moore's, cultivating allies like Mrs. Bevis and Miss Rawlins, and deploying his servants to monitor Clarissa's communications and movements. He also plans to have Mowbray, Tourville, and Belton stay at Hampstead for support, and awaits Captain Tomlinson's arrival.

  243. Chapter 243

    Letter 242: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from Mrs. Moore's, frustrated by the delay of Captain Tomlinson's arrival. He learns from Mrs. Bevis that Clarissa considered leaving but was dissuaded by Miss Rawlins and Mrs. Moore. Tomlinson finally arrives, but Clarissa postpones their meeting until four o'clock. Lovelace vents his impatience and reflects on Clarissa's low spirits and distrust of men.

  244. Chapter 244

    Letter 243: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a tense meeting at Hampstead with Clarissa, Captain Tomlinson, and the ladies of the house. Clarissa confronts Lovelace about his disguises and insults, declaring her resolve to break with him despite the prospects of reconciliation. Captain Tomlinson attempts to mediate, but Clarissa remains firm, and the meeting ends with Tomlinson departing, leaving Lovelace anxious about the outcome of his schemes.

  245. Chapter 245

    Letter 244: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace continues his correspondence, detailing a tense meeting with Clarissa and the disguised Captain Tomlinson. Clarissa expresses suspicion of Lovelace's contrivances and the rapid sequence of events, while Lovelace manipulates Tomlinson with secret signals. After Clarissa withdraws, Lovelace defends his scheme to test Clarissa's virtue, dismissing Tomlinson's compunction and reaffirming his plan to subdue her, though he still contemplates marriage if she proves her love.

  246. Chapter 246

    Letter 245: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts his manipulative efforts to pressure Clarissa into marriage, including a staged debate with the disguised Captain Tomlinson and a feigned display of remorse. He devises a false expedient to satisfy her uncle and schemes to intercept Miss Howe's next letter, which he fears will ruin his plans.

  247. Chapter 247

    Letter 246: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of turmoil, debating whether to marry Clarissa or pursue his original scheme. He imagines a violent internal struggle with his conscience, personified as a thief who stole his pen, and ultimately resolves to continue his plot, justifying his actions through cynical reasoning.

  248. Chapter 248

    Letter 247: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford early Sunday morning, first commenting on Belford's recent attendance on his dying uncle, then turning to his own plans to persuade Clarissa to walk out with him on the Heath. He reflects on the hypocrisy of grief among heirs and legatees, and confesses his own urgent need to resolve his situation with Clarissa, either through marriage or rape.

  249. Chapter 249

    Letter 248: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a two-hour garden meeting with Clarissa at Mrs. Moore's, where she remains resolute in her refusal to reconcile, citing his vile conduct and the house's corruption. She plans to live independently on her estate or flee abroad, awaiting Miss Howe's next letter. Lovelace, desperate, relies on Lady Betty and Miss Montague's mediation and hopes to intercept Miss Howe's letter.

  250. Chapter 250

    Letter 249: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford while Clarissa is at church with Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Bevis, having refused his company. He debates internally whether his hesitation to harm her stems from a young conscience, love, or Belford's arguments. He imagines a debate with the god of love, who initially pleads for Clarissa but ultimately gives her up when Lovelace argues that her love is not the 'right sort' and that she has declared herself a rebel against love's sovereignty.

  251. Chapter 251

    Letter 250: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation, recounting a narrow escape and his successful interception of a letter from Miss Howe to Clarissa, which he considers a critical gain in his manipulative campaign.

  252. Chapter 252

    Letter 251: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace intercepts a letter from Miss Howe to Clarissa by orchestrating a deception with Mrs. Bevis and the maid Margaret. He instructs Mrs. Bevis to impersonate Clarissa, claiming she is ill and dropsical, to receive the letter from a messenger. The ruse succeeds, and Lovelace obtains the letter, rejoicing in his cunning and the complicity of the women.

  253. Chapter 253

    Letter 252: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, enclosing a letter from Miss Howe to Clarissa that reveals Miss Howe's fierce indignation against Lovelace and her plans to help Clarissa escape. Lovelace reacts with vengeful fury, mocking Miss Howe's threats and friendship with Clarissa, and plotting to ensnare both women.

  254. Chapter 254

    Letter 253: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from Hampstead, detailing his latest conference with Clarissa. He feigns politeness and presses his suit, but she remains resolute, preferring a single life and rejecting his proposals. Lovelace rationalizes his planned assault, arguing that even if she falls, she can still live virtuously and be a penitent. He arranges for a servant to surveil her and resolves to proceed with his scheme.

  255. Chapter 255

    Letter 254: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, enclosing a marriage license he has obtained for himself and Clarissa. He mocks the license's formal language and heraldic symbols, then launches into a satirical proposal for annual marriages, arguing that such a system would eliminate jealousy, adultery, and other vices while benefiting society. His tone is playful and libertine, revealing his reluctance to be permanently bound in marriage.

  256. Chapter 256

    Letter 255: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace details his plot to deceive Clarissa by having two women impersonate Lady Betty Lawrance and Miss Charlotte Montague, using a hired coach and jewels to stage a rescue that will lead her back to Mrs. Sinclair's brothel. He instructs the impostors on their roles, emphasizing the need for natural airs and guarded eyes to avoid detection.

  257. Chapter 257

    Letter 256: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace exults in having lured Clarissa back to Mrs. Sinclair's lodgings under the pretense of a reconciliation with Lady Betty and Miss Montague. He describes her reluctance and fear, his own wavering pity, and the instigation of the brothel women. Clarissa's desperate pleas to leave are thwarted by a staged lack of coaches and a violent confrontation with Mrs. Sinclair, which keeps her trapped overnight.

  258. Chapter 258

    Letter 257: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford that the affair is over, Clarissa lives, and he signs off as his humble servant. The full account of this dark event is later given by Clarissa to Miss Howe in letters dated July 6.

  259. Chapter 259

    Letter 258: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace in horror and condemnation after learning of the rape of Clarissa. He urges Lovelace to make amends by marrying her, offering to give him his inheritance if he does so. Belford reflects on his uncle's death and his own moral awakening.

  260. Chapter 260

    Letter 259: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace defends his actions to Belford, rationalizing his rape of Clarissa by arguing that her virtue was an experiment and that many women would have yielded. He admits she is stupified and insensible, yet he still hopes to bring her to cohabitation and eventually marriage, though not immediately. He also mentions settling affairs at Hampstead and his reluctance to leave Clarissa alone with the brothel keepers.

  261. Chapter 261

    Letter 260: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, confessing that he has used a drug (proposed by Mrs. Sinclair) to render Clarissa insensible, in order to have his way with her. He describes her reaction upon waking, her holding up the license as a silent accusation, and his own conflicted feelings—partly remorseful, partly defensive. He insists the act was a 'trick' to spare her full awareness, and he demands secrecy from Belford.

  262. Chapter 262

    Letter 261: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford detailing his plan to invite Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins, and Mrs. Bevis to visit, intending to seduce them with the help of his libertine friends. He describes each woman's character and his manipulative strategy. The letter also includes a report of Clarissa's disturbed mental state, as she raves incoherently, expressing fear of Mrs. Sinclair and despair over her condition, while Lovelace notes her apparent recovery and plans to use Captain Tomlinson to pacify her.

  263. Chapter 263

    Letter 262: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace reports that Clarissa attempted to escape while he was out, but was intercepted by Mrs. Sinclair. He anticipates a confrontation with her, confident that his boldness will overpower her modesty now that she has recovered her senses.

  264. Chapter 264

    Letter 263: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford describing a confrontation with Clarissa, who accuses him of rape and betrayal with dignified composure. She demands her liberty and questions his schemes, while Lovelace struggles with guilt and suspicion that Belford may have betrayed his confidence.

  265. Chapter 265

    Letter 264: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes in the early morning, tormented by remorse after Clarissa's failed escape attempt. He describes watching her sleep, her attempt to flee the brothel, and his interception of her. He reflects on her invincibility and his own conflicted feelings, considering both love and terror as means to control her.

  266. Chapter 266

    Letter 265: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace receives news that Lord M. is gravely ill, prompting him to consider the advantages of inheriting his estate and title. He prepares for a confrontation with Clarissa, who has finally agreed to see him after repeated refusals. Dorcas reports that Clarissa suspects the house is a trap and denies being married, indicating she is resolved to resist Lovelace's manipulations.

  267. Chapter 267

    Letter 266: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation after a heated confrontation with Clarissa. She vehemently rejects his proposals of marriage, accuses him of deceit, and demands to know the truth about the women he presented as Lady Betty Lawrance and his cousin Montague. Lovelace, trapped by his own lies, swears falsely to the women's identities and to the reality of the treaty with Captain Tomlinson. Clarissa threatens self-destruction if detained further, and Lovelace is left shaken, unable to write or think clearly.

  268. Chapter 268

    Letter 267: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace reflects on the difficulty of his wicked schemes and recounts a tense confrontation with Clarissa, who insists on leaving the brothel. She rebukes him for his dishonor, and after a feigned calm, attempts to escape but is caught. In a frantic scene, Clarissa begs for death or escape, and accidentally injures herself, causing Lovelace to panic.

  269. Chapter 269

    Letter 268: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, vacillating between marriage and cohabitation with Clarissa. He rationalizes that Clarissa's will remains unviolated and that her distress is excessive, hoping she will eventually consent to marry him. He also expresses a desire for a child by her to complete his revenge on her family.

  270. Chapter 270

    Letter 269: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, justifying his resumption of manipulative schemes against Clarissa after discovering she has secretly promised to provide for Dorcas in exchange for help escaping what she calls an 'illegal confinement.' He interprets her actions as authorizing his plots and argues that she is now corrupting others, thereby disgracing herself. He dismisses her plan as a desperate, flimsy contrivance.

  271. Chapter 271

    Letter 270: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about his plot to manipulate Clarissa through her maid Dorcas, whom Clarissa has come to trust. He describes how Dorcas feigns sympathy and gains Clarissa's confidence by pretending to be a fellow victim of betrayal. Lovelace reflects on the nature of vice and virtue, comparing Dorcas's fidelity in a bad cause to that of a general or lawyer serving unjust ends. He considers allowing Clarissa to attempt an escape as part of his larger scheme.

  272. Chapter 272

    Letter 271: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a detailed dream in which he imagines a scheme to trick Clarissa into escaping with the help of a supposed dowager (mother H.), only to be betrayed into his hands. He reflects on the pleasures of plotting and his determination to succeed, referencing his reliance on Dorcas and the impending visit of Captain Tomlinson regarding her uncle's birthday.

  273. Chapter 273

    Letter 272: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about Clarissa's feigned illness and his plans to deceive her. He recounts a dream that he believes foretells her escape attempt, and shares a forged letter from Captain Tomlinson that falsely promises reconciliation with her uncle.

  274. Chapter 274

    Letter 273: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts his failed plot to trick Clarissa into leaving the brothel under the pretense of being rescued by a dowager lady. He had arranged for Dorcas to persuade Clarissa to escape in a waiting chariot, but Clarissa suspected the scheme and refused to go. The letter includes Clarissa's own memoranda, in which she weighs her options, doubts Dorcas's loyalty, and fears further ruin, ultimately deciding to stay despite her desperation.

  275. Chapter 275

    Letter 274: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace confronts Clarissa after her feigned illness and attempted escape. He tries to persuade her to marry him, showing her a letter from Captain Tomlinson, but she refuses, accusing him of deceit and expressing her determination never to forgive him. Lovelace reflects on her virtue and his own remorse.

  276. Chapter 276

    Letter 275: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing concern over Lord M.'s dangerous illness from gout and his own dilemma regarding Clarissa, who has scorned his advances. He encloses a letter from Anna Howe, who is distressed and confused by Clarissa's return to Lovelace and demands an explanation. Lovelace reflects on his manipulations and the precarious state of his schemes.

  277. Chapter 277

    Letter 276: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation after a tense early-morning meeting with Clarissa. He describes her refusal to marry him, her desire to leave the house, and her accusation that he is merely an 'implement' of her brother's vengeance. After a physical struggle at the street door, Lovelace extorts a concession from Clarissa to wait until her uncle's birthday (Thursday), though she threatens suicide rather than yield. Lovelace vacillates between remorse and vengeful resolve.

  278. Chapter 278

    Letter 277: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts a tense confrontation with Clarissa, who refuses to promise to stay at the brothel while he visits Lord M. She insists on going to Mrs. Moore's at Hampstead and rejects his attempts to extract a promise of favor. Lovelace admits that only terror seems to move her, and he reflects on the influence of Sally and Polly, who urge him to use force. He also mentions Lord M.'s dangerous illness and his own need to go to M. Hall.

  279. Chapter 279

    Letter 278: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace receives a summons from his dying uncle Lord M. and prepares to travel to Berkshire. He attempts to negotiate with Clarissa, proposing marriage and then a conditional release to Hampstead if she will promise to marry him on Thursday. Clarissa refuses his conditions but accepts his offer to escort her to Hampstead, though she will promise nothing. Frustrated by her defiance, Lovelace plans to consult the women of the house on his next move.

  280. Chapter 280

    Letter 279: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, justifying his continued manipulation of Clarissa. He recounts the women's reasoning that Clarissa's tears and eloquence are no defense, and that she was insensible during her trial. He plots a new pretext—having Dorcas drop a promissory note to create a 'detection' that will allow him to detain Clarissa further and keep her under stricter watch. He rationalizes his actions by noting his intention to marry her and the conventional happy ending of a wedding, while also expressing concern for the dying Lord M.

  281. Chapter 281

    Letter 280: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, frustrated that Clarissa refuses to listen to his tender speeches and insists on returning to Hampstead. He renews his promise to let her go but presses her for a marriage commitment, which she denies. He contemplates revenge if she continues to refuse, but also considers this her final trial, after which he might reform if she behaves nobly.

  282. Chapter 282

    Letter 281: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a furious and disordered state after his scheme to provoke Clarissa backfires. He describes his failed attempt to use a planted bribe note to justify revoking his promise to let her go to Hampstead. When confronted, Clarissa exposes the plot, declares she is not his wife, threatens legal action, and brandishes a penknife to defend herself, forcing Lovelace and the brothel women to back down.

  283. Chapter 283

    Letter 282: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Lovelace writes to Clarissa, apologizing for his behavior the previous night and explaining his low and artful contrivance involving Dorcas's dropped paper. He asks her to forgive him and to agree to marry him on Thursday, promising that if she does, she will be free to go to Hampstead or wherever she pleases. He details the orders he has given to the household, including that Clarissa is to be obeyed in all things consistent with his expectations, that Mrs. Sinclair and her nieces are not to come into her presence, and that no letters are to pass to or from her until the ceremony is performed. He also inquires about Miss Howe's health and reports that her family is well and planning to gather at her uncle Harlowe's. He sends the letter by special messenger and awaits her reply.

  284. Chapter 284

    Letter 283: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Lovelace writes to Clarissa, expressing deep mortification at her silence and proposing that they meet directly at a church on Thursday to be married, sparing both the pain of recrimination.

  285. Chapter 285

    Letter 284: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Lovelace writes to Clarissa, urgently requesting her to send the four words that would confirm their marriage. He warns that Thursday is a deadline, after which their private affairs will become public. He mentions Lord M.'s illness, Captain Tomlinson's intelligence about her family, and his hope that Belford will intercede. He also returns a letter from Clarissa to Anna Howe unopened, claiming he intercepted it to prevent mischief.

  286. Chapter 286

    Letter 285: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of agitation, enclosing copies of three unanswered letters to Clarissa. He fears she will not respond to his latest ultimatum, which would end her 'day of grace' (Thursday). He admits his pride is shattered by her triumph over him and confesses his plots have turned against him. He asks Belford to visit Clarissa and secure a simple four-word answer agreeing to marry him at a church of her choosing. He also mentions Lord M.'s critical illness and his own schemes to secure his inheritance.

  287. Chapter 287

    Letter 286: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford refuses to act as Lovelace's intermediary with Clarissa until he is convinced of Lovelace's sincere intention to marry her honorably. He criticizes Lovelace's past deceptions and insists on explicit assurances before he will advocate on his behalf.

  288. Chapter 288

    Letter 287: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration and defiance after Belford threatens to act as a guarantee for his promises to Clarissa. He insists he is in earnest about marrying her, but blames her for not accepting his offers. He sends copies of a letter to Clarissa and one to Captain Tomlinson, and warns that his schemes cannot be concealed much longer.

  289. Chapter 289

    Letter 288: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Lovelace writes to Clarissa, expressing distress at her silence after three letters. He informs her that Captain Tomlinson will visit her instead of Belford, and that Tomlinson will convey news of her mother's possible support for their union. He urges her not to disappoint the hopes of her uncle and mother, and suggests the marriage can be performed at any hour in her own apartments.

  290. Chapter 290

    Letter 289: To Mr. Patrick McDonald

    Lovelace writes to his accomplice McDonald, instructing him on how to impersonate Captain Tomlinson and deceive Clarissa. He outlines a plan to manipulate her by hinting at her mother's secret engagement, while maintaining the fiction of a private arrangement. Lovelace emphasizes the need for vigilance from Mrs. Sinclair and her women, and advises McDonald on demeanor and dress to appear credible. He expresses his determination to marry Clarissa if she does not delay, and threatens to expose McDonald's smuggling if he fails.

  291. Chapter 291

    Letter 290: To Captain Tomlinson

    Lovelace writes to Captain Tomlinson, explaining a misunderstanding with Clarissa and requesting his help to persuade her to proceed with their planned marriage. He mentions Lord M.'s illness and desire to see Clarissa as his niece, and expresses concern that Clarissa's family fault of irreconcilableness may cause further delay.

  292. Chapter 292

    Letter 291: To Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Patrick McDonald writes to Lovelace informing him that Clarissa has escaped from Mrs. Sinclair's brothel. He describes the chaos and consternation at the house, with the waiting-maid missing and the household in disarray.

  293. Chapter 293

    Letter 292: Mr. Mowbray, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Mowbray writes to Lovelace with urgent news that Clarissa Harlowe has escaped. He describes the chaotic scene among the women, who are weeping and accusing each other, while Belford calmly documents the events. Mowbray suggests the escape may be for the best, as Lovelace would not have married her, and jokes about Lord M.'s death as a consolation.

  294. Chapter 294

    Letter 293: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace detailing Clarissa's attempted escape from the brothel, her confinement, and her eventual successful flight. He reflects on the gravity of Lovelace's crimes and urges him to consider marriage as the only means to salvage honor.

  295. Chapter 295

    Letter 294: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, confessing his guilt over Clarissa's escape and his failure to seduce her, while also lamenting Lord M.'s unexpected recovery from gout, which dashes his hopes of inheriting the estate. He expresses a mix of contrition and defiance, proposing marriage if Belford can find Clarissa, and vents his frustration at the loss of both his prize and his anticipated fortune.

  296. Chapter 296

    Letter 295: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes a distraught letter to Anna Howe after her escape, expressing her shattered peace and sense of lost self, while inquiring after Anna's health and providing a new address for correspondence.

  297. Chapter 297

    Letter 296: Mrs. Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing pity for her distress but condemning her disobedience to her parents. She forbids further correspondence with her daughter Nancy, blaming Clarissa's influence for Nancy's grief and delayed marriage. Mrs. Howe emphasizes the pain Clarissa has caused her family and the damage to her own reputation as a former model of virtue.

  298. Chapter 298

    Letter 297: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Howe

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Howe, thanking her for her reproofs but expressing her deep distress. She explains that her story is dismal and that she seeks only to repent, not to extenuate her faults. She inquires after Miss Howe's health, having heard she was ill, and expresses her longing for her friend's correspondence. Clarissa begs for two favors: that her relations not know she has written, and that her location be kept secret for her preservation.

  299. Chapter 299

    Letter 298: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Hannah Burton

    Clarissa writes to her former servant Hannah Burton, expressing her desire for Hannah to come and stay with her in her current distressed state. She recounts the strange events that have befallen her since Hannah was dismissed and asks for her company and fidelity, while cautioning her not to inform her family. She provides her address under the alias Rachel Clark.

  300. Chapter 300

    Letter 299: Hannah Burton

    Hannah Burton responds to Clarissa, expressing her sorrow over Clarissa's misfortunes and her desire to help, but explaining that she is confined to her room at her mother's house due to a rheumatism that has left her helpless. She promises to pray for Clarissa and reaffirms her loyalty and devotion.

  301. Chapter 301

    Letter 300: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Clarissa writes to her former nurse, Mrs. Norton, after a long silence, asking for news of her family and whether her father might lift his curse. She reveals that Lovelace has proved barbarous and ungrateful, that she has escaped him, and that she is now living among strangers. She requests Hannah Burton's company, expresses regret over her lost ability to do good, and asks for continued love and prayers.

  302. Chapter 302

    Letter 301: Mrs. Norton

    Mrs. Norton responds to Clarissa's distressing letter, expressing her deep sorrow and concern. She updates Clarissa on her family's continued grief and unforgiveness, reports that Hannah is ill, and offers her own modest savings. She urges Clarissa to draw comfort from religion and her own example of suffering, gently reproaches Clarissa's elopement as a false step, and earnestly requests permission to attend her.

  303. Chapter 303

    Letter 302: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance

    Clarissa writes to Lady Betty Lawrance, whom she does not know personally, to ask for verification of several details regarding Lady Betty's supposed involvement in a scheme with Lovelace. She inquires about a letter congratulating Lovelace on his marriage, a planned meeting at Reading, and a visit to Hampstead. Clarissa implies that the answers will reveal Lovelace's deceit and her own betrayed hopes.

  304. Chapter 304

    Letter 303: Lady Betty Lawrance, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Lady Betty Lawrance writes to Clarissa expressing concern over the apparent discord between her and Lovelace. She reveals that Lovelace has given conflicting accounts of their relationship, sometimes claiming they are married, sometimes blaming Clarissa. Lady Betty denies any knowledge of the letters or persons Clarissa inquired about, including Captain Tomlinson and the plan to meet at Reading. She offers her mediation and pleads with Clarissa not to let the misunderstanding sever the relationship, hoping Clarissa will become part of the family.

  305. Chapter 305

    Letter 304: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Hodges Enfield

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Hodges, a former servant, asking for information about Captain Tomlinson and his relationship with her uncle Harlowe. She describes Tomlinson's appearance and requests that Mrs. Hodges keep the inquiry secret. She also asks for a brief report on her family's health, directing the reply to a pseudonym at an inn.

  306. Chapter 306

    Letter 305: Mrs. Hodges

    Mrs. Hodges responds to Clarissa's inquiry about Captain Tomlinson, confirming that her master knows no such man and that no such person has ever visited the house. She describes the master's sorrowful state and warns Clarissa about the dangerous company she may have kept in London, particularly Mr. Lovelace.

  307. Chapter 307

    Letter 306: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance

    Clarissa writes to Lady Betty Lawrance, thanking her for her kind letter but firmly declining her offered mediation. She explains that she was initially drawn to Lovelace by the honor of being related to such virtuous ladies and by the hope of reclaiming him, but she has been grievously mistaken. She details his treachery: tricking her into eloping, taking her to a vile London house, a wicked attempt that led her to escape to Hampstead, and then using two women disguised as Lady Betty and Miss Montague to betray her back to the brothel, where she was robbed of her senses and honor. She lists his forgeries and perjuries, declares she can never marry him, and accepts her own blame for corresponding with him against her family's commands. She hopes only that he may reform and that she may be his last victim.

  308. Chapter 308

    Letter 307: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing deep anguish and gratitude for her comforting letter. She reflects on her fall from grace, insists she was not complicit in Lovelace's schemes, and reveals she was drugged and raped. She forbids Mrs. Norton from visiting, fearing it would endanger her or expose her location. Clarissa also mentions a letter to Anna Howe that fell into Mrs. Howe's hands, and expresses hope for her father's forgiveness while fearing his curse.

  309. Chapter 309

    Letter 308: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton expresses horror at Lovelace's violence and urges Clarissa not to despair. She recounts a visit from Arabella Harlowe, who questioned her about correspondence with Clarissa and criticized Miss Howe's public attacks on the family. Mrs. Norton advises Clarissa to rely on her moral integrity and the eventual arrival of Colonel Morden, while also sharing her own distress over her son's illness.

  310. Chapter 310

    Letter 309: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing her distress over a new trouble: her only other friend, Miss Howe, is now displeased with her, accusing her of a flaw in her character. Clarissa laments the weight of multiple afflictions and her broken heart. She rejects any thought of being with Lovelace, though she admits she once could have loved him. She longs for a last forgiveness from her family but feels uncertain how to approach them, considering writing to her mother or sister. She also sympathizes with Mrs. Norton's own troubles and promises to remember her and her son in her prayers.

  311. Chapter 311

    Letter 310: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing shock and disappointment that Clarissa returned to Lovelace after escaping from Hampstead. Anna reveals that her mother intercepted a letter from Clarissa, leading to a confrontation, but ultimately Mrs. Howe permits limited correspondence. Anna reproaches Clarissa for her credulity and warns of the dangers of love, while urging her to explain her actions.

  312. Chapter 312

    Letter 311: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa responds to Miss Howe's harsh letter, expressing her distress at being reproached by her only remaining friend. She defends herself by explaining that she was tricked back to the brothel, that she never received Miss Howe's crucial warnings, and that the description of her as 'bloated and flush-coloured' is a fabrication by a corrupted messenger. She resolves to provide a full narrative of her sufferings.

  313. Chapter 313

    Letter 312: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts the visit of two women impersonating Lady Betty Lawrance and Miss Montague, who, along with Lovelace and Captain Tomlinson, pressure her to forgive Lovelace's premeditated outrage. Despite her suspicions, Clarissa is moved by their pleas and agrees to wait for Anna's answer before deciding her future, though she later realizes the women were impostors.

  314. Chapter 314

    Letter 313: Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa, still ill, continues her letter describing the visit of the pretended Lady Betty and Miss Montague. They flatter her, discuss staying at Mrs. Moore's, and propose a trip to town to fetch belongings. Lovelace feigns disinterest while reading Taylor's Holy Living and Dying. The impostors praise Clarissa and hint at reconciliation with her family. Clarissa, though suspicious, is momentarily swayed by their kindness. She resolves to write to Anna Howe for advice but is prevented from acting. The letter ends with Clarissa's painful recollection of the deception.

  315. Chapter 315

    Letter 314: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa recounts being tricked by Lovelace and two women pretending to be Lady Betty and her niece into visiting Mrs. Sinclair's brothel. She is drugged, her suspicions are dismissed, and she is left trapped as the impostors depart, realizing too late the treachery.

  316. Chapter 316

    Letter 315: Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Clarissa recounts her recovery from delirium, her attempts to escape, and her confrontations with Lovelace. She describes her successful escape and the difficulties of finding lodging. She reflects on the impostures of Tomlinson and Lovelace, and expresses her determination to never marry Lovelace. She requests that Anna and Mrs. Howe not reveal the details of the violence and potions she suffered, preferring to slide quietly into her grave.

  317. Chapter 317

    Letter 316: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, revealing that a letter she previously sent was a forgery by Lovelace. She details how Lovelace manipulated events, including having a woman impersonate Clarissa at Hampstead, and expresses horror at his villainy. Anna urges Clarissa to seek legal vengeance and reflects on the dangers of libertines. She also mentions her mother's conditions for their future correspondence.

  318. Chapter 318

    Letter 317: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, conveying her mother's opinion that Clarissa's misfortunes stem from her initial elopement and urging her to prosecute Lovelace for his crimes. Mrs. Howe insists that public justice is necessary for the good of society and as a condition for reconciling with her family. Anna adds her own support for prosecution, referencing the Isle of Man's custom, and expresses remorse for her earlier taunting letter.

  319. Chapter 319

    Letter 318: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa forgives Anna for her earlier harsh letter and thanks her for the opportunity to explain herself. She agrees to provide a full account of her sufferings, though she doubts Anna will see it until after her death. Clarissa expresses her despair and longing for death, rejects the idea of a public prosecution, and reveals how Lovelace intercepted Anna's crucial letter through a deceitful scheme involving Mrs. Bevis impersonating her at Hampstead. She laments the loss of that letter, which could have saved her, and reflects on the mystery of how Lovelace tracked her and gained credit through the impostor Tomlinson.

  320. Chapter 320

    Letter 319: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, urging her not to succumb to dejection and to take comfort in her unsullied virtue. She assures Clarissa that her cousin Morden will soon arrive to see justice done. Anna criticizes Clarissa's continued longing for reconciliation with her unworthy family, noting that Lovelace exploited this desire. She mentions sending young Rogers to report on Clarissa's condition, expresses fear of Lovelace's plots, and shares that her mother has permitted correspondence under certain conditions. Anna offers to send Mrs. Townsend to help find safer lodgings.

  321. Chapter 321

    Letter 320: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing concern that her troubles may bring danger to Anna and Mr. Hickman. She describes her current lodgings with the Smiths, her cautious attendance at early morning prayers, and her acquaintance with the pious widow Mrs. Lovick. She reflects on her suffering, her family's irreconcilable anger, and her father's malediction, while striving to maintain religious fortitude.

  322. Chapter 322

    Letter 321: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, lamenting the loss of Clarissa and expressing his despair at not being able to find her. He describes his confinement with his ailing uncle Lord M., who enjoys hearing Lovelace's roguish stories despite his religious pretenses. Lovelace also recounts a flirtatious exchange with his cousins Charlotte and Patty Montague, showing his continued libertine attitudes.

  323. Chapter 323

    Letter 322: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing his obsession with Clarissa and his inability to find any other woman comparable to her. He describes his impatience with his cousins and his brief visit to Colonel Ambrose's, where he meets two Yorkshire nieces but finds them shallow and inferior to Clarissa. He dreads detection of his schemes and deflects Lord M.'s inquiries about his intentions toward Clarissa.

  324. Chapter 324

    Letter 323: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a family intervention led by Lady Sarah Sadleir and Lady Betty Lawrance, who confront him with letters from Clarissa detailing his crimes. They urge him to do justice by marrying her, but Lovelace defends himself with sophistry, claiming Clarissa's refusal is mere resentment. The family presses him, but Lord M. doubts his sincerity, and the session adjourns.

  325. Chapter 325

    Letter 324: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace recounts a family conference with Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, where they press him to marry Clarissa and make reparation. He defends himself with extenuating arguments, praises Clarissa's virtue, and resists their demands, though he acknowledges her angelic character.

  326. Chapter 326

    Letter 325: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace recounts to Belford his appearance before his family, where he defends his actions toward Clarissa, admits to restraining her, and ultimately pledges to marry her. His relatives, including Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, press him for a commitment and propose that Charlotte Montague negotiate with Miss Howe to facilitate a reconciliation. Lovelace agrees, and the family celebrates the prospect of marriage, though he remains ambivalent.

  327. Chapter 327

    Letter 326: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, reflecting on the possibility of marrying Clarissa. He muses on love, marriage as the 'grave of love,' and the social advantages a husband gains. He boasts of reconciling with his relations and threatens Belford with death to keep secrets. He plans to have his cousins Montague visit Mrs. Howe to enlist Miss Howe's help, and he intends to advertise for Clarissa.

  328. Chapter 328

    Letter 327: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, reporting a visit from Miss Montague and her sister, who come on behalf of Lord M. and his sisters to propose that Clarissa place herself under Lady Betty's protection and marry Lovelace. Anna urges Clarissa to accept the offer, emphasizing the family's admiration, the promise of reformation, and the prospect of a splendid alliance. She advises Clarissa to be discreet about past sufferings and encourages her to look forward to a happy future.

  329. Chapter 329

    Letter 328: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing impatience and concern over not receiving a reply to her previous letter. She urges Clarissa to accept Lady Betty's protection and marry Lovelace for the sake of her honor, family, and friendship. She has sent Collins to retrieve Clarissa's response, hoping for good news.

  330. Chapter 330

    Letter 329: Miss Howe, to Miss Charlotte Montague

    In a frantic letter, Anna Howe demands news of Clarissa, who has disappeared from her lodgings after going to morning prayers. Anna suspects Lovelace has spirited her away and appeals to Charlotte Montague for information.

  331. Chapter 331

    Letter 330: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, in a panic, writes to Belford after learning that Mrs. Sinclair and Sally Martin have had Clarissa arrested for debt. He insists he had no part in the scheme and begs Belford to free her immediately, clear his name, and provide her with money and belongings.

  332. Chapter 332

    Letter 331: Miss Charlotte Montague, to Miss Howe

    Miss Charlotte Montague writes to Miss Howe to reassure her that Clarissa is safe after a distressing arrest caused by a misunderstanding of Lovelace's orders. She describes Lovelace as being half-distracted since Saturday night and insists he is innocent of this new evil. The letter promises further details from Lord M., Lady Sarah Sadleir, and Lady Betty Lawrance.

  333. Chapter 333

    Letter 332: Miss Montague, to Miss Howe

    Miss Montague writes to Miss Howe detailing the family's shock and Lovelace's distress upon learning of Clarissa's restraint by the Sinclair household. She explains that Lovelace had left general instructions to find Clarissa but claims the restraint was an overstep by the servants, and that he immediately ordered her release. The letter includes pleas for Miss Howe's continued intercession and a brief note from Lovelace himself, expressing his willingness to submit to Clarissa's judgment.

  334. Chapter 334

    Letter 333: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace detailing the horrid arrest of Clarissa by sheriff's officers, instigated by Lovelace's servant, and her subsequent imprisonment. He recounts her brave and sorrowful behavior, the vile conduct of Mrs. Sinclair and Sally Martin, and his own resolve to visit and free her. Belford condemns Lovelace's actions and warns of the fatal consequences.

  335. Chapter 335

    Letter 334: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford visits Clarissa at Rowland's squalid prison, describing the deplorable conditions and her pitiable state. He attempts to persuade her to leave, but she refuses any obligation to Lovelace's friend, offering her ring to pay debts and burial expenses. Belford curses Mrs. Sinclair, retrieves letters from Clarissa's lodgings, and breaks off his narrative, leaving Lovelace in suspense.

  336. Chapter 336

    Letter 335: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes a furious and tormented letter to Belford, expressing extreme anguish and rage over Belford's abrupt and torturous communication. He compares his suffering to Clarissa's, curses Belford with violent fantasies, and anxiously awaits the sequel of Belford's intelligence.

  337. Chapter 337

    Letter 336: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about his efforts to assist Clarissa after her arrest. He describes visiting her in a miserable lodging, bringing her letters, and arranging for her removal to Mrs. Smith's. Belford assures Clarissa of Lovelace's innocence regarding the arrest, though she remains skeptical. He also retrieves her belongings from Mrs. Sinclair's, preventing theft by Sally and Polly, and gains Mrs. Smith's trust.

  338. Chapter 338

    Letter 337: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes early in the morning after receiving a messenger from Lovelace. He mocks Lovelace's imagined torments and insists that Clarissa must be free from Lovelace's visits, threatening to end their correspondence if Lovelace does not keep his promise.

  339. Chapter 339

    Letter 338: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford updates Lovelace on Clarissa's declining health, describing her weak state, the care she receives from Mrs. Lovick and the apothecary Mr. Goddard, and her letter to Miss Howe explaining her arrest and release. Belford urges Lovelace to restrain himself to maintain Clarissa's trust.

  340. Chapter 340

    Letter 339: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford visits Clarissa, who is weak but dignified. He attempts to defend Lovelace's character and intentions, but Clarissa rebuffs him, expressing her horror at Lovelace's deceit and cruelty. She refuses any further contact with Lovelace and dismisses his offers of amends. Belford reflects on her virtue and his own guilt for not intervening sooner.

  341. Chapter 341

    Letter 340: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford arranges for a physician, Dr. H., to visit Clarissa, who is in very poor health. She insists on paying the doctor's fee despite her poverty, displaying her pride and independence. The doctor advises that her recovery depends largely on her own spirits. Belford learns that Clarissa is selling her rich dresses to raise money, and he secretly provides funds to purchase one. He also gives a brief account of her story to the doctor and apothecary, protecting Lovelace as much as possible.

  342. Chapter 342

    Letter 341: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his actions and criticizing Belford's decision to share his letter with Clarissa. He expresses his disdain for Hickman, discusses his plans to travel to France and Italy to forget Clarissa, and reflects on the nature of repentance. He also comments on the state of his companions and his hopes for Clarissa's recovery, dismissing the idea that her heart is broken.

  343. Chapter 343

    Letter 342: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe expresses shock and concern over Clarissa's recent public humiliation and poor health. She urges Clarissa not to despair and discusses the possibility of marriage to Lovelace, noting that his family supports the match and that her mother believes it is the only way to secure Clarissa's future. Anna also mentions her impending trip to the Isle of Wight and her intention to investigate Lovelace's sincerity before further advocating for him.

  344. Chapter 344

    Letter 343: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing gratitude for her friendship but firmly refusing any further inquiries about Lovelace. She describes her improved circumstances—no longer imprisoned, her effects restored, and under the care of kind physicians. Though weak and ill, she finds strength in her mind and asks Anna to focus on her own happiness, viewing Clarissa as if she has gone on a long journey.

  345. Chapter 345

    Letter 344: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace about the deteriorating condition of their mutual friend Belton, who is physically ill and emotionally broken by his unfaithful mistress Thomasine. Belford reflects on the moral decay of their libertine circle, contrasting it with the virtue of Clarissa, and warns Lovelace of the consequences of his actions.

  346. Chapter 346

    Letter 345: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about Clarissa's suspicion that he advanced money for her clothes, leading her to refuse the sale. Mrs. Lovick sells some of Clarissa's lace to repay debts, including doctor's fees incurred from an illness caused by Lovelace's cruelty. The doctor visits Clarissa and they compromise on fees, as she insists on paying him despite her reduced circumstances. Belford urges Lovelace to thank the doctor for restoring Clarissa's faith in men.

  347. Chapter 347

    Letter 346: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace recounts his interview with Mr. Hickman, who visits at Miss Howe's request to inquire about Lovelace's intentions toward Clarissa. Lovelace toys with Hickman, evading direct answers, and eventually reveals that the 'other lover' Clarissa prefers is Death itself. The letter showcases Lovelace's manipulative wit and his refusal to take responsibility for his actions.

  348. Chapter 348

    Letter 347: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's letters, dismissing Belford's reformation and expressing disturbance at Clarissa's ill health, which he blames on the arrest. He rationalizes her selling her clothes as female perversity and hopes to reconcile with her. He then discusses Belton's case, proposing a darkly humorous scheme to rid Belton of his unfaithful mistress Thomasine, and criticizes Belford's grim depiction of their friends' ends.

  349. Chapter 349

    Letter 348: Mr. Belford, to Mr. Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford visits Clarissa, who is weak but resolute. She has written to her sister seeking revocation of her father's curse, expresses dutiful forgiveness toward her parents, and firmly rejects Lovelace, though she strives to pity and forgive him. Belford is struck by her virtue and condemns Lovelace's role in her suffering.

  350. Chapter 350

    Letter 349: Mr. Belford

    Clarissa reveals her true identity to Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lovick, declaring she was never married and is Clarissa Harlowe. She recounts her formerly happy life, her family's wealth and love, and her current state of humiliation and penitence. Mr. Belford offers his services and financial aid, which she refuses. She declines a wedding-day dinner invitation and begins to narrate her story to the group.

  351. Chapter 351

    Letter 350: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing frustration at Belford's hatred and defending his own actions. He reflects on Clarissa's refusal to marry him despite his willingness, criticizes her 'unforgiving forgiveness,' and recounts Belford's awkwardness in delivering a bank note. Lovelace also discusses his desire to obtain copies of Clarissa's letters, shares a story of a past conversion in Paris, and announces his plan to attend a ball given by Colonel Ambrose, hoping to see Mrs. and Miss Howe and possibly Arabella Harlowe.

  352. Chapter 352

    Letter 351: Miss Howe, to Miss Arabella Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Arabella Harlowe to inform her that Clarissa is dangerously ill at a glover's and perfume shop in Covent Garden. She notes that Clarissa is unaware of the letter and that harsh words from her father have deeply affected her in her weakened state. Anna urges Arabella to act as a sister.

  353. Chapter 353

    Letter 352: Miss Arabella Harlowe

    Arabella Harlowe responds to Anna Howe's letter regarding Clarissa's illness, expressing the family's lack of sympathy and blaming Clarissa for her own misfortunes. She rebukes Anna for criticizing the Harlowe family's stance.

  354. Chapter 354

    Letter 353: Miss Howe

    Anna Howe writes a scathing reply to Arabella Harlowe, defending her own intentions and condemning the Harlowe family's treatment of Clarissa. She warns that if Clarissa dies, she will speak her full mind.

  355. Chapter 355

    Letter 354: Miss Arabella Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Arabella Harlowe writes a sharp reply to Anna Howe, defending the Harlowe family's actions and blaming Clarissa entirely for her own disgrace. She dismisses Anna's criticisms and implies that Anna's advice may have contributed to Clarissa's downfall.

  356. Chapter 356

    Letter 355: Miss Howe, to Miss Arabella Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes a scathing letter to Arabella Harlowe, defending Clarissa's superior character and condemning Arabella's malice and envy. She credits Clarissa's advice for saving her from difficulties and criticizes the Harlowe family for their mistreatment of Clarissa.

  357. Chapter 357

    Letter 356: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Howe

    Mrs. Harlowe writes to Mrs. Howe, enclosing copies of letters between Miss Howe and Arabella, complaining of the freedoms Miss Howe has taken in criticizing the Harlowe family. She appeals to Mrs. Howe as a mother to understand the family's distress over Clarissa's disobedience and disgrace, and requests that they not be further reflected upon.

  358. Chapter 358

    Letter 357: Mrs. Howe

    Mrs. Howe writes to Mrs. Harlowe, expressing her displeasure with her daughter Anna's correspondence with Clarissa. She describes Anna as headstrong and romantic, and reveals that she has forbidden further letters and is taking Anna to the Isle of Wight to break her attachment to Clarissa. Mrs. Howe acknowledges Clarissa's virtues but insists that forgiveness should be left to her family.

  359. Chapter 359

    Letter 358: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing concern over her health and urging her to reconsider marrying Lovelace despite her aversion. She reports that Mr. Hickman has met with Lovelace and believes he is sincere in his desire to marry Clarissa. Anna also mentions her own family tensions and a forthcoming ball at Colonel Ambrose's, lamenting Clarissa's absence.

  360. Chapter 360

    Letter 359: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her unwavering refusal to marry Lovelace despite the arguments and proposals from his family. She justifies her decision by citing his premeditated barbarity, her own pride, and the impossibility of marrying a man she despises. Clarissa contemplates death as a release from her sufferings, but resolves not to harm herself, instead accepting her punishment as a consequence of her fault and committing to prolong her life until God calls for it.

  361. Chapter 361

    Letter 360: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, gently chiding her for speaking harshly to the Harlowe family on her behalf. She defends her parents' actions, acknowledges her own fault in eloping with Lovelace, and expresses a desire for her father's absolution and blessing. She also requests that Anna's mother allow their correspondence for one more month and looks forward to a visit from Mr. Hickman.

  362. Chapter 362

    Letter 361: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Clarissa after a long silence, explaining that she has been extremely ill and her son is dangerously ill. She reports that angry letters have passed between Arabella and Anna Howe, and that the Harlowe family is incensed against Miss Howe. They had planned to send Mr. Brand to make private inquiries about Clarissa's health and way of life but have laid aside that intention due to their anger. There are flying reports of fresh insults Clarissa has undergone and that she may put herself under Lady Betty Lawrance's protection. Mrs. Norton cannot attend Clarissa due to her son's illness and begs for news of her health.

  363. Chapter 363

    Letter 362: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing concern for her health and that of her son, and explaining her silence due to fresh troubles. She regrets Miss Howe's unsolicited letter to her family, fearing it will harm her cause. Clarissa recounts her arrest, release by Mr. Belford, and Lovelace's promise not to molest her. She reaffirms her resolution to die rather than marry Lovelace, despite pressure from his family and Miss Howe. She describes her current peaceful lodgings with kind people, a good physician, and a diligent nurse, finding spiritual comfort within. She reflects on her birthday as a heavy day, grieving for her family's suffering.

  364. Chapter 364

    Letter 363: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Arabella Harlowe

    Clarissa, in precarious health, writes to her sister Arabella begging her to intercede with their father to revoke the part of his curse that concerns the afterlife. She acknowledges her punishment from Lovelace and expresses gratitude for her mother's kindness in sending her clothes, but refrains from further correspondence to avoid giving offense.

  365. Chapter 365

    Letter 364: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford rebukes Lovelace for blaming Clarissa's ill health on the arrest and her family's implacability, insisting the fault lies with Lovelace. He describes Clarissa's birthday fast and her noble disposition, contrasts her saintly behavior with the cowardice of sinners like Belton, and reflects on the Bible's style and wisdom, urging Lovelace toward reformation.

  366. Chapter 366

    Letter 365: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford reports on Clarissa's declining health, her sale of clothes to a benefactress, and her delivery of a sealed packet of Lovelace's letters. He pleads for Lovelace but is rebuffed. Mr. Hickman visits with a letter from Anna Howe, and Clarissa invites both to breakfast.

  367. Chapter 367

    Letter 366: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford reports visiting Clarissa with Mr. Hickman, who presses her to accept Miss Howe's offer of a farmhouse retreat. Clarissa remains determined not to marry Lovelace and refuses money. Mr. Goddard prescribes a regimen for her health. Hickman describes Lovelace's behavior at the ball and his own parting with Clarissa, who blesses him and Miss Howe. Belford reflects on the value of friendship and the folly of libertinism.

  368. Chapter 368

    Letter 367: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, expressing deep concern over her health and urging her to consider reconciliation with Lovelace despite his past wrongs. She recounts a tense encounter with Lovelace at Colonel Ambrose's gathering, where he pleaded for her intercession, and reveals that her mother and friends advise Clarissa to marry him. Anna suspends her decision to reject Lovelace's family's proposal, awaiting Clarissa's final word.

  369. Chapter 369

    Letter 368: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, thanking her for sending Mr. Hickman but chiding her for not giving a decisive negative to Lovelace's relations. She reaffirms her refusal to marry Lovelace, discusses her loss of reputation, and explains her reasons for declining Anna's invitation to move into her neighborhood, citing her desire to attend daily prayers and avoid causing discord between Anna and her mother. She encloses a letter to her sister and asks Anna to transmit her negative reply to Lovelace's family.

  370. Chapter 370

    Letter 369: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, reiterating her firm refusal to marry Lovelace despite the entreaties of his noble relations. She insists her decision is based on principle, not passion, and offers to forgive Lovelace only if he ceases to molest her. She requests Anna to convey her respectful compliments to Lord M. and the ladies of his family.

  371. Chapter 371

    Letter 370: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, oscillating between anger and gratitude for Belford's letters. He defends his treatment of Clarissa by comparing himself to Aeneas (who abandoned Dido) and Queen Elizabeth I (who executed Mary Queen of Scots), arguing he is comparatively innocent. He criticizes Belford's awkward advocacy and suggests leaving Clarissa alone to let her resentment subside. He reveals a plan to visit Clarissa in disguise as a clergyman, and expresses envy of those admitted to her presence.

  372. Chapter 372

    Letter 371: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing hope that Clarissa may be pregnant, which he believes would compel her to live and legitimate the child. He dismisses her desire for death as mere rhetoric, citing Job and Shakespeare, and argues that her noble mind would not permit suicide. He complains of being tired of his relatives and friends, and plans to go to town to confront Clarissa, awaiting only Miss Howe's response. He also reflects on the public knowledge of his affair with Clarissa, criticizes her for not keeping it secret, and mentions Miss Howe's efforts to persuade Clarissa to marry him.

  373. Chapter 373

    Letter 372: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, fully supporting her resolution not to marry Lovelace. She urges Clarissa to recover her health and spirits, discusses the possibility of Clarissa living near her after marriage, and mentions sending Clarissa's letter to the Misses Montague. Anna also encourages Clarissa to write her story for publication as a moral example.

  374. Chapter 374

    Letter 373: Miss Howe, to the Two Misses Montague

    Miss Howe writes to the Misses Montague, explaining that she has repeatedly urged Clarissa to forgive and reconcile with Lovelace, but Clarissa remains immovable in her refusal. She encloses Clarissa's letter and transcribes passages showing Clarissa's noble motives and declining health. Miss Howe expresses her grief and anger at Lovelace's villainy, citing Clarissa's suffering, her family's persecution, and the arrest and confinement that deepened her calamities.

  375. Chapter 375

    Letter 374: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Clarissa, reporting that her son is recovering and that Clarissa's letter to her sister has been received and answered, though the family remains divided and unwilling to believe Clarissa is truly ill. She expresses sorrow over Clarissa's arrest, gently questions Clarissa's refusal of Lovelace, and reflects on the difficulty of knowing what to pray for. She hints at a plan to try to move Clarissa's mother to relent.

  376. Chapter 376

    Letter 375: Mrs. Norton, to Mrs. Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Mrs. Harlowe, seeking permission to share a letter from Clarissa. She reports that Clarissa has refused offers of marriage and forgiveness from Lord M., his sisters, nieces, and Lovelace himself, partly due to her conviction that she will not live long and a desire not to give a husband rights over her estate. Mrs. Norton hopes the family's authority might persuade Clarissa to change her mind, but she acts without Clarissa's knowledge to avoid further distress.

  377. Chapter 377

    Letter 376: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Mrs. Harlowe writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing the family's continued refusal to forgive Clarissa, fearing that leniency would encourage further rebellion. She admits her own maternal anguish but feels compelled to side with her husband and other relatives to maintain peace. She mentions that Clarissa's father has withdrawn his curse but that nothing Clarissa writes will be believed. Mrs. Harlowe struggles with her desire to see Clarissa's letter and her fear of defying the family's prohibition. She sends Mrs. Norton money for her illness and advises her not to visit Clarissa or advocate too strongly on her behalf.

  378. Chapter 378

    Letter 377: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, congratulating her on her son's recovery and expressing concern about Mrs. Norton's plan to intercede with her family. She reveals she has received a severe letter from her sister Arabella in response to her own, and reflects on her father's curse, her longing to see her mother, and her resignation to her fate. She asks Mrs. Norton not to take any steps on her behalf without her prior consent.

  379. Chapter 379

    Letter 378: Miss Ar. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Arabella Harlowe responds to Clarissa's letter with a mixture of pity and reproach, informing her that their father has withdrawn his curse but will never forgive her, and that the family is deeply shamed by her elopement with Lovelace, who has now abandoned her.

  380. Chapter 380

    Letter 379: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing pleasure at Anna's approval of her resolution never to marry Lovelace. She reflects on her escape from a miserable marriage, defends her family's harshness by imagining her mother's perspective, and urges Anna to oblige her mother's wishes regarding her own marriage to Hickman.

  381. Chapter 381

    Letter 380: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Harlowe

    Clarissa writes to her sister Arabella, expressing that she does not repine at the severity of Arabella's letter because her own heart reproaches her more strongly, though she maintains she is not as culpable as believed. She recalls the anniversary of her birth on July 24 with a bleeding heart and declares it will likely be her last. She humbly begs permission to write half a dozen lines to her parents to obtain their last blessing, asking Arabella to intercede and grant her liberty to write.

  382. Chapter 382

    Letter 381: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Clarissa, explaining that she had offered to send Clarissa's letter to her mother but was forbidden by Clarissa. She reassures Clarissa that her mother is inclined toward reconciliation and hints at private support, including a gift of five guineas. Mrs. Norton also warns that Mr. Brand, a meddlesome clergyman, has been sent by the family to privately inquire into Clarissa's conduct and health, and advises Clarissa to take no notice. She expresses hope for a full reconciliation and promises to inform Clarissa of Colonel Morden's arrival.

  383. Chapter 383

    Letter 382: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton expressing pleasure at her recovery, but lamenting the rejection of her mother's offer to intercede. She clarifies that she seeks only a blessing to die with, not to live with, and fears her family's severity may cause her death before they grant favor. She refuses Mrs. Norton's visit to avoid worsening tensions, accepts Mr. Brand's impending report, and finds solace in spiritual contentment.

  384. Chapter 384

    Letter 383: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing his chagrin and disappointment after a letter from Miss Howe to his cousins reveals Clarissa's final rejection of him. His family, including Lady Sarah, Lady Betty, Lord M., and his cousins, read the letter and are moved by Clarissa's virtue, which only deepens Lovelace's frustration. He swears he will marry her even if it leads to her death, and outlines three possible methods for the marriage to take place. His cousin Charlotte writes a letter to Clarissa on his behalf, which Lovelace approves, and he postpones his plans to go to town pending her reply. He urges Belford to use his eloquence to persuade Clarissa and offers his assistance in Belford's affairs.

  385. Chapter 385

    Letter 384: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Charlotte Montague writes to Clarissa on behalf of the entire family, expressing deep remorse for the injuries she has suffered at the hands of Mr. Lovelace. She pleads with Clarissa to forgive him and accept the family's offer of kinship, assuring her that Lord M., Lady Sarah Sadleir, and Lady Betty Lawrance will honor and love her. Montague offers to travel to London to receive Clarissa's commands, hoping to persuade her to become their kinswoman.

  386. Chapter 386

    Letter 385: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, explaining his delay in coming to town due to his own and Belton's affairs. He reports that he visited Clarissa and found her visibly worsened, partly due to distressing letters from her family. He insists that Lovelace keep his promise not to molest her. The letter then notes a conversation between Belford and Clarissa regarding Miss Montague's letter and Lovelace's alternatives, the details of which are omitted as they appear in subsequent letters.

  387. Chapter 387

    Letter 386: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Montague

    Clarissa responds to Miss Montague's kind letter, expressing regret for the lost opportunity of a reputable alliance with the Lovelace family, but firmly rejecting any possibility of marrying Lovelace due to his premeditated violence and degradation of her. She requests that the family use their influence to persuade Lovelace to cease his harassment, as she wishes to live in peace or die in peace.

  388. Chapter 388

    Letter 387: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford receives a letter from Clarissa requesting extracts from Lovelace's correspondence to clear her conduct. She specifies passages from the fire scene and subsequent days. Belford decides to comply, noting Lovelace's honesty in not slandering her, and expresses curiosity about her second request.

  389. Chapter 389

    Letter 388: Mr. Belford, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mr. Belford writes to Clarissa, agreeing to share extracts from Lovelace's letters covering the period before and after her escape to Hampstead, as she wishes to see if she must address painful subjects to defend her character. He fulfills her request and then pleads on Lovelace's behalf, suggesting that if she can forgive him, he would make a devoted husband and that reconciliation with her family might follow. Belford asks her to treat the communication as confidential and not to use it against Lovelace in arguments.

  390. Chapter 390

    Letter 389: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to John Belford, Esq.

    Clarissa writes to John Belford, thanking him for his communications and acknowledging Lovelace's premeditated baseness. She declares she has weighed all possibilities and finds more satisfaction in the prospect of death than in any reconciliation with Lovelace. She then makes a bold request: that Belford act as the protector of her memory and executor of her will, using his materials to do her character justice, and that he consult Anna Howe as needed.

  391. Chapter 391

    Letter 390: Mr. Belford, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mr. Belford gratefully accepts Clarissa's offer to make him her executor, pledging his fidelity and promising to fulfill her instructions literally. He expresses hope that she will live many years and that his frequent access to her will inspire him to emulate her virtues.

  392. Chapter 392

    Letter 391: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace about delivering extracts of Lovelace's letters to Clarissa, softening the content to protect Lovelace. Clarissa is distressed by a harsh letter from her sister and has written on her knees to her mother for a blessing. She asks Belford to be her executor, which he accepts. Belford offers to mediate with her family, but Clarissa declines, citing Miss Howe's previous interference and preferring Mrs. Norton's help.

  393. Chapter 393

    Letter 392: Miss Ar. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Arabella Harlowe responds harshly to Clarissa's letter of July 29, refusing further correspondence and condemning her sister's actions. She expresses the family's disgrace and shame, stating that Clarissa's penitence is doubted and that no one is willing to forgive her.

  394. Chapter 394

    Letter 393: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Her Mother

    Clarissa writes a desperate, penitent letter to her mother, begging for her forgiveness and blessing. She insists her repentance is genuine, claims she never intended to elope with Lovelace, and pleads for a written pardon to comfort her in her final struggles.

  395. Chapter 395

    Letter 394: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Miss Montague, writing on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah Sadleir, Lady Betty Lawrance, and herself, responds to Clarissa's letter. They express their condemnation of Lovelace's behavior and their unwavering admiration for Clarissa. They offer her a quarterly allowance of one hundred guineas and a bank-bill, insisting she accept it as a token of their love, not Lovelace's. They also inform her that Lord M. has banished Lovelace from his presence and that Lovelace is preparing to go abroad. They plead for her acceptance and friendship.

  396. Chapter 396

    Letter 395: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, enraged by Clarissa's refusal as conveyed in her letter to his cousin Charlotte, vents his fury to Belford. He accuses Clarissa of being a true Harlowe, criticizes Belford's reformist talk and his plan to share Lovelace's letters with Clarissa, and describes his strained relations with Lord M.'s family. He resolves to write one more letter to Clarissa and threatens violent action if she continues to evade him.

  397. Chapter 397

    Letter 396: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace angrily responds to Belford's delivery of his private letters to Clarissa, vowing to have her despite her resistance. He threatens to burn down the brothel if she rejects his next letter, and insists he will be her sole executor, refusing to let Belford take that role.

  398. Chapter 398

    Letter 397: Mr. Lovelace to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Lovelace writes a desperate letter to Clarissa, begging for her forgiveness and offering to marry her on her own terms. He acknowledges his baseness and her purity, expresses remorse, and pleads for a chance to atone through future good conduct, warning that her refusal will drive him to despair.

  399. Chapter 399

    Letter 398: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Lord M. and to the Ladies of His House

    Clarissa writes to Lord M. and the ladies of his house, declining their offered quarterly bounty and expressing gratitude for their generosity. She urges them to forgive their kinsman (Lovelace) for his offenses against them, arguing that harsh treatment may only make him more desperate and that she hopes for his reformation after her death.

  400. Chapter 400

    Letter 399: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford updates Lovelace on Belton's illness and the eviction of his rapacious mistress, then reports on Clarissa's declining health, her distress from a cruel letter from her uncle Harlowe, and her recourse to Scripture for solace. He also relates a conversation between Mrs. Smith and a young clergyman who praises Clarissa's former virtue and reputation.

  401. Chapter 401

    Letter 400: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace, informing him of the generous offers made by Lord M. and the ladies of his family to Clarissa, and her grateful but declining response. He notes Clarissa's intention to answer Lovelace's letter of the 7th, though reluctantly, and mentions that her grandfather's will enables her to make her own will at eighteen, which she now resolves to do. Belford insists on Lovelace's promise not to molest Clarissa.

  402. Chapter 402

    Letter 401: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Clarissa writes to Lovelace under compulsion, stating that even if she lived many more years and there were no other man, she could never be his. She forgives him and wishes him well, expecting the promised relief from his harassment.

  403. Chapter 403

    Letter 402: Mr. John Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Mr. John Harlowe writes to Clarissa on behalf of her mother, expressing the family's grief and anger over her elopement with Lovelace. He demands to know if she is pregnant and insists on true penitence before any reconciliation. The letter is accompanied by a mournful meditation stitched in black silk.

  404. Chapter 404

    Letter 403: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to John Harlowe, Esq.

    Clarissa writes to her uncle John Harlowe, pleading for a last blessing to die in peace, but is rebuffed with harsh words from her sister and uncle. She expresses deep contrition and insists she does not seek to be received back, only a final benediction. Denied, she resigns herself to relying solely on God's mercy.

  405. Chapter 405

    Letter 404: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes a brief, hurried letter to Clarissa, expressing her distress over Clarissa's choice of Mr. Belford as executor, though she agrees that none of Clarissa's relations should be named. She mentions that Mr. Hickman speaks well of Belford but dismisses his judgment. Anna sends the letter via a friend of her aunt Harman and eagerly awaits news of Clarissa's improved health.

  406. Chapter 406

    Letter 405: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, enclosing a large packet of letters and papers for her perusal, but not all that she has received, as she finds her family's letters too severe. She defends her choice of executor, insisting she is too far engaged to recede. She includes transcribed passages from Mr. Belford's letters, extracted from Lovelace's correspondence, and demands strict secrecy and their return to prevent harm. She reflects on her fatigue, her disillusionment with the world, and her longing to escape her wretched situation.

  407. Chapter 407

    Letter 406: Mr. Antony Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Mr. Antony Harlowe writes a harsh reply to Clarissa's letter, accusing her of feigning illness and penitence, demanding she answer a shameful question about her conduct with Lovelace, and quoting Ecclesiasticus to justify the family's severity.

  408. Chapter 408

    Letter 407: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Antony Harlowe, Esq.

    Clarissa writes a remorseful letter to her uncle Antony Harlowe, apologizing for her previous pert letter and defending her sincerity. She expresses sorrow for her fall but insists on her innocence except for the involuntary elopement. She refuses to answer a shocking question posed by her family, hinting that time will provide the answer. She clarifies she sought only a blessing, not restoration or financial support, and laments the harsh treatment she receives despite her penitence.

  409. Chapter 409

    Letter 408: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Clarissa, informing her that her family is now proposing she go to the plantations, influenced by misrepresentations from Mr. Brand. She advises Clarissa to consider accepting Mr. Lovelace's family's requests to marry him, which would silence critics and reconcile her family. Mrs. Norton also reports that Dr. Lewen disapproves of the family's measures and that Clarissa's cousin Colonel Morden has arrived in England, offering a glimmer of hope. She encourages Clarissa to remain patient and virtuous, seeing her suffering as a path to heavenly glory.

  410. Chapter 410

    Letter 409: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing confusion over negative reports about her and mentioning a harsh letter from her uncle Antony. She reassures Mrs. Norton of her innocence since April 10, offers to share her papers for context, and reflects on her mother's lack of private communication. Clarissa contrasts her family's harshness with the generosity of Lord M.'s family, hints at a strange step she has taken, and expresses concern that her cousin Morden might seek vengeance. She ends with a heartfelt plea for Mrs. Norton's continued love and a hopeful vision of eternal reunion.

  411. Chapter 411

    Letter 410: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from Lord M.'s estate, describing his severe illness and low spirits. He recounts a visit from the parish priest and Lord M., during which he produces Clarissa's meditation and gains praise for his apparent reformation. He expresses frustration with Clarissa's refusal and his own physical weakness, while insisting he will soon return to London.

  412. Chapter 412

    Letter 411: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to the ailing Lovelace, expressing concern for his illness but also regret that he did not die before his crime against Clarissa. He reports that Clarissa, upon hearing of Lovelace's dangerous illness, shows mercy and hopes he may receive the mercy he did not show.

  413. Chapter 413

    Letter 412: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace expresses his determination not to lose Clarissa, praising her forgiving and generous nature. He requests updates on her health and activities, declaring his love and resolve to make her his own, despite her current refusal.

  414. Chapter 414

    Letter 413: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, rejoicing in his apparent moral improvement and health. He recounts reading Lovelace's letter to Clarissa, who responds with pity and forgiveness, though she remains ill due to harsh letters from her family. Belford contrasts Clarissa's genuine penitence and virtue with the fictional 'Fair Penitent,' praising her piety and forgiveness. He also notes that Colonel Morden has arrived in England, and that Belton is near death, urging Lovelace not to disturb Clarissa.

  415. Chapter 415

    Letter 414: Mr. Belford, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mr. Belford writes to Clarissa to warn her that Mr. Lovelace intends to seek an interview with her, despite her illness. He urges her to consider receiving the visit, describing Lovelace as penitent and respectful. Belford explains he must leave for Epsom to attend to the dying Mr. Belton, but hopes to return before Lovelace arrives. He reassures Clarissa that the visit will be brief and that Lovelace, having recently recovered from a dangerous fever, will not intrude further if she is indisposed.

  416. Chapter 416

    Letter 415: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's letter, expressing frustration that Clarissa forgives his sin and accepts his repentance but refuses to let him repair the damage. He defends his intentions to visit her with decency and respect, mentions Lord M.'s opinion, and criticizes Belford for sharing extracts of his letters with Clarissa, which he believes has hardened her against him.

  417. Chapter 417

    Letter 416: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace arrives in London, determined to see Clarissa despite her escape. He visits Smith's, where he is told she has gone into the country. Frustrated, he returns to his lodgings, curses the brothel crew for the arrest and insolence, and refuses to see Sally or Polly. He orders his servant Will to spy on Clarissa's movements, hoping his announced departure will draw her back.

  418. Chapter 418

    Letter 417: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford about a disturbing dream in which Clarissa forgives him, but is then taken up to heaven, leaving him only her robe. He then learns that Clarissa has returned to her lodgings very ill and rushes to see her, vowing to be gentle.

  419. Chapter 419

    Letter 418: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace arrives at Mrs. Smith's house seeking Clarissa, but she has fled to avoid him. He searches the premises, speaks with Mrs. Lovick and Mrs. Smith, and learns of Clarissa's declining health and her fear of him. Mrs. Lovick shows him a meditation Clarissa wrote, comparing Lovelace to a violent enemy. Lovelace is chagrined but persists in his desire to see her, even visiting a chapel in hopes of finding her.

  420. Chapter 420

    Letter 419: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, expressing indignation at Lovelace's breach of honor and cruel treatment of Clarissa. He describes the deathbed scene of their mutual friend Belton, who is tormented by guilt and despair over his past wicked life. Belford contrasts Belton's genuine repentance with Mowbray's callous insensibility, and uses the scene to admonish Lovelace about his own moral state.

  421. Chapter 421

    Letter 420: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace about his servant's delay in delivering Lovelace's letter, describing how he and Mowbray berated the servant. He urges Lovelace to abandon thoughts of seeing Clarissa and to instead join him in attending their dying friend Belton, reflecting on mortality.

  422. Chapter 422

    Letter 421: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in ecstasy after receiving a letter from Clarissa, who claims she is setting out for her father's house in hopes of reconciliation. He interprets her letter as a sign of forgiveness and plans to visit Lord M. to share the news. He also recounts a dream he interprets as prophetic of their happy future, though he dismisses its darker elements. The letter ends with Mowbray's arrival bearing news of Belton's declining health.

  423. Chapter 423

    Letter 422: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's account of Belton's death, dismissing Belford's moralizing and defending Belton's honor in the duel with Metcalfe. He expresses his own attachment to life and worldly pleasures, while looking forward to marrying Clarissa and seeing her restored to happiness.

  424. Chapter 424

    Letter 423: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, defending his style of governing servants and criticizing Belford's 'humanity' as mere constitutional phlegm. He theorizes that Clarissa's change in temper may be due to pregnancy, and he anticipates her eventual favor. He also mentions Belton's continued illness and his own impending visit to Lord M.'s, expressing his determination to have Clarissa.

  425. Chapter 425

    Letter 424: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford describes the agonizing death of their mutual friend Belton, who suffers intense physical pain and spiritual terror, unable to find peace or forgiveness. Belford reflects on the futility of earthly pursuits and resolves to reform his own life, while also questioning a surprising letter from Clarissa that Lovelace has sent him.

  426. Chapter 426

    Letter 425: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's letter about Belton's death, expressing concern and a hint of his own potential reformation, while also revealing his continued obsession with Clarissa and his plans to visit Lord M.'s estate.

  427. Chapter 427

    Letter 426: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about attending the opening of Belton's will and visiting Clarissa, who is gravely ill. He describes her piety, her preparations for death, and her gratitude to her doctors and Belford. Clarissa asks the doctors how long she has to live, and they estimate a fortnight or three weeks.

  428. Chapter 428

    Letter 427: The Rev. Dr. Lewen, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    The Rev. Dr. Lewen writes to Clarissa from his sickbed, urging her to prosecute Lovelace for his crimes. He argues that her religion, duty to family, honour, and charity to her sex demand public evidence against Lovelace. He warns that failing to prosecute may lead to further violence between Lovelace and her family, and insists that suppressed evidence is nearly as bad as false evidence. He acknowledges the difficulty of testifying in court but asserts that modesty must yield to justice and truth.

  429. Chapter 429

    Letter 428: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to the Rev. Dr. Lewen

    Clarissa responds to Dr. Lewen's letter, explaining why she did not pursue legal action against Lovelace. She argues that public shame, the risk of a pardon, and the danger of escalating family feuds would have made prosecution futile. Instead, she emphasizes her forgiveness of Lovelace, her spiritual preparation for death, and her hope that her story will serve as a warning to others.

  430. Chapter 430

    Letter 429: Miss Arab. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Arabella Harlowe writes to Clarissa, responding to her letters to their uncles. She proposes two options: either Clarissa prosecutes Lovelace for his crimes, or she agrees to exile in Pennsylvania for several years. Arabella criticizes Clarissa's supposed repentance and suggests that if Clarissa refuses to pursue legal action, the family will assume the worst about her conduct.

  431. Chapter 431

    Letter 430: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Miss Arab. Harlowe

    Clarissa responds to her sister Arabella's harsh letter, refusing to meet with Mr. Ackland and the counselor on the proposed business, but agreeing to go to Pennsylvania if no other event intervenes within a month. She expresses sorrow at her family's severity and hints at new accusations, while maintaining her affection and praying for her sister's kindness.

  432. Chapter 432

    Letter 431: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton returns Clarissa's letters and warns her of an upcoming harsh letter from her sister, Arabella, instigated by Mr. Brand's report of a man visiting Clarissa. She advises Clarissa to drop the acquaintance and notes that Colonel Morden is investigating Lovelace's intentions, though tensions are rising within the family.

  433. Chapter 433

    Letter 432: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton relays a private visit from Mrs. Hervey, who shares that Clarissa's family is internally conflicted and that her mother is forced to act against her will. Mrs. Hervey suggests that Clarissa's brother James has orchestrated a league to prevent reconciliation, but hopes that Mr. Morden's arrival may improve matters. She also reveals that Miss Dolly Hervey has been pining and censured for supporting Clarissa. Mrs. Norton encourages Clarissa to take comfort from these insights.

  434. Chapter 434

    Letter 433: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, reflecting on her aunt's conversation and the rigour she has suffered from her family. She acknowledges her mother and aunt's admission that they were forced to act against their inclinations, but feels it is too late for comfort. She expresses gratitude to her aunt Hervey, cousin Dolly, and Mrs. Williams for their kindness, and affirms her continued love of virtue. She worries about Colonel Morden's intention to see Lovelace, and is distressed by her sister's taunting letter and Mr. Brand's scandal. She defends Mr. Belford's visits and requests prayers for patience and resignation.

  435. Chapter 435

    Letter 434: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, expressing concern for her health and approving her choice of Mr. Belford as executor. She criticizes Clarissa's family for their harshness and shares her own romantic dynamics with Mr. Hickman, whom she keeps in a probationary state.

  436. Chapter 436

    Letter 435: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, gently reproving her for her 'sprightly airs' and teasing treatment of Mr. Hickman. She argues that a woman should treat her suitor with dignity and respect, not with whimsical penances that make him appear weak. Clarissa reflects on her own difficult situation with Lovelace, noting that her own behavior was misconstrued due to her constrained circumstances. She advises Anna to show generosity and reason in her conduct, warning that public disrespect can undermine a husband's reputation and the wife's own delicacy.

  437. Chapter 437

    Letter 436: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, detailing Mr. Brand's report, her sister's proposals for her to go abroad or prosecute Lovelace, and the harsh letters from her uncle Antony and sister. She mentions Dr. Lewen's letter and her reply, her difficulties avoiding Lovelace, and her cousin Morden's arrival to support her. She describes a sudden faintness but recovers, and encloses a letter from Mr. Wyerley, reflecting on her past refusal of him.

  438. Chapter 438

    Letter 437: Mr. Wyerley, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mr. Wyerley renews his marriage proposal to Clarissa, praising her virtue and resolution in rejecting Lovelace, and offering his fortune and protection despite her current destitution and persecution.

  439. Chapter 439

    Letter 438: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Alex. Wyerley, Esq.

    Clarissa responds to Mr. Wyerley's letter of proposal, thanking him for his generosity but reiterating her preference for the single life. She reflects on the family pressures and fatal circumstances that led to her current situation, and gently advises him to cultivate virtue for his own sake. She dismisses his vow not to marry while she lives, implying her death is near.

  440. Chapter 440

    Letter 439: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford expressing confusion and suspicion regarding Clarissa's letter inviting him to a reconciliation. He questions whether the letter was a stratagem to get him out of town, noting reports that Clarissa is actually ill and that her family remains implacable. He reflects on the visit from Colonel Morden and his own anxieties about being deceived, drawing a comparison to a highwayman's promise.

  441. Chapter 441

    Letter 440: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace about Belton's funeral and his efforts to provide for Belton's sister. He then recounts visiting Clarissa, who is gravely ill and near death. She reveals that a letter from her sister was cruel, and she interprets a letter from Lovelace as having a religious meaning, referring to Heaven as her father's house. She begs Belford to ensure Lovelace does not disturb her remaining time, and Belford promises to intervene. Belford is deeply moved by her piety and sees her as a beatified spirit.

  442. Chapter 442

    Letter 441: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford recounts a conversation between Clarissa and Dr. H. in which Clarissa calmly discusses her impending death, refuses to move to the country for air, and declines Dr. H.'s offer to contact her family. She expresses a desire to die peacefully and without disturbance, and reflects on the vanity of life and the importance of preparing for death. Belford also mentions his notes on Clarissa's spiritual observations, which he withholds from Lovelace.

  443. Chapter 443

    Letter 442: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Colonel Morden visits Lord M. and Mr. Lovelace to discuss Clarissa's situation. Lovelace admits his unworthy behavior and expresses repentance, while Morden presses for justice and honorable treatment of Clarissa. Lord M. confirms the family's offers of mediation, and the conversation ends with a tentative understanding.

  444. Chapter 444

    Letter 443: Mr. Lovelace

    Lovelace recounts his conversation with Colonel Morden, showing him letters and copies to present himself in a favorable light. He discusses his attempts at reconciliation with Clarissa, including letters from his family and his own penitent letter. Morden is impressed but remains cautious. Lovelace also mentions a scandalous letter from Mr. Brand and expresses frustration that Clarissa's family blames him for everything.

  445. Chapter 445

    Letter 444: Mr. Brand, to John Harlowe, Esq.

    Mr. Brand reports to John Harlowe on his investigation into Clarissa's conduct in London. He describes his inquiries through a neighbor rather than her landlady, Mrs. Smith, whom he finds too favorably disposed. Brand relays that Clarissa is in ill health but attends morning prayers, though he suggests this may be a cover for assignations. He notes the frequent visits of Mr. Belford, Lovelace's friend, and implies impropriety. Brand suggests the family consider sending Clarissa to the colonies to preserve their reputation.

  446. Chapter 446

    Letter 445: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, reflecting on the latter's boastful letter and the conversation with Colonel Morden. He condemns Lovelace's manipulative and violent behavior, and recounts his visit to Mrs. Smith's, where he investigates the source of a scandalous letter from Mr. Brand. Belford confronts the milliner and mantua-maker who provided information to Brand, securing their promise to write a vindication of Clarissa. He also responds to Lovelace's teasing about Miss Montague, expressing cautious interest.

  447. Chapter 447

    Letter 446: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford visits Clarissa, who is calm and serene. He reads parts of Lovelace's letters to her, finding much of it unworthy of her refined mind. Clarissa explains her allegorical letter was meant to convey warning and hope, not deception. She expresses concern that Lovelace might still molest her, given her short time left. She is pleased that the conference between Lovelace and Colonel Morden ended amicably. Belford shares Brand's vile letter, which Clarissa takes with surprising calmness, using it to excuse her family's implacability. She defends her friends and reflects on the importance of reputation and company. Later, she receives a kind letter from Colonel Morden, which brings her joy, but Belford laments that it is too late.

  448. Chapter 448

    Letter 447: Colonel Morden, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Colonel Morden writes to Clarissa after a fortnight in England, explaining he has been busy trying to arrange matters in her favor. He reveals he met with Lovelace and Lord M., noting the entire family's desire for an alliance with Clarissa and Lovelace's eagerness to make reparation. Morden advises Clarissa to forgive Lovelace and marry him, believing it would lead to a general reconciliation with her family. He offers to support her if there are hidden reasons for refusal and promises to visit her soon.

  449. Chapter 449

    Letter 448: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Wm. Morden, Esq.

    Clarissa writes to her cousin Colonel Morden, congratulating him on his return and expressing gratitude that he has not been swayed by the false reports against her. She defends her refusal to marry Lovelace, stating that to accept him would be to sanction his premeditated baseness and reward a violator. She insists her refusal is based on principle, not pride, and asks that no vengeance be sought against Lovelace after her death, fearing harm to her family.

  450. Chapter 450

    Letter 449: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds angrily to Belford's letters, accusing Clarissa of deceit in her final letter and interpreting her pious intentions as a trick. He mocks Belford's spiritual aspirations with a satirical comparison to a monument, but grows serious upon hearing of Clarissa's declining health. He resolves to stay at Doleman's in Uxbridge to be within reach, and instructs Belford to send news indirectly if the worst occurs. He also approves of Belford's generosity to Belton's sister and arranges for the legacies.

  451. Chapter 451

    Letter 450: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford recounts his visit to Clarissa, who has received a welcome letter from her cousin Morden. She is in a petulant mood, reflecting on her family's harshness. Unexpectedly, a coffin she ordered is delivered early, shocking Belford and the women present. Clarissa calmly explains her reasoning, seeing no reason to fear the preparation, and even invites the women to view it to familiarize themselves with the object. Belford leaves deeply shaken, though he acknowledges her arguments are reasonable.

  452. Chapter 452

    Letter 451: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford describes Clarissa's serene and resolute preparation for her own death, including the design of her coffin with symbolic devices and her calm acceptance of mortality, contrasting her heroism with Lovelace's guilt.

  453. Chapter 453

    Letter 452: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, expressing astonishment at his levity amidst Clarissa's suffering. He reports that Clarissa has suffered two severe fits and is near death, and that the doctor has advised against her going abroad. Belford also mentions a letter from Miss Howe that has just arrived.

  454. Chapter 454

    Letter 453: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, expressing his anguish over Clarissa's declining health and his desperate wish for her recovery. He reflects on his guilt, his admiration for her virtues, and his struggle to cope with remorse through forced levity.

  455. Chapter 455

    Letter 454: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, reporting that Clarissa is alive but gravely ill, serene and clear-minded, though unlikely to survive. She has completed and sealed her last will, and is writing to Miss Howe. Belford warns that any attempt by Lovelace to see her would hasten her death.

  456. Chapter 456

    Letter 455: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing deep concern for both her mother's sudden illness and Clarissa's declining health. She reports on a visit from Colonel Morden, who has met with Lovelace and is furious with both him and the Harlowe family. Morden plans to secure Clarissa's inheritance and insists on justice. Anna also reflects on her own reluctance to marry, criticizing men in general and Hickman in particular.

  457. Chapter 457

    Letter 456: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, recounting a conversation with Colonel Morden in which he praised Lovelace's supposed generosity. Anna vehemently defends Clarissa's innocence, arguing that Lovelace is the villain and Clarissa the innocent. She criticizes Morden's views on female virtue and the double standards of men. Anna also mentions preparing Morden for Clarissa's appointment of Belford as executor, and notes Morden's hope for a marriage between Clarissa and Lovelace. She touches on various other matters, including Clarissa's family's implacability and her own mother's illness, and expresses deep concern over Clarissa's recent letters.

  458. Chapter 458

    Letter 457: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about Clarissa's declining health. She is so ill she had to pause a letter to Anna Howe, finishing it early the next morning. Mr. Goddard and the doctor are alarmed by the coffin she keeps in her room, which she uses as a writing desk. She receives a letter from Mrs. Norton but does not open it, fearing bad news from her family. She spends the day in devotion and plans to receive the sacrament. Belford will attend her the next day to receive instructions for her funeral. He will send her letter to Miss Howe early the next morning.

  459. Chapter 459

    Letter 458: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe

    Clarissa, gravely ill, writes to Anna Howe responding to news of Mrs. Howe's illness and urging reconciliation with Mr. Hickman. She reflects on her own suffering, the meanness of Lovelace's penitence, and her fear of posthumous vengeance. She discusses her will and the disposition of her grandfather's estate, expressing hope that her family will approve. She concludes with philosophical reflections on life's inevitable thorns and a blessing for Anna.

  460. Chapter 460

    Letter 459: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton reports on a family meeting at Harlowe-place, convened by Colonel Morden to plead for Clarissa. Despite Morden's efforts, the family remains divided, with James Jr. and Arabella hardening their stance, while Mrs. Harlowe and uncles show some softening. Mrs. Norton is denied permission to visit Clarissa, and the meeting ends in anger, with Morden storming out and vowing to support Clarissa.

  461. Chapter 461

    Letter 460: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford describes Clarissa's serene state after receiving Communion, her reading of a letter from Mrs. Norton, and her preparations for death. She gives Belford her will and sealed letters, and discusses a letter from Colonel Morden, who is working toward a family reconciliation. Clarissa declines to hasten Morden's visit, and Belford writes to Morden urging him to come quickly.

  462. Chapter 462

    Letter 461: Dr. H. to James Harlowe, Senior, Esq.

    Dr. H. writes to James Harlowe Sr., urging him to send a family member with a blessing to Clarissa before she dies. He attests to her irreproachable conduct, patience, and resignation, and warns that she has little time left.

  463. Chapter 463

    Letter 462: Mr. Belford, to William Morden, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Colonel Morden to inform him that Clarissa Harlowe is near death and urges him to come to London immediately if he wishes to see her alive. Belford explains that he writes without Clarissa's knowledge, believing that Morden's efforts to reconcile her family may now be in vain.

  464. Chapter 464

    Letter 463: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, in a state of extreme agitation and remorse, writes to Belford from Uxbridge, expressing his torment over Clarissa's impending death. He describes his restless rides toward London, his dread of receiving fatal news, and his desperate hope that Belford and Clarissa are conspiring to test his penitence. He threatens violence against any bearer of bad tidings and contemplates leaving England if the worst occurs.

  465. Chapter 465

    Letter 464: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace about Clarissa's declining health, describing her progressive weakness and her moving discourse on the vanity and brevity of life. He reports that she has finished a letter to Mrs. Norton and shares her reflections on death and repentance. Belford also mentions enclosing Brand's recanting letter and notes that he has taken a room near Clarissa to record every detail of her final days.

  466. Chapter 466

    Letter 465: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton

    Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing her resignation to death and her spiritual readiness. She reflects on her family's suffering, declines visits from loved ones to avoid worldly distractions, and describes her wedding garments as a metaphor for death. She blesses Miss Howe and Mr. Hickman, and requests her remains be laid with her ancestors.

  467. Chapter 467

    Letter 466: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of extreme anguish, expressing his torment over Clarissa's suffering and his own guilt. He curses her family for their cruelty, struggles with his own violent impulses, and anxiously awaits news of her fate.

  468. Chapter 468

    Letter 467: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford reports Clarissa's declining health and her steadfast refusal to see Lovelace, despite forgiving him. She expresses a wish for his reformation but insists on dying in peace, free from his presence. Belford urges Lovelace not to intrude upon her final hours.

  469. Chapter 469

    Letter 468: Mr. Brand, to Mr. John Walton

    Mr. Brand writes to Mr. Walton, expressing regret for having misjudged Clarissa Harlowe's character based on appearances. He has prepared an apologetic letter to Mr. John Harlowe to set matters right and hopes to visit Clarissa with an olive branch. He discusses his desire to keep his letter from being printed, his use of classical quotations, and his private hope that if Clarissa recovers and lives privately, she might employ him as a chaplain—or perhaps even consider him as a future husband after Lovelace's death.

  470. Chapter 470

    Letter 469: Mr. Brand, to John Harlowe, Esq.

    Mr. Brand writes to John Harlowe to retract his earlier negative reports about Clarissa, acknowledging that he was misled by others. He now praises Clarissa's penitence and virtue, and proposes himself as a peacemaker to reconcile her with her family before her impending death. He defends his classical learning and offers to use it to persuade Clarissa to embrace life and to confront Lovelace if necessary.

  471. Chapter 471

    Letter 470: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's news of Clarissa's slight improvement with a mixture of desperate hope, self-reproach, and remorse. He expresses his anguish over her forgiveness and her confession of having loved him, and vows to reform if she recovers, offering a reward to the doctor and pleading for Belford to confirm the hopeful news.

  472. Chapter 472

    Letter 471: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford reports to Lovelace on Clarissa's serene state despite her declining health. She expresses peace with her impending death, forgiveness, and a desire for her family to be comforted. Belford is deeply affected by her virtue and holiness.

  473. Chapter 473

    Letter 472: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes a frantic and contradictory letter to Belford, oscillating between hope and despair over Clarissa's health. He blames her 'female wilfulness' for her decline, expresses remorse, and demands reassuring news, threatening dire consequences if Belford reports her death.

  474. Chapter 474

    Letter 473: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford describes Clarissa's final hours, her inability to read Anna Howe's letter, and her dictated farewell reply. He contrasts her peaceful death with the tormented end of Belton, and notes Colonel Morden's arrival.

  475. Chapter 475

    Letter 474: Mr. Belford

    Colonel Morden arrives to visit the dying Clarissa. Belford and Morden discuss her dire condition and the blame shared by Lovelace and her family. Clarissa, weak and near death, agrees to see her cousin, though she is barely able to hold up. The chapter ends with her suffering convulsions but then resting more quietly.

  476. Chapter 476

    Letter 475: Mr. Belford

    Mr. Belford reports on Clarissa's final hours. She is in a slumber, but upon waking shows signs of approaching death. She delivers a pious and comforting lecture to Belford and Colonel Morden, expressing her readiness to die and her wish that her death not be avenged. She requests that her letter be sent to Mrs. Norton and asks for pardon from her parents.

  477. Chapter 477

    Letter 476: Mr. Belford

    Mr. Belford continues his letter, describing Colonel Morden's grief and anger at Clarissa's condition and her family's implacability. Clarissa gives final orders about her body and entrusts a miniature of Miss Howe to be sent to Mr. Hickman. Belford expresses his own profound sorrow and impatience with Lovelace.

  478. Chapter 478

    Letter 477: Mr. Belford, to Richard Mowbray, Esq.

    Belford urgently summons Mowbray and Tourville to intercept Lovelace, who is in a frantic state, riding between Piccadilly and Kensington, awaiting news that may drive him to despair. Belford warns of the dire consequences of libertinism, hinting at imminent tragic news.

  479. Chapter 479

    Letter 478: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace, in a state of extreme anguish, writes to Belford expressing his fury at Colonel Morden and his possessiveness over Clarissa. He insists she is his alone, despite her impending death, and grapples with the terror of eternal separation. He awaits Belford's next letter with desperate hope, rejecting the company of Mowbray and Tourville.

  480. Chapter 480

    Letter 479: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford urgently advises Lovelace to flee to Paris or elsewhere, implying that the consequences of his actions are closing in.

  481. Chapter 481

    Letter 480: Mr. Mowbray, to John Belford, Esq.

    Mr. Mowbray writes to John Belford describing Lovelace's violent and distraught reaction upon receiving news of Clarissa's death. Mowbray recounts how Lovelace tore the letter, raged, and struck him, and how he and Tourville tried to shame Lovelace out of his grief. Mowbray requests the particulars of Clarissa's departure for Lovelace, who cannot bear the word 'dead.'

  482. Chapter 482

    Letter 481: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford describes the death of Clarissa Harlowe, detailing her final moments, her forgiveness of Lovelace, and her peaceful, pious end. He reflects on her virtues and the sorrow of those present.

  483. Chapter 483

    Letter 482: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace informing him of Clarissa's death and her will, which forbids Lovelace from seeing her. He notes Lovelace's distressed state and mentions that three letters arrived too late for Clarissa, who had transcended worldly concerns.

  484. Chapter 484

    Letter 483: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Mrs. Norton writes to Clarissa with joyful news that her family is now unanimously reconciled to her, thanks to letters from her physician, Colonel Morden, and Mr. Brand. She reports that Clarissa's father has authorized her to say all kind things, and that Clarissa's brother and sister are among the foremost to seek reconciliation, though they refuse to accept Lovelace as a brother. Mrs. Norton plans to visit Clarissa soon to bring her home, and expresses hope that this good news will restore Clarissa's health.

  485. Chapter 485

    Letter 484: Miss Arab. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe

    Arabella Harlowe writes to her sister Clarissa, expressing the family's distress upon hearing of her severe illness. She conveys that despite Clarissa's past transgressions, the family still loves her and is willing to forgive, offering reconciliation and the promise of their mother's visit to town. Arabella urges Clarissa to take comfort and respond gratefully.

  486. Chapter 486

    Letter 485: To His Dear Niece, Miss Clarissa Harlowe

    Uncle John Harlowe writes to Clarissa expressing the family's grief over her illness and their regret for their harsh treatment. He assures her of their love and desire for reconciliation, inviting her to visit or offering to come to her, and conveys that her brother and sister also wish to see her.

  487. Chapter 487

    Letter 486: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford describes the aftermath of Clarissa's death, including the viewing of her corpse, the opening of her sealed papers containing eleven letters, and the reading of her will. He and Colonel Morden arrange for the delivery of her posthumous letters to her family and friends, and Belford reflects on Clarissa's final exhortations to him to reform his life and to prevent further violence.

  488. Chapter 488

    Letter 487: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lovelace describing the arrival of Mrs. Norton, who is overcome with grief upon learning of Clarissa's death. She views the corpse, bathes it with tears, and laments the loss. Belford informs her of Clarissa's legacy and encourages her to prepare mourning attire. Colonel Morden plans to accompany the hearse and take a copy of the will and the posthumous letter to the family. Belford reflects on the divine nature of Clarissa's posthumous letters, which offer comfort rather than reproach.

  489. Chapter 489

    Letter 488: To the Ever-Honoured Jas. Harlowe, Sen. Esq.

    Clarissa writes a final letter to her father, asking for forgiveness and blessing him for his past kindness. She expresses repentance for her errors, hopes for a happy end through divine grace, and suggests that her death will bring her to a state of blessedness.

  490. Chapter 490

    Letter 489: To the Ever-Honoured Mrs. Harlowe

    In her final letter, Clarissa writes to her mother with deep reverence and gratitude, seeking forgiveness for her past rashness. She expresses sincere penitence, acknowledges the distress she caused her family, and hopes for a happy reunion in the afterlife, trusting in God's forgiveness as she nears death.

  491. Chapter 491

    Letter 490: To James Harlowe, Jun. Esq.

    In this solemn letter, Clarissa writes to her brother James, begging his forgiveness for the offense her elopement caused the family. She urges him to forgo revenge against Lovelace, warning that vengeance belongs to God, and cautions him against his violent temper. She reflects on her own repentance and suffering, expressing hope that her example may warn others.

  492. Chapter 492

    Letter 491: To Miss Harlowe

    In her final letter to her sister Arabella, Clarissa writes from a state of spiritual transcendence, forgiving past slights and expressing hope for her own redemption through suffering. She acknowledges her error without excusing it, prays for her sister's continued happiness and duty to their family, and signs off as 'The happy Clarissa Harlowe,' suggesting she has found peace in her impending death.

  493. Chapter 493

    Letter 492: To John and Antony Harlowe, Esqrs

    Clarissa writes a posthumous letter to her uncles, seeking to comfort them and beg forgiveness for her error. She reflects on her pride, her fall, and her purification through suffering, expressing hope for a happy meeting in eternity. The chapter also abstracts her letters to Mrs. Hervey and Miss Howe, urging them to rejoice in her release and to guard against similar delusions.

  494. Chapter 494

    Letter 493: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, informing him that the infamous Mrs. Sinclair has fallen down a flight of stairs while intoxicated, breaking her leg and now lies in a burning fever. Sally Martin visits Belford to seek the late Clarissa's pardon for Sinclair's wickedness, and is shocked to learn of Clarissa's death. Sally confesses her own guilt and acknowledges that Clarissa was the ornament of her sex, blaming herself and the other women for instigating Clarissa's ruin more than Lovelace himself.

  495. Chapter 495

    Letter 494: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace describing the aftermath of Clarissa's death. He recounts how the posthumous letters were delivered to the Harlowe family, Miss Howe, and Mrs. Norton, causing profound grief and chaos. The letter includes James Harlowe's response to Colonel Morden, expressing the family's shock and sorrow, and their request for Clarissa's body to be brought home for burial. Belford also notes the emotional reactions of Mrs. Howe, Mr. Hickman, and the servants, and his own determination to ensure Clarissa's will is executed faithfully.

  496. Chapter 496

    Letter 495: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Mr. Belford describes the final arrangements for Clarissa's funeral, including the cutting of her hair for memorial rings, the preparation of her corpse with flowers and herbs, and the departure of the hearse. Mrs. Norton is ill and attended to, while Colonel Morden accompanies the procession.

  497. Chapter 497

    Letter 496: Mr. Mowbray, to John Belford, Esq.

    Mr. Mowbray writes to John Belford about Lovelace's distraught state following Clarissa's death. Lovelace had intended to have her body opened and embalmed, but was prevented. Mowbray defends Lovelace's actions, blaming Clarissa's virtue and her family, and urges Belford to coax Lovelace and hasten the burial.

  498. Chapter 498

    Letter 497: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    In a distraught and vengeful letter, Lovelace insists on having Clarissa's body opened and embalmed, claiming her heart and papers as his own. He declares himself her husband, rejects any interference from Belford or Morden, and threatens the Harlowe family. His tone oscillates between grief, rage, and madness, as he plans to control her legacy and posthumously possess her.

  499. Chapter 499

    Letter 498: Mr. Belford, to Richard Mowbray, Esq.

    Belford responds to Mowbray, reporting that Lord M. is with the frenzied Lovelace and urging that Lovelace be persuaded to go abroad upon recovery. He notes Colonel Morden's suspicion that the case was more than seduction, hinting at revenge. Belford advises Mowbray to use health as a motive for travel, and reflects on the need for moral reform, citing Belton's death, Lovelace's frenzy, and Sinclair's wretched condition.

  500. Chapter 500

    Letter 499: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace about the deathbed scene of the infamous Mrs. Sinclair, describing her violent frenzy, physical decay, and desperate pleas for recovery. He reflects on the contrast between Clarissa's virtue and Sinclair's profligacy, and urges Lovelace to consider the consequences of his libertine ways.

  501. Chapter 501

    Letter 500: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.

    Colonel Morden describes the arrival of Clarissa's hearse at Harlowe Place and the profound grief and remorse of the Harlowe family. He recounts the mournful scene, the family's self-reproach, and their shared condemnation of Lovelace as the author of their woe. Morden also notes Mrs. Norton's illness on the road and the family's desperate need for comfort, which he attempts to provide by affirming Clarissa's happy end.

  502. Chapter 502

    Letter 501: Colonel Morden

    Colonel Morden reports on the Harlowe family's grief and preparations for Clarissa's funeral. He describes their conflicted feelings about John Belford being named executor of her will, their final viewing of her body, and the arrangements for a funeral sermon. The family expresses regret and bitterness, particularly toward Lovelace, while Miss Howe is expected to pay a last visit.

  503. Chapter 503

    Letter 502: Colonel Morden

    Colonel Morden describes the visit of Miss Anna Howe to view Clarissa's corpse. Miss Howe's grief is overwhelming; she laments the loss of her friend, criticizes Clarissa's family for their hard-heartedness, and expresses regret for not visiting sooner. The chapter highlights the deep bond between Clarissa and Anna, and the sorrow of those left behind.

  504. Chapter 504

    Letter 503: Colonel Morden

    Colonel Morden describes the arrival of Mrs. Norton and the profound grief of the Harlowe family as they attempt to view Clarissa's corpse but are overcome with remorse. The parents recriminate themselves for their harshness, and the family's former pride is replaced by deep sorrow. Morden reflects on the universal lesson of their suffering.

  505. Chapter 505

    Letter 504: Colonel Morden

    Colonel Morden describes the funeral of Clarissa Harlowe, attended by family and many mourners, with a eulogy by Mr. Melvill that highlights her virtues and tragic fate. The ceremony is marked by profound respect and sorrow, and Morden confirms her burial at her grandfather's feet as she wished.

  506. Chapter 506

    Letter 505: Mr. Belford, to William Morden, Esq.

    Mr. Belford writes to Colonel Morden, describing his imagined participation in Clarissa's funeral procession and burial. He reflects on the solemnity of the event, the crowded vault, and the grief of the mourners. He then sends an account of money and effects to be distributed to the legatees according to Clarissa's will, and asks about funeral expenses and reimbursements, expressing his intent to execute the will without unnecessarily mortifying the Harlowe family.

  507. Chapter 507

    Letter 506: Mr. James Harlowe, to John Belford, Esq.

    James Harlowe Jr. writes to John Belford requesting that he relinquish the executorship of Clarissa's will to the Harlowe family, arguing that Belford's short acquaintance with Clarissa and his connection to Lovelace make him unsuitable, and proposing that the uncles take on the trust to avoid family opposition.

  508. Chapter 508

    Letter 507: Mr. Belford, to Mr. James Harlowe, Jun. Esq.

    This chapter contains the reading of Clarissa Harlowe's last will and testament, in which she forgives Lovelace, bequeaths her real estate to her father, provides for Mrs. Norton, and establishes a charitable fund for the poor, while entrusting the management of her story and legacy to Mr. Belford and Miss Howe.

  509. Chapter 509

    The Will

    Clarissa Harlowe's last will and testament is read, in which she forgives Lovelace, bequeaths her estate to her father, requests that Mrs. Norton be allowed to live at the Dairy-house, and disposes of her remaining funds to charitable purposes and legacies to her executor, Dr. H., Mr. Goddard, and others. She also provides instructions for the collection and preservation of her story.

  510. Chapter 510

    Letter 508: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.

    Colonel Morden recounts the reading of Clarissa's will to the Harlowe family. The family is deeply affected by her generous and forgiving bequests, leading to self-accusations and mutual upbraidings. Morden observes the true feelings of the family members, noting their grudges against certain bequests and their attempts to exonerate themselves by cursing Lovelace. He resolves to ensure Clarissa's wishes are carried out, particularly regarding the library for Dolly Hervey.

  511. Chapter 511

    Letter 509: Mr. Belford, to the Right Hon. Lord M.

    Mr. Belford writes to Lord M. expressing concern that the affair between Mr. Lovelace and the late Miss Clarissa Harlowe may lead to further trouble, despite her dying wishes. He urges that Lovelace be sent abroad until the scandal subsides, suggesting health as a pretext. Belford also transcribes a paragraph from Clarissa's will that gratefully mentions Lord M. and his family regarding bequeathed rings.

  512. Chapter 512

    Letter 510: Miss Montague, to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall

    Miss Montague writes to John Belford on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, informing him that Lovelace was preparing for a foreign tour before his letter arrived, and they will hasten his departure. They express deep sorrow over Clarissa's death and her kind remembrance of them. The narrative then summarizes the aftermath: the Harlowe family decides to follow Clarissa's will literally, Belford corresponds with Miss Howe, sharing letters and legacies, and Clarissa's posthumous letter to Lovelace is included, urging him to repent and reform.

  513. Chapter 513

    Letter 511: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford in a state of profound despair and remorse following Clarissa's death. He reflects on his guilt, the loss of his senses, and the haunting impact of Clarissa's posthumous letter. He struggles with suicidal thoughts and considers leaving England, while also expressing rage against Mrs. Sinclair and Clarissa's family.

  514. Chapter 514

    Letter 512: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace demands back his previous letter, admitting he wrote it under a gloomy impulse and now regrets its miserable tone. He reflects on his mental breakdown, his recovery under Dr. Hale's harsh treatments, and his determination to overcome his grief over Clarissa's death. He asks Belford to continue writing, especially about the remorse of Clarissa's family, and insists he will regain his former spirit and gaiety.

  515. Chapter 515

    Letter 513: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford announcing his plans to leave England and travel through Paris, German courts, Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Turin. He warns Belford about the difficulty of maintaining his reformation and penitence, suggesting that strong habits and the devil will tempt him back to his old ways. Lovelace also expresses suspicion that Charlotte and Belford have been in league together, and he demands a copy of Clarissa's will.

  516. Chapter 516

    Letter 514: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, expressing concern over his revoked letter and recounting the terrible deaths of Mrs. Sinclair and Tomlinson. He urges Lovelace to reform, shares his own plans for a virtuous life, and warns of divine retribution.

  517. Chapter 517

    Letter 515: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford, reflecting on the death of 'Captain Tomlinson' (McDonald) and his own moral culpability. He defends his actions by comparing himself to princes and conquerors, arguing that Clarissa's death was not a natural consequence of his rape. He recounts a debate with Lord M. and the Misses Montague, where he sophistically tries to acquit himself of murder.

  518. Chapter 518

    Letter 516: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace responds to Belford's plans for reformation with a mixture of mockery and genuine reflection. He challenges Belford's claim to innocence in Clarissa's ruin, arguing that Belford knew his designs and did nothing to save her. Lovelace also discusses his own inability to repent, his plans to leave for the continent, and jests about Belford marrying Charlotte Montague or the widow Lovick.

  519. Chapter 519

    Letter 517: Mr. Belford, to Colonel Morden

    Belford writes to Colonel Morden, urging him not to seek revenge on Lovelace for Clarissa's wrongs. He argues that the Harlowe family shares blame, that Clarissa's virtue remained inviolate, and that Lovelace has already suffered greatly. Belford reminds Morden of his promise to Clarissa and appeals to his noble spirit to avoid bloodshed.

  520. Chapter 520

    Letter 518: To Col. Morden

    Clarissa's posthumous letter to Colonel Morden, written in her final weakness, thanks him for his kindness and intercession, but earnestly begs him not to seek vengeance on her behalf. She argues that vengeance belongs to God, condemns dueling as an usurpation of divine prerogative and an insult to magistracy, and urges him instead to be a comforter to her parents and work for reconciliation, leaving the guilty man to his own conscience and the chance of repentance.

  521. Chapter 521

    Letter 519: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.

    Colonel Morden responds to Belford's letters, expressing his grief and anger over Lovelace's treatment of Clarissa. He struggles with his desire for vengeance against Clarissa's dying wishes for forgiveness, describing the profound mourning of the Harlowe family. He assures Belford he has made no binding resolutions and values his counsel.

  522. Chapter 522

    Letter 520: Colonel Morden, to John Belford, Esq.

    Colonel Morden reports to Belford on the execution of Clarissa's will, noting the distribution of her jewels to Dolly Hervey and the preparations for Mrs. Norton to take up her post. He offers a detailed character analysis of Miss Howe, praising her friendship with Clarissa but criticizing her haughty treatment of Mr. Hickman, and reflects on the dynamics of power, marriage, and parental authority.

  523. Chapter 523

    Letter 521: Mr. Belford, to Miss Howe

    Mr. Belford sends Miss Howe copies of Clarissa's posthumous letters and a copy of Lovelace's remorseful letter, along with Colonel Morden's letters. He reports the deaths of Mrs. Sinclair and Captain Tomlinson, both of whom died in agony and remorse for their roles in Clarissa's tragedy. Belford gently chides Miss Howe for not fulfilling Clarissa's last requests, particularly regarding Mr. Hickman.

  524. Chapter 524

    Letter 522: Miss Howe, to John Belford, Esq.

    Miss Howe writes to John Belford, expressing her deep obligation for his efforts and her grief over Clarissa's death. She comments on the fates of Lovelace's accomplices, supports Belford's attempt to dissuade Colonel Morden from seeking revenge, and reflects on the wickedness of Lovelace and his associates. She also praises Morden's generosity to Dolly Hervey and laments that he did not arrive in time to save Clarissa.

  525. Chapter 525

    Letter 523: Miss Howe, to John Belford, Esq.

    Miss Howe responds to John Belford's questioning regarding her delay in fulfilling Clarissa's will. She defends her reluctance to marry Mr. Hickman, citing her independent spirit and fear of losing autonomy. She also reminds Belford of Clarissa's wish for his reformation.

  526. Chapter 526

    Letter 524: Mr. Belford, to Miss Howe

    Mr. Belford thanks Miss Howe for her hint regarding Clarissa's wishes for his reformation and expresses his earnest desire to reform. He acknowledges Miss Howe's frankness about her views on marriage and single life, praises her failings as lovely, and sends her a letter from Lord M. with copies of three others, which reveal Lovelace's departure from England and other particulars. He requests discretion regarding the contents.

  527. Chapter 527

    Letter 525: Lord M. to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall

    Lord M. writes to John Belford informing him that Lovelace is setting out for London, planning to see Belford and then embark for Dover. He expresses concern about keeping Colonel Morden and Lovelace apart to prevent violence, notes that Morden no longer threatens, and invites Belford to visit M. Hall after Lovelace leaves.

  528. Chapter 528

    Letter 526: Mr. Belford, to Lord M.

    Belford writes to Lord M. detailing his final meetings with Lovelace and Colonel Morden. Lovelace is in high spirits, planning his departure for Italy, while Belford tries to keep him and Morden apart. Lovelace insists on a copy of Clarissa's will and demands the return of his letters, which Belford refuses. Belford also meets with Morden, who is solemn and intends to settle his affairs before leaving for Italy, expressing that if he met Lovelace, he might not be answerable for the consequences.

  529. Chapter 529

    Letter 527: Mr. Belford, to Lord M.

    Belford writes to Lord M. describing his farewell to Lovelace, who departs for the continent in high spirits but with solemn promises of reform. Lovelace expresses enduring admiration for Clarissa, vows to study her posthumous letter, and declares he will never marry. He teases Belford about his appearance and pledges to reform his own habits. Belford hopes for Lovelace's return and reformation.

  530. Chapter 530

    Letter 528: Mr. Belford, to Lord M.

    Mr. Belford reports to Lord M. his conversation with Colonel Morden, who requests Belford to serve as his executor, citing Clarissa's example. Morden hints at his ongoing struggle with the desire for vengeance against Lovelace, though Clarissa's dying requests have so far restrained him. He departs for the country, leaving his will with Belford. The letter concludes with mention of subsequent correspondence between Miss Howe and Belford regarding Clarissa's will and papers.

  531. Chapter 531

    Letter 529: Miss Howe, to John Belford, Esq.

    Miss Howe provides materials for a character sketch of Clarissa, praising her person, mind, and virtues, while criticizing her family's persecution and Lovelace's villainy. She reflects on Clarissa's humility, elocution, and writing style, and expresses her own grief and violent temper.

  532. Chapter 532

    Letter 530: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes from Paris to Belford, reflecting on his guilt and the sting of Clarissa's generosity as seen in her will and posthumous letter. He quotes Horace and Dryden, then outlines his travel plans through European courts, and asks Belford for news of friends and acquaintances.

  533. Chapter 533

    Letter 531: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, who is abroad, updating him on various matters: Belford's own reformation, the inconsolable state of the Harlowes, Miss Howe's impending marriage, Doleman's medical treatment, and the lack of change in Mowbray and Tourville. He urges Lovelace to consider reforming and to write letters from his travels.

  534. Chapter 534

    Letter 532: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes from Paris to Belford, sharing a letter from Joseph Leman who is guilt-ridden over his role in Clarissa's tragedy and warns that Colonel Morden has set out to duel Lovelace. Lovelace expresses impatience and defiance, refusing to be threatened, and asks Belford for honest information about Morden's intentions.

  535. Chapter 535

    Letter 533: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.

    Belford writes to Lovelace, urging him to avoid a confrontation with Colonel Morden. He dismisses Joseph Leman's report of Morden's threats as unreliable, and explains that Morden is deeply affected but has not committed to revenge, being influenced by Clarissa's dying injunctions. Belford warns that seeking Morden would lead to tragedy, as Morden is a skilled and principled swordsman, and advises Lovelace to alter his travel plans to avoid meeting him.

  536. Chapter 536

    Letter 534: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes from Munich to Belford, defiantly refusing to avoid Colonel Morden and declaring he will not be intimidated by threats. He has already written to Morden in Florence, offering a choice between amicable resolution or confrontation, and plans to travel to Vienna. Lovelace also instructs Belford to inform James Harlowe Jr. that he will return to England by March.

  537. Chapter 537

    Letter 535: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from abroad, expressing his profound remorse and guilt over his treatment of Clarissa. He reflects on her virtue, his own villainy, and the torment of his memories. He anticipates a duel with Colonel Morden, asserting his confidence in victory while acknowledging the moral weight of his actions. He also contemplates returning to England and possibly adopting a life of penitence.

  538. Chapter 538

    Letter 536: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.

    Lovelace writes to Belford from Trent, detailing his final arrangements for a duel with Colonel Morden. The two men have agreed to meet the next morning in a lone valley, armed with single rapiers, and have arranged for a surgeon to be on standby. Lovelace expresses confidence in his skill and anticipates either killing Morden or being killed himself.

  539. Chapter 539

    Letter 537: Translation of a Letter from F. J. de la Tour

    F. J. de la Tour reports to John Belford the details of the fatal duel between Lovelace and Colonel Morden. Lovelace is mortally wounded, acknowledges his destiny, and dies after a night of suffering, calling out to Clarissa. Morden departs, and de la Tour arranges for the body and dispatches Lovelace's final packet.

  540. Chapter 540

    Conclusion

    The conclusion summarizes the fates of the surviving characters after Lovelace's death. The Harlowe family, especially the parents, are consumed by remorse after learning through Colonel Morden's extracts that Clarissa's correspondence with Lovelace was undertaken for their sake and that her virtue remained unblemished until she was drugged. Mr. and Mrs. Harlowe die within a few years, comforted by the hope of reunion with their daughter. James Harlowe Jr. marries into a lawsuit and lives miserably, while Arabella marries a man of quality but finds no joy. The fates of Sally Martin and Polly Horton are also recounted, illustrating the consequences of bad education and libertine influence.

  541. Chapter 541

    Postscript Referred to in the Preface

    The author defends the tragic ending of Clarissa against critics who desired a 'fortunate ending' or marriage between Lovelace and Clarissa. He argues that poetic justice is served through the exemplary punishments of Lovelace, the Harlowe family, Tomlinson, Sinclair, and others, while virtuous characters like Miss Howe, Mr. Hickman, Belford, and Mrs. Norton are rewarded. He also addresses objections to Clarissa's perceived coldness in love, explaining that she was intended to be in 'liking only' and that her restraint is consistent with her character. The author further defends the portrayal of Lovelace as a practical rather than theoretical infidel, and Mr. Hickman's meekness as a sign of modesty rather than weakness.

  542. Chapter 542

    Endnotes

    This chapter consists of editorial endnotes that clarify, cross-reference, and defend the narrative of Clarissa. It addresses criticisms of Lovelace's character, explains Clarissa's cautious behavior, and provides scriptural, historical, and textual annotations to support the moral and dramatic intentions of the work.

Clarissa — Chapters Explained