# Letter 130: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace and Clarissa maintain the pretense of marriage to secure lodgings, as hinted in Doleman's letter.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's considerate gestures may be part of his broader manipulative strategy to gain Clarissa's trust.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Anna Howe, sharing Mr. Doleman's letter and her decision on lodgings.

### Robert Lovelace

Brings Doleman's letter to Clarissa, gives money for Hannah, and suggests an attendant for the journey.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa encloses money for Hannah and asks for her perusal of Doleman's letter.

### Mr. Doleman

Writes to Lovelace with detailed descriptions of available London lodgings.

### Hannah Burton

Ill servant; Clarissa sends her five guineas from Lovelace.

## Key lines

> Mr. Lovelace’s servant is already returned with an answer from his friend Mr. Doleman, who has taken pains in his inquiries, and is very particular.

Lovelace's servant has returned with a detailed reply from Mr. Doleman about lodgings.

_Clarissa reports the prompt response from Doleman._

> You will see by it, that his friends in town have a notion that we are actually married.

The letter shows that Lovelace's acquaintances believe we are already married.

_Clarissa notes the assumption of marriage in Doleman's letter._

> Mr. Lovelace has just now, of his own accord, given me five guineas for poor Hannah.

Lovelace voluntarily gave Clarissa five guineas to send to her ill servant Hannah.

_Clarissa appreciates Lovelace's generosity toward Hannah._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-130-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
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