# Letter 167: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace pretends ignorance about the bed-sharing request and interprets Clarissa's refusal as a sign of her dishonourable fears, highlighting the gap between appearance and true motives.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace manipulates the situation by offering to resent Mrs. Sinclair's freedom while secretly plotting revenge against Clarissa for her perceived slights.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrates the letter, expressing frustration at Clarissa's rejection of his friends and plotting revenge for her perceived slights.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Criticizes Lovelace's companions and the house, refuses to share a bed with Miss Partington, and is described as having 'dishonourable fears' of Lovelace.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace informs him that Clarissa dislikes him and his companions, and that his thousand pounds is safe.

### Miss Partington

A young lady with a large fortune who is denied a bed by Clarissa and is described as 'silly' and 'free good-natured' by Lovelace.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Made a request for Miss Partington to share a bed with Clarissa, which Clarissa refused; Lovelace offers to resent her freedom.

### Dorcas Wykes

Mentioned as the maidservant with whom Miss Partington was forced to crowd into a press-bed.

## Key lines

> I offered to resent Mrs. Sinclair’s freedom. No; there was no great matter in it. It was best to let it pass.

Lovelace pretended to be angry at Mrs. Sinclair's request, but Clarissa dismissed it as unimportant.

_Shows Lovelace's manipulative offer to defend Clarissa, which she rejects._

> Thinkest thou that I could not guess at her dishonourable fears of me?—that she apprehended, that the supposed husband would endeavour to take possession of his own ?

Lovelace believes Clarissa fears he will try to assert his marital rights, which he sees as a challenge.

_Reveals Lovelace's interpretation of Clarissa's caution as a provocation._

> Thy thousand pounds, Jack, is all thy own: for most heartily does she dislike ye all—thee as much as any of the rest.

Lovelace tells Belford that Clarissa dislikes him and his friends, so Belford's bet is safe.

_Highlights Clarissa's disdain for Lovelace's circle and the ongoing wager._

## Links

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