Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 213: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace returns from an airing to find Clarissa alarmed by a suspicious inquiry from a servant in blue livery trimmed with yellow.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace feigns ignorance about Captain Tomlinson while secretly orchestrating the inquiry, and Clarissa suspects a trick, underscoring the theme of hidden motives and false appearances.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace manipulates the situation by giving precautionary directions and controlling the narrative, while Clarissa's fears are exploited.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Returns from an airing, finds Clarissa alarmed, and handles the inquiry from Captain Tomlinson's servant.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Alarmed by the servant's inquiry, fears a trick, and resolves not to stir abroad.
- Dorcas Wykes
Reports the servant's first and second visits, adding her own conjectures.
- John Belford
Addressee of the letter; Lovelace mentions that Belton needs him.
- Captain Tomlinson
Claimed as the master of the inquiring servant, a friend of Mr. John Harlowe.
Key passages
“I had a charming airing. No return of my malady. My heart was perfectly easy, how could my stomach be otherwise?”
I enjoyed a pleasant ride and felt no recurrence of my illness. Since my mind was at ease, my body naturally followed.
Lovelace attributes his physical recovery to his emotional state.
“Lord bless her! no end of her alarms, she thought! And then did her apprehensions anticipate every evil that could happen.”
She felt there was no limit to her fears, and her anxiety imagined every possible disaster.
Clarissa's constant state of alarm is highlighted.
“I see your causeless terror, my dearest life, said I, and your impatience—Will you be pleased to walk down—and, without being observed, (for he shall come no farther than the parlour-door), you may hear all that passes?”
I told her that her fear was groundless and suggested she come downstairs to listen unseen to the servant's conversation.
Lovelace reassures Clarissa while allowing her to eavesdrop.