# Letter 291: To Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

McDonald's plan to pretend he came from a journey to deceive Clarissa is thwarted by her actual escape, revealing the failure of Lovelace's schemes.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Recipient of the letter; the escape is reported to him.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The lady who has gone off, causing the consternation.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Mistress of the house where Clarissa was held; involved in the high words.

### Dorcas Wykes

Servant involved in the high words and confusion.

### John Belford

One of the gentlemen sent for after the escape.

## Key lines

> The lady is gone off! She was missed but half an hour before I came.

Clarissa has escaped, and they only realized it shortly before my arrival.

_McDonald reports the shocking news of Clarissa's flight._

> High words are passing between Madam Sinclair, and Madam Horton, and Madam Martin; as also with Dorcas.

There is a heated argument among the women of the house, including Sinclair, Horton, Martin, and the servant Dorcas.

_The escape causes internal conflict and blame-shifting among the brothel's inhabitants._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-291-to-robert-lovelace-esq
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters