# Letter 292: Mr. Mowbray, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The chaotic aftermath of Clarissa's escape reveals the hidden schemes and false appearances maintained by Lovelace's associates.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Recipient of the letter; Mowbray addresses him directly and suggests he would not have married Clarissa.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Reported to have escaped; Mowbray calls her a 'foolish little devill' and notes she left with Lovelace's marks.

### John Belford

Described as calm and methodical, taking minutes of the examinations like a justice.

### Thomas Belton

Present with Mowbray, joining in damning the women and condoling with Lovelace.

### Richard Mowbray

Author of the letter; expresses frustration and dark humor about the situation.

## Key lines

> Miss Harlowe is gone off!⁠—Quite gone, by soul!

Clarissa has escaped completely.

_Mowbray announces Clarissa's departure with dramatic emphasis._

> If Lord M. will die now, to comfort thee for this loss, what a seasonable exit would he make!

If Lord M. were to die now, it would conveniently console you for losing Clarissa.

_Mowbray jokes callously about Lord M.'s death as a consolation for Lovelace._

## Links

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