# Letter 302: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Lady Betty Lawrance, whom she does not know personally, to ask for verification of several details regarding Lady Betty's supposed involvement in a scheme with Lovelace. She inquires about a letter congratulating Lovelace on his marriage, a planned meeting at Reading, and a visit to Hampstead. Clarissa implies that the answers will reveal Lovelace's deceit and her own betrayed hopes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa seeks to uncover the truth behind Lovelace's elaborate deceptions, questioning the appearance of family approval and marriage.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa takes proactive steps to investigate and expose deceit, asserting her moral agency despite her vulnerable position.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Lady Betty Lawrance seeking confirmation of events that would expose Lovelace's deception.

### Lady Betty Lawrance

The recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa asks her to confirm or deny her involvement in Lovelace's schemes.

### Robert Lovelace

Mentioned as the subject of Clarissa's inquiries; she seeks to prove his lack of veracity.

### Miss Charlotte Montague

Mentioned as possibly having accompanied Lady Betty to Reading and Hampstead.

### Captain Tomlinson

Mentioned as the source of the report to Mr. Spurrier about Lovelace's supposed nuptials.

## Key lines

> I hope you’ll excuse the freedom of this address, from one who has not the honour to be personally known to you, although you must have heard much of Clarissa Harlowe.

I apologize for writing to you, a stranger, but you likely know who I am.

_Clarissa acknowledges the boldness of contacting Lady Betty directly._

> Whether you wrote a letter, dated, as I have a memorandum, Wedn. June 7 , congratulating your nephew Lovelace on his supposed nuptials, as reported to you by Mr. Spurrier, your Ladyship’s steward, as from one Captain Tomlinson

Did you send a letter on June 7 congratulating Lovelace on his marriage, based on information from your steward and Captain Tomlinson?

_Clarissa asks for confirmation of a key piece of evidence in Lovelace's deception._

> Be pleased, Madam, to direct to me, (keeping the direction a secret for the present), to be left at the Belle-Savage, on Ludgate hill, till called for.

Please send your reply to me in secret at the Belle-Savage inn on Ludgate Hill.

_Clarissa requests secrecy to avoid Lovelace intercepting the response._

## Links

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