# Letter 388: Mr. Belford, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Mr. Belford writes to Clarissa, agreeing to share extracts from Lovelace's letters covering the period before and after her escape to Hampstead, as she wishes to see if she must address painful subjects to defend her character. He fulfills her request and then pleads on Lovelace's behalf, suggesting that if she can forgive him, he would make a devoted husband and that reconciliation with her family might follow. Belford asks her to treat the communication as confidential and not to use it against Lovelace in arguments.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Belford appeals for Lovelace's redemption through marriage, framing Clarissa's suffering as potentially leading to forgiveness and reconciliation.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Belford balances his duty to Clarissa with his loyalty to Lovelace, sharing letters while urging confidentiality.

## Character check-ins

### John Belford

Writes to Clarissa, fulfilling her request to share Lovelace's letters and pleading for his friend's redemption.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The recipient of Belford's letter, seeking to review Lovelace's accounts to protect her own character.

### Robert Lovelace

Subject of the extracts; Belford argues he is penitent and could be a good husband if forgiven.

## Key lines

> You have engaged me to communicate to you, upon my honour, (making neither better nor worse of the matter), what Mr. Lovelace has written to me, in relation to yourself, in the period preceding your going to Hampstead, and in that between the 11th and 19th of June

You have asked me, on my honor, to share exactly what Lovelace wrote to me about you before you went to Hampstead and between June 11th and 19th.

_Belford agrees to provide the requested extracts truthfully._

> if this ever-amiable sufferer can think it in any manner consistent with her honour to receive his vows on the altar, on his truly penitent turn of mind, I have not the least doubt but that he will make her the best and tenderest of husbands.

If Clarissa can, without compromising her honor, accept his marriage proposal now that he is truly repentant, I am sure he will be a devoted husband.

_Belford argues for Lovelace's reform and suitability as a spouse._

## Links

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