Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 525: Lord M. to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall explained
Lord M.
What happens
Lord M. writes to John Belford informing him that Lovelace is setting out for London, planning to see Belford and then embark for Dover. He expresses concern about keeping Colonel Morden and Lovelace apart to prevent violence, notes that Morden no longer threatens, and invites Belford to visit M. Hall after Lovelace leaves.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Lord M. writes to Belford out of concern for Lovelace and Morden, showing familial loyalty and a desire to prevent harm.
Characters to notice
- Lord M.
Writes to Belford about Lovelace's departure and his concerns about Morden.
- John Belford
Recipient of the letter; Lord M. asks him to keep Lovelace and Morden apart.
- Robert Lovelace
Setting out for London, planning to see Belford and then embark for Dover.
- Colonel Morden
Lord M. wishes to keep him and Lovelace apart; no longer threatening as per report.
- Richard Mowbray
Expected to be present at the meeting with Lovelace in London.
Key passages
“What I mostly write for is, to wish you to keep Colonel Morden and him asunder; and so I give you notice of his going to town.”
My main purpose in writing is to ask you to prevent Colonel Morden and Lovelace from meeting, so I am informing you of Lovelace's travel to London.
Lord M. expresses his primary concern about a potential conflict between Morden and Lovelace.
“God send him well out of the kingdom!”
May God ensure he leaves the kingdom safely.
Lord M. hopes for Lovelace's safe departure from England.