Clarissa, Volume 7 | Page 2

Will
endeavour from time to time to add to his remorse. Insists upon his
promise not to molest the lady.
LETTER XX. From the same.-- Describes her lodgings, and gives a
character of the people, and of the good widow Lovick. She is so ill,
that they provide her an honest nurse, and send for Mr. Goddard, a
worthy apothecary. Substance of a letter to Miss Howe, dictated by the
lady.
LETTER XXI. From the same.-- Admitted to the lady's presence. What
passed on the occasion. Really believes that she still loves him. Has a
reverence, and even a holy love for her. Astonished that Lovelace could
hold his purposes against such an angel of a woman. Condemns him for
not timely exerting himself to save her.
LETTER XXII. From the same.-- Dr. H. called in. Not having a single
guinea to give him, she accepts of three from Mrs. Lovick on a

diamond ring. Her dutiful reasons for admitting the doctor's visit. His
engaging and gentlemanly behaviour. She resolves to part with some of
her richest apparel. Her reasons.
LETTER XXIII. Lovelace to Belford.-- Raves at him. For what. Rallies
him, with his usual gayety, on several passages in his letters. Reasons
why Clarissa's heart cannot be broken by what she has suffered.
Passionate girls easily subdued. Sedate ones hardly ever pardon. He has
some retrograde motions: yet is in earnest to marry Clarissa. Gravely
concludes, that a person intending to marry should never be a rake. His
gay resolutions. Renews, however, his promises not to molest her. A
charming encouragement for a man of intrigue, when a woman is
known not to love her husband. Advantages which men have over
women, when disappointed in love. He knows she will permit him to
make her amends, after she has plagued him heartily.
LETTER XXIV. Miss Howe to Clarissa.-- Is shocked at receiving a
letter from her written by another hand. Tenderly consoles her, and
inveighs against Lovelace. Re-urges her, however, to marry him. Her
mother absolutely of her opinion. Praises Mr. Hickman's sister, who,
with her Lord, had paid her a visit.
LETTER XXV. Clarissa to Miss Howe.-- Her condition greatly
mended. In what particulars. Her mind begins to strengthen; and she
finds herself at times superior to her calamities. In what light she
wishes her to think of her. Desires her to love her still, but with a
weaning love. She is not now what she was when they were inseparable
lovers. Their views must now be different.
LETTER XXVI. Belford to Lovelace.-- A consuming malady, and a
consuming mistress, as in Belton's case, dreadful things to struggle with.
Farther reflections on the life of keeping. The poor man afraid to enter
into his own house. Belford undertakes his cause. Instinct in brutes
equivalent to natural affection in men. Story of the ancient Sarmatians,
and their slaves. Reflects on the lives of rakes, and free-livers; and how
ready they are in sickness to run away from one another. Picture of a
rake on a sick bed. Will marry and desert them all.
LETTER XXVII. From the same.-- The lady parts with some of her
laces. Instances of the worthiness of Dr. H. and Mr. Goddard. He
severely reflects upon Lovelace.
LETTER XXVIII. Lovelace to Belford.-- Has an interview with Mr.

Hickman. On what occasion. He endeavours to disconcert him, by
assurance and ridicule; but finds him to behave with spirit.
LETTER XXIX. From the same.-- Rallies him on his intentional
reformation. Ascribes the lady's ill health entirely to the arrest, (in
which, he says, he had no hand,) and to her relations' cruelty. Makes
light of her selling her clothes and laces. Touches upon Belton's case.
Distinguishes between companionship and friendship. How he
purposes to rid Belton of his Thomasine and her cubs.
LETTER XXX. Belford to Lovelace.-- The lady has written to her
sister, to obtain a revocation of her father's malediction. Defends her
parents. He pleads with the utmost earnestness to her for his friend.
LETTER XXXI. From the same.-- Can hardly forbear prostration to her.
Tenders himself as her banker. Conversation on this subject. Admires
her magnanimity. No wonder that a virtue so solidly based could baffle
all his arts. Other instances of her greatness of mind. Mr. Smith and his
wife invite him, and beg of her to dine with them, it being their
wedding day. Her affecting behaviour on the occasion. She briefly, and
with her usual noble simplicity, relates to them the particulars of her
life and misfortunes.
LETTER XXXII. Lovelace to Belford.-- Ridicules him on his address
to the lady as her banker, and on his aspirations and prostrations. Wants
to come at letters she has written. Puts him upon engaging Mrs. Lovick
to bring this about. Weight that proselytes have with the