Clarissa, Volume 8 | Page 3

too
much addicted to it. Desires to know what he means my his ridicule
with regard to his charming cousin.
LETTER XLIII. From the same.-- A proper test of the purity of writing.
The lady again makes excuses for her allegorical letter. Her calm
behaviour, and generous and useful reflections, on his communicating
to her Brand's misrepresentations of her conduct.
LETTER XLIV. Colonel Morden to Clarissa.-- Offers his assistance

and service to make the best of what has happened. Advises her to
marry Lovelace, as the only means to bring about a general
reconciliation. Has no doubt of his resolution to do her justice. Desires
to know if she has.
LETTER XLV. Clarissa. In answer.
LETTER XLVI. Lovelace to Belford.-- His reasonings and ravings on
finding the lady's letter to him only an allegorical one. In the midst of
these, the natural gayety of his heart runs him into ridicule on Belford.
His ludicrous image drawn from a monument in Westminster Abbey.
Resumes his serious disposition. If the worst happen, (the Lord of
Heaven and Earth, says he, avert that worst!) he bids him only write
that he advises him to take a trip to Paris; and that will stab him to the
heart.
LETTER XLVII. Belford to Lovelace.-- The lady's coffin brought up
stairs. He is extremely shocked and discomposed at it. Her intrepidity.
Great minds, he observes, cannot avoid doing uncommon things.
Reflections on the curiosity of women.
LETTER XLVIII. From the same.-- Description of the coffin, and
devices on the lid. It is placed in her bed-chamber. His serious
application to Lovelace on her great behaviour.
LETTER XLIX. From the same.-- Astonished at his levity in the
Abbey-instance. The lady extremely ill.
LETTER L. Lovelace to Belford.-- All he has done to the lady a jest to
die for; since her triumph has ever been greater than her sufferings. He
will make over all his possessions and all his reversions to the doctor, if
he will but prolong her life for one twelvemonth. How, but for her
calamities, could her equanimity blaze out as it does! He would now
love her with an intellectual flame. He cannot bear to think that the last
time she so triumphantly left him should be the last. His conscience, he
says, tears him. He is sick of the remembrance of his vile plots.
LETTER LI. Belford to Lovelace.-- The lady alive, serene, and calm.

The more serene for having finished, signed, and sealed her last will;
deferred till now for reasons of filial duty.
LETTER LII. Miss Howe to Clarissa.-- Pathetically laments the illness
of her own mother, and of her dear friend. Now all her pertness to the
former, she says, fly in her face. She lays down her pen; and resumes it,
to tell her, with great joy, that her mother is better. She has had a visit
form her cousin Morden. What passed in it.
LETTER LIII. From the same.-- Displeased with the Colonel for
thinking too freely of the sex. Never knew a man that had a slight
notion of the virtue of women in general, who deserved to be valued for
his morals. Why women must either be more or less virtuous than men.
Useful hints to young ladies. Is out of humour with Mr. Hickman.
Resolves to see her soon in town.
LETTER LIV. Belford to Lovelace.-- The lady writes and reads upon
her coffin, as upon a desk. The doctor resolves to write to her father.
Her intense, yet cheerful devotion.
LETTER LV. Clarissa to Miss Howe.-- A letter full of pious reflections,
and good advice, both general and particular; and breathing the true
spirit of charity, forgiveness, patience, and resignation. A just reflection,
to her dear friend, upon the mortifying nature of pride.
LETTER LVI. Mrs. Norton to Clarissa.-- Her account of an interesting
conversation at Harlowe-place between the family and Colonel Morden;
and of another between her mother and self. The Colonel incensed
against them all. Her advice concerning Belford, and other matters.
Miss Howe has obtained leave, she hears, to visit her. Praises Mr.
Hickman. Gently censures Miss Howe on his account. Her truly
maternal and pious comfortings.
LETTER LVII. Belford to Lovelace.-- The lady's sight begins to fail
her. She blesses God for the serenity she enjoys. It is what, she says,
she had prayed for. What a blessing, so near to her dissolution, to have
her prayers answered! Gives particular directions to him about her
papers, about her last will and apparel. Comforts the women and him

on their concern for her. Another letter brought her from Colonel
Morden. The substance of it. Belford writes to hasten up the Colonel.
Dr. H. has also written to her father; and Brand to Mr. John Harlowe a
letter recanting his officious one.
LETTER LVIII.