Clarissa, Volume 8 | Page 4

Dr. H. to James Harlowe, Senior, Esq.
LETTER LIX. Copy of Mr. Belford's letter to Colonel Morden, to
hasten him up.
LETTER LX. Lovelace to Belford.-- He feels the torments of the
damned, in the remorse that wrings his heart, on looking back on his
past actions by this lady. Gives him what he calls a faint picture of his
horrible uneasiness, riding up and down, expecting the return of his
servant as soon as he had dispatched him. Woe be to the man who
brings him the fatal news!
LETTER LXI. Belford to Lovelace.-- Farther particulars of the lady's
pious and exemplary behaviour. She rejoices in the gradual death
afforded her. Her thankful acknowledgments to Mr. Belford, Mrs.
Smith, and Mrs. Lovick, for their kindness to her. Her edifying address
to Mr. Belford.
LETTER LXII. Clarissa to Mrs. Norton. In answer to her's, No. LVI.--
Afflicted only for her friends. Desires not now to see her cousin
Morden, nor even herself, or Miss Howe. God will have no rivals, she
says, in the hearts of those whom HE sanctifies. Advice to Miss Howe.
To Mr. Hickman. Blesses all her relations and friends.
LETTER LXIII. Lovelace to Belford.-- A letter of deep distress,
remorse, and impatience. Yet would he fain lighten his own guilt by
reflections on the cruelty of her relations.
LETTER LXIV. Belford to Lovelace The lady is disappointed at the
Doctor's telling her that she may yet live two or three days. Death from
grief the slowest of deaths. Her solemn forgiveness of Lovelace, and
prayer for him. Owns that once she could have loved him. Her
generous concern for his future happiness. Belford's good resolutions.

LETTER LXV. Mr. Brand to Mr. John Walton.
LETTER LXVI. Mr. Brand to John Harlowe, Esq.; in excuse of his
credulity, and of the misreports founded upon it.
LETTER LXVII. Lovelace to Belford.-- Blesses him for sending him
word the lady is better. Her charity towards him cuts him to the heart.
He cannot bear it. His vehement self reproaches. Curses his contriving
genius, and his disbelief that there could be such virtue in woman. The
world never saw such an husband as he will make, if she recover, and
will be his.
LETTER LXVIII. Belford to Lovelace.-- The lady's pious frame. The
approaches of death how supportable to her; and why. She has no
reason, she says, to grieve for any thing but the sorrow she has given to
her friends.
LETTER LXIX. Lovelace to Belford.-- Never prayed in his life, put all
the years of it together, as he has done for this fortnight. Has repented
of all his baseness: And will nothing do? Conjures him to send him
good news in his next, as he would not be answerable for
consequences.
LETTER LXX. Belford to Lovelace.-- Solemn leave taken of her by
the doctor and apothecary; who tell her she will hardly see the next
night. The pleasure with which she receives the intimation. How unlike
poor Belton's behaviour her's! A letter from Miss Howe. Copy of it.
She cannot see to read it. Her exalted expressions on hearing it read.
Tries to write an answer to it; but cannot. Dictates to Mrs. Lovick.
Writes the superscriptive part herself on her knees. Colonel Morden
arrives in town.
LETTER LXXI. From the same.-- What passes on Colonel Morden's
visit to his cousin. She enjoins the Colonel not to avenge her.

THE HISTORY

OF
CLARISSA HARLOWE

LETTER I
MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE YARMOUTH,
ISLE OF WIGHT, MONDAY, AUG. 7.
MY DEAREST CREATURE,
I can write but just now a few lines. I cannot tell how to bear the sound
of that Mr. Belford for your executor, cogent as your reasons for that
measure are: and yet I am firmly of opinion, that none of your relations
should be named for the trust. But I dwell the less on this subject, as I
hope (and cannot bear to apprehend the contrary) that you will still live
many, many years.
Mr. Hickman, indeed, speaks very handsomely of Mr. Belford. But he,
poor man! has not much penetration.--If he had, he would hardly think
so well of me as he does.
I have a particular opportunity of sending this by a friend of my aunt
Harman's; who is ready to set out for London, (and this occasions my
hurry,) and is to return out of hand. I expect therefore, by him a large
packet from you; and hope and long for news of your amended health:
which Heaven grant to the prayers of
Your ever-affectionate ANNA HOWE.

LETTER II
MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE FRIDAY, AUG. 11.
I will send you a large packet, as you desire and expect; since I can do
it by so safe a conveyance: