terrified with apprehensions of instant dishonour, she is
obliged to make some concession....
LETTER IX. Lovelace, to Belford-Accuses her of explaining
away her concession. Made desperate, he seeks occasion to
quarrel with her. She exerts a spirit which overawes him.
He is ridiculed by the infamous copartnership. Calls to
Belford to help a gay heart to a little of his dismal, on the
expected death of Lord M.
41-52
LETTER X. From the same.-Another message from M. Hall,
to engage him to go down next morning. No concession yet
from the lady.
LETTER XI. XII. From the same.-The women's instiga-
tions. His farther schemes against the lady. What, he asks,
is the injury which a church-rite will not at any time
repair?...
55-60
LETTER XIII. From the same.-Himself, the mother, her
nymphs, all assembled with intent to execute his detestable
purposes. Her glorious behaviour on the occasion. He
execrates, detests, despises himself; and admires her more
than ever. Obliged to set out early that morning for
M. Hall, he will press her with letters to meet him next
Thursday, her uncle's birth-day, at the altar .......... 60-74
LETTER XIV. XV. XVI. Lovelace, to Clarissa, from M. Hall.-
Urging her accordingly, (the license in her hands,) by the
most engaging pleas and arguments.
LETTER XVII. Lovelace, to Belford.-Begs he will wait on
the lady, and induce her to write but four words to him,
signifying the church and the day. Is now resolved on
wedlock. Curses his plots and contrivances; which all end,
he says, in one grand plot upon himself
LETTER XVIII. Belford, to Lovelace. In answer.-Refuses
to undertake for him, unless he can be sure of his honour.
Why he doubts it
LETTER XIX. Lovelace. In reply.-Curses him for scrupu-
lousness. Is in earnest to marry. After one more letter of
entreaty to her, if she keep sullen silence, she must take the
consequence
LETTER XX. Lovelace, to Clarissa.-Once more earnestly en-