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diff --git a/9296-h/9296-h.htm b/9296-h/9296-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f31e0f8 --- /dev/null +++ b/9296-h/9296-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13600 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Clarissa Harlowe, Vol. 1 (of 9) by Samuel Richardson</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify;} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> +</head> +<body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9), by Samuel Richardson</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Samuel Richardson</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 17, 2003 [eBook #9296]<br /> +[Most recently updated: October 14, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Julie C. Sparks and David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLARISSA, VOLUME 1 (OF 9) ***</div> + + <h1> + CLARISSA HARLOWE + </h1> + <h4> + or the + </h4> + <h2> + HISTORY OF A YOUNG LADY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Samuel Richardson + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + Nine Volumes <br /><br /> Volume I. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + Comprehending<br /> The most Important Concerns of Private Life.<br /> And + particularly shewing,<br /> The Distresses that may attend the Misconduct<br /> + Both of Parents and Children,<br /> In Relation to Marriage. + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> NAMES OF THE PRINCIPAL PERSONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> SUMMARY OF THE LETTERS OF VOLUME I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <big><b>THE HISTORY OF CLARISSA HARLOWE</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> LETTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> LETTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> LETTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> LETTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> LETTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> LETTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> LETTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> LETTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> LETTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> LETTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> LETTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> LETTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> LETTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> LETTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> LETTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> LETTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> LETTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> LETTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> LETTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> LETTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> LETTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> LETTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> LETTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> LETTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> LETTER XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> LETTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> LETTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> LETTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> LETTER XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> LETTER XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> LETTER XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> LETTER XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> LETTER XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> LETTER XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> LETTER XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> LETTER XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> LETTER XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> LETTER XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> LETTER XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> LETTER XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> LETTER XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> LETTER XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> LETTER XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> LETTER XLIV </a> + </p> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + The following History is given in a series of letters, written Principally + in a double yet separate correspondence; + </p> + <p> + Between two young ladies of virtue and honor, bearing an inviolable + friendship for each other, and writing not merely for amusement, but upon + the most interesting subjects; in which every private family, more or + less, may find itself concerned; and, + </p> + <p> + Between two gentlemen of free lives; one of them glorying in his talents + for stratagem and invention, and communicating to the other, in + confidence, all the secret purposes of an intriguing head and resolute + heart. + </p> + <p> + But here it will be proper to observe, for the sake of such as may + apprehend hurt to the morals of youth, from the more freely-written + letters, that the gentlemen, though professed libertines as to the female + sex, and making it one of their wicked maxims, to keep no faith with any + of the individuals of it, who are thrown into their power, are not, + however, either infidels or scoffers; nor yet such as think themselves + freed from the observance of those other moral duties which bind man to + man. + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, it will be found, in the progress of the work, that they + very often make such reflections upon each other, and each upon himself + and his own actions, as reasonable beings must make, who disbelieve not a + future state of rewards and punishments, and who one day propose to reform—one + of them actually reforming, and by that means giving an opportunity to + censure the freedoms which fall from the gayer pen and lighter heart of + the other. + </p> + <p> + And yet that other, although in unbosoming himself to a select friend, he + discovers wickedness enough to entitle him to general detestation, + preserves a decency, as well in his images as in his language, which is + not always to be found in the works of some of the most celebrated modern + writers, whose subjects and characters have less warranted the liberties + they have taken. + </p> + <p> + In the letters of the two young ladies, it is presumed, will be found not + only the highest exercise of a reasonable and practicable friendship, + between minds endowed with the noblest principles of virtue and religion, + but occasionally interspersed, such delicacy of sentiments, particularly + with regard to the other sex; such instances of impartiality, each freely, + as a fundamental principle of their friendship, blaming, praising, and + setting right the other, as are strongly to be recommended to the + observation of the younger part (more specially) of female readers. + </p> + <p> + The principle of these two young ladies is proposed as an exemplar to her + sex. Nor is it any objection to her being so, that she is not in all + respects a perfect character. It was not only natural, but it was + necessary, that she should have some faults, were it only to show the + reader how laudably she could mistrust and blame herself, and carry to her + own heart, divested of self-partiality, the censure which arose from her + own convictions, and that even to the acquittal of those, because revered + characters, whom no one else would acquit, and to whose much greater + faults her errors were owing, and not to a weak or reproachable heart. As + far as it is consistent with human frailty, and as far as she could be + perfect, considering the people she had to deal with, and those with whom + she was inseparably connected, she is perfect. To have been impeccable, + must have left nothing for the Divine Grace and a purified state to do, + and carried our idea of her from woman to angel. As such is she often + esteemed by the man whose heart was so corrupt that he could hardly + believe human nature capable of the purity, which, on every trial or + temptation, shone out in her's [sic]. + </p> + <p> + Besides the four principal person, several others are introduced, whose + letters are characteristic: and it is presumed that there will be found in + some of them, but more especially in those of the chief character among + the men, and the second character among the women, such strokes of gayety, + fancy, and humour, as will entertain and divert, and at the same time both + warn and instruct. + </p> + <p> + All the letters are written while the hearts of the writers must be + supposed to be wholly engaged in their subjects (the events at the time + generally dubious): so that they abound not only in critical situations, + but with what may be called instantaneous descriptions and reflections + (proper to be brought home to the breast of the youthful reader;) as also + with affecting conversations; many of them written in the dialogue or + dramatic way. + </p> + <p> + 'Much more lively and affecting,' says one of the principal character, + 'must be the style of those who write in the height of a present distress; + the mind tortured by the pangs of uncertainty (the events then hidden in + the womb of fate;) than the dry, narrative, unanimated style of a person + relating difficulties and danger surmounted, can be; the relater perfectly + at ease; and if himself unmoved by his own story, not likely greatly to + affect the reader.' + </p> + <p> + What will be found to be more particularly aimed at in the following work + is—to warn the inconsiderate and thoughtless of the one sex, against + the base arts and designs of specious contrivers of the other—to + caution parents against the undue exercise of their natural authority over + their children in the great article of marriage—to warn children + against preferring a man of pleasure to a man of probity upon that + dangerous but too-commonly-received notion, that a reformed rake makes the + best husband—but above all, to investigate the highest and most + important doctrines not only of morality, but of Christianity, by showing + them thrown into action in the conduct of the worthy characters; while the + unworthy, who set those doctrines at defiance, are condignly, and, as may + be said, consequentially punished. + </p> + <p> + From what has been said, considerate readers will not enter upon the + perusal of the piece before them as if it were designed only to divert and + amuse. It will probably be thought tedious to all such as dip into it, + expecting a light novel, or transitory romance; and look upon story in it + (interesting as that is generally allowed to be) as its sole end, rather + than as a vehicle to the instruction. + </p> + <p> + Different persons, as might be expected, have been of different opinions, + in relation to the conduct of the Heroine in particular situations; and + several worthy persons have objected to the general catastrophe, and other + parts of the history. Whatever is thought material of these shall be taken + notice of by way of Postscript, at the conclusion of the History; for this + work being addressed to the public as a history of life and manners, those + parts of it which are proposed to carry with them the force of an example, + ought to be as unobjectionable as is consistent with the design of the + whole, and with human nature. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NAMES OF THE PRINCIPAL PERSONS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, a young lady of great beauty and merit. + ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ. her admirer. + JAMES HARLOWE, ESQ. father of Clarissa. + MRS. HARLOWE, his lady. + JAMES HARLOWE, their only son. + ARABELLA, their elder daughter. + JOHN HARLOWE, ESQ. elder brother of James Harlowe, sen. + ANTONY HARLOWE, third brother. + ROGER SOLMES, ESQ. an admirer of Clarissa, favoured by her friends. + MRS. HERVEY, half-sister of Mrs. Harlowe. + MISS DOLLY HERVEY, her daughter. + MRS. JUDITH NORTON, a woman of great piety and discretion, who had a + principal share in the education of Clarissa. + COL. WM. MORDEN, a near relation of the Harlowes. + MISS HOWE, the most intimate friend, companion, and correspondent of + Clarissa. + MRS. HOWE, her mother. + CHARLES HICKMAN, ESQ. an admirer of Miss Howe. + LORD M., uncle to Mr. Lovelace. + LADY SARAH SADLEIR, LADY BETTY LAWRANCE, half-sisters of Lord M. + MISS CHARLOTTE MONTAGUE, MISS PATTY MONTAGUE, nieces of the same + nobleman. + DR. LEWEN, a worthy divine. + MR. ELIAS BRAND, a pedantic young clergyman. + DR. H. a humane physician. + MR. GODDARD, an honest and skilful apothecary. + JOHN BELFORD, ESQ. Mr. Lovelace's principal intimate and confidant. + RICHARD MOWBRAY, THOMAS DOLEMAN, JAMES TOURVILLE, THOMAS BELTON, + ESQRS. libertine friends of Mr. Lovelace. + MRS. MOORE, a widow, keeping a lodging-house at Hampstead. + MISS RAWLINS, a notable young gentlewoman there. + MRS. BEVIS, a lively young widow of the same place. + MRS. SINCLAIR, the pretended name of a private brothel-keeper in + London. + CAPTAIN TOMLINSON, the assumed name of a vile pander to the + debaucheries of Mr. Lovelace. + SALLY MARTIN, POLLY HORTON, assistants of, and partners with, the + infamous Sinclair. + DORCAS WYKES, an artful servant at the vile house. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTERS OF VOLUME I + </h2> + <p> + LETTER I. Miss Howe to Miss Clarissa Harlowe.—Desires from her the + particulars of the rencounter between Mr. Lovelace and her brother; and of + the usage she receives upon it: also the whole of her story from the time + Lovelace was introduced as a suitor to her sister Arabella. Admires her + great qualities, and glories in the friendship between them. + </p> + <p> + LETTER II. III. IV. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Gives the requested + particulars. Together with the grounds of her brother's and sister's + ill-will to her; and of the animosity between her brother and Lovelace.—Her + mother connives at the private correspondence between her and Lovelace, + for the sake of preventing greater evils. Character of Lovelace, from an + enemy.—Copy of the preamble to her grandfather's will. + </p> + <p> + LETTER V. From the same.—Her father, mother, brother, briefly + characterized. Her brother's consequence in the family. Wishes Miss Howe + had encouraged her brother's address. Endeavors to find excuses for her + father's ill temper, and for her mother's passiveness. + </p> + <p> + LETTER VI. From the same.—Mr. Symmes, Mr. Mullins, Mr. Wyerley, in + return, proposed to her, in malice to Lovelace; and, on their being + rejected, Mr. Solmes. Leave given her to visit Miss Howe for a few days. + Her brother's insolent behaviour upon it. + </p> + <p> + LETTER VII. From the same.—The harsh reception she meets with on her + return from Miss Howe. Solmes's first visit. + </p> + <p> + LETTER VIII. From the same.—All her family determined in Solmes's + favour. Her aversion to him. She rejects him, and is forbid going to + church, visiting, receiving visits, or writing to any body out of the + house. + </p> + <p> + LETTER IX. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Her expedient to carry on a + private correspondence with Miss Howe. Regrets the necessity she is laid + under to take such a clandestine step. + </p> + <p> + LETTER X. Miss Howe to Clarissa.—Inveighs against the Harlowe family + for proposing such a man as Solmes. Characterizes them. Is jealous of + Antony Harlowe's visits to her mother. Rallies her friend on her supposed + regard to Lovelace. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XI. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Is nettled and alarmed at her + raillery. Her reasons for not giving way to a passion for Lovelace. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XII. Miss Howe in reply.—Continues her raillery. Gives + Lovelace's character from Mrs. Fortescue. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XIII. XIV. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—The views of her family in + favouring the address of Solmes. Her brother's and sister's triumph upon + the difficulties into which they have plunged her. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XV. Miss Howe to Clarissa.—She accounts for Arabella's + malice. Blames her for having given up the power over the estate left her + by her grandfather. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XVI. XVII. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Offends her father by her + behaviour to Solmes in his presence. Tender conversation between her + mother and her.—Offers to give up all thoughts of Lovelace, if she + may be freed from Solmes's address. Substance of one of Lovelace's + letters, of her answer, and of his reply. Makes a proposal. Her mother + goes down with it. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XVIII. From the same.—The proposal rejected. Her mother + affects severity to her. Another interesting conversation between them. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XIX. From the same.—Her dutiful motives for putting her + estate into her father's power. Why she thinks she ought not to have + Solmes. Afflicted on her mother's account. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XX. XXI. From the same.—Another conference with her mother, + who leaves her in anger.—She goes down to beg her favour. Solmes + comes in. She offers to withdraw; but is forbid. What follows upon it. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXII. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Substance of a letter from + Lovelace. She desires leave to go to church. Is referred to her brother, + and insultingly refused by him. Her letter to him. His answer. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXIII. XXIV. XXV. From the same.—Her faithful Hannah + disgracefully dismissed. Betty Barnes, her sister's maid, set over her. A + letter from her brother forbidding her to appear in the presence of any of + her relations without leave. Her answer. Writes to her mother. Her + mother's answer. Writes to her father. His answer. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXVI. From the same.—Is desirous to know the opinion Lord + M.'s family have of her. Substance of a letter from Lovelace, resenting + the indignities he receives from her relations. She freely acquaints him + that he has nothing to expect from her contrary to her duty. Insists that + his next letter shall be his last. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXVII. Miss Howe to Clarissa.—Advises her to resume her + estate. Her satirical description of Solmes. Rallies her on her curiosity + to know what opinion Lord M. and his family have of her. Ascribes to the + difference in each of their tempers their mutual love. Gives particulars + of a conversation between her mother and her on Clarissa's case. Reflects + on the Harlowe family, and particularly on Mrs. Harlowe, for her + passiveness. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXVIII. Clarissa. In answer.—Chides her for the liberties she + takes with her relations. Particularly defends her mother. Chides her also + for her lively airs to her own mother. Desires her to treat her freely; + but wishes not that she should impute love to her; and why. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXIX. From the same.—Her expostulatory letter to her brother + and sister. Their answers. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXX. From the same.—Exceedingly angry with Lovelace, on his + coming to their church. Reflections on pride, &c. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXI. Mr. Lovelace to John Belford, Esq.—Pride, revenge, + love, ambition, or a desire of conquest, his avowedly predominant + passions. His early vow to ruin as many of the fair sex as he can get into + his power. His pretences for it. Breathes revenge against the Harlowe + family. Glories in his contrivances. Is passionately in love with + Clarissa. His high notions of her beauty and merit. Yet is incensed + against her for preferring her own relations to him. Clears her, however, + of intentional pride, scorn, haughtiness, or want of sensibility. What a + triumph over the sex, and over her whole family, if he can carry off a + lady so watchful and so prudent! Is resolved, if he cannot have the + sister, to carry off the brother. Libertine as he is, can have no thoughts + of any other woman but Clarissa. Warns Belford, Mowbray, Tourville, and + Belton, to hold themselves in readiness to obey his summons, on the + likelihood there is of room for what he calls glorious mischief. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXII. XXXIII. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Copies of her letters + to her two uncles; and of their characteristic answer.—Her + expostulatory letter to Solmes. His answer.—An insolent letter from + her brother, on her writing to Solmes. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXIV. Lovelace to Belford.—He directs him to come down to + him. For what end. Description of the poor inn he puts up at in disguise; + and of the innocent daughter there, whom he calls his Rosebud. He resolves + to spare her. Pride and policy his motives, and not principle. Ingenuous + reflections on his own vicious disposition. He had been a rogue, he says, + had he been a plough-boy. Resolves on an act of generosity for his + Rosebud, by way of atonement, as he calls it, for some of his bad actions; + and for other reasons which appear in the sequel. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXV. From the same.—His artful contrivances and dealings + with Joseph Leman. His revenge and his love uppermost by turns. If the + latter succeeds not, he vows that the Harlowes shall feel the former, + although for it he become an exile from his country forever. He will throw + himself into Clarissa's presence in the woodhouse. If he thought he had no + prospect of her favour, he would attempt to carry her off: that, he says, + would be a rape worthy of a Jupiter. The arts he is resolved to practise + when he sees her, in order to engage her future reliance upon his honour. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXVI. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Lovelace, in disguise, + surprises her in the woodhouse. Her terrors on first seeing him. He + greatly engages her confidence (as he had designed) by his respectful + behaviour. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXVII. Miss Howe to Clarissa.—After rallying her on her not + readily owning the passion which she supposes she has for Lovelace, she + desires to know how far she thinks him eligible for his best qualities, + how far rejectable for his worst. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XXXVIII. XXXIX. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—She disclaims tyranny + to a man who respects her. Her unhappy situation to be considered, in + which the imputed love is held by her parents to be an undutiful, and + therefore a criminal passion, and where the supposed object of it is a man + of faulty morals. Is interrupted by a visit from Mrs. Norton, who is sent + up to her to influence her in Solmes's favour. An affecting conversation + between them. What passes upon it, and after it. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XL. From the same.—Resumes the requested subject. What sort + of man she could have preferred to Mr. Lovelace. Arguments she has used to + herself in his favour, and in his disfavour. Frankly owns that were he now + a moral man, she would prefer him to all the men she ever saw. Yet is + persuaded, that she could freely give up the one man to get rid of the + other, as she had offered to her friends. Her delicacy affected by Miss + Howe's raillery; and why. Gives her opinion of the force which figure or + person may be allowed to have upon her sex. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XLI. From the same.—A letter from her mother (with patterns + of rich silks) in which she entreats her to comply with all their wishes. + What ought to be the principal view of a good wife in adorning her person. + Her distress. Begs leave to wait upon her mother alone. Her father's angry + letter, ordering her to prepare for her wedding-day. Solmes requests to + see her. She refuses. All in tumults below upon it. Her brother and her + sister desire that she may be left to their management. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XLII. From the same.—A very warm dialogue between her sister + and her. Her sister's envy, unnatural behaviour, and violence. Clarissa + sends down proposals in writing to her friends, and a letter to her + brother. His insolent answer; in which he tells her, that her proposal + will be considered in full assembly next morning; but that, if they shall + be complied with, he will retire to Scotland, and never more return to + Harlowe-place. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XLIII. Clarissa to Miss Howe.—Hardly doubts but her proposals + will be accepted. Paints to herself, as her relations arrive one by one, + what their deliberations, and the result of them will be, when they are + all assembled. Her proposals rejected. Her sister's cruel insults on the + occasion produce another warm dialogue between them. Her sister leaves her + in a fury. She is greatly disturbed at the contents of a letter from + Lovelace. + </p> + <p> + LETTER XLIV. From the same.—Her aunt Hervey, accompanied by her + sister, makes her a visit. Farther insults from her sister. Her aunt's + fruitless pleas in Solmes's favour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE HISTORY OF CLARISSA HARLOWE + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER I + </h2> + <h3> + MISS ANNA HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE JAN 10. + </h3> + <p> + I am extremely concerned, my dearest friend, for the disturbances that have + happened in your family. I know how it must hurt you to become the subject + of the public talk: and yet, upon an occasion so generally known, it is + impossible but that whatever relates to a young lady, whose distinguished + merits have made her the public care, should engage every body's + attention. I long to have the particulars from yourself; and of the usage + I am told you receive upon an accident you could not help; and in which, + as far as I can learn, the sufferer was the aggressor. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Diggs, the surgeon, whom I sent for at the first hearing of the + rencounter, to inquire, for your sake, how your brother was, told me, that + there was no danger from the wound, if there were none from the fever; + which it seems has been increased by the perturbation of his spirits. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wyerley drank tea with us yesterday; and though he is far from being + partial to Mr. Lovelace, as it may well be supposed, yet both he and Mr. + Symmes blame your family for the treatment they gave him when he went in + person to inquire after your brother's health, and to express his concern + for what had happened. + </p> + <p> + They say, that Mr. Lovelace could not avoid drawing his sword: and that + either your brother's unskilfulness or passion left him from the very + first pass entirely in his power. + </p> + <p> + This, I am told, was what Mr. Lovelace said upon it; retreating as he + spoke: 'Have a care, Mr. Harlowe—your violence puts you out of your + defence. You give me too much advantage. For your sister's sake, I will + pass by every thing:—if—' + </p> + <p> + But this the more provoked his rashness, to lay himself open to the + advantage of his adversary—who, after a slight wound given him in + the arm, took away his sword. + </p> + <p> + There are people who love not your brother, because of his natural + imperiousness and fierce and uncontroulable temper: these say, that the + young gentleman's passion was abated on seeing his blood gush plentifully + down his arm; and that he received the generous offices of his adversary + (who helped him off with his coat and waistcoat, and bound up his arm, + till the surgeon could come,) with such patience, as was far from making a + visit afterwards from that adversary, to inquire after his health, appear + either insulting or improper. + </p> + <p> + Be this as it may, every body pities you. So steady, so uniform in your + conduct: so desirous, as you always said, of sliding through life to the + end of it unnoted; and, as I may add, not wishing to be observed even for + your silent benevolence; sufficiently happy in the noble consciousness + which attends it: Rather useful than glaring, your deserved motto; though + now, to your regret, pushed into blaze, as I may say: and yet blamed at + home for the faults of others—how must such a virtue suffer on every + hand!—yet it must be allowed, that your present trial is but + proportioned to your prudence. + </p> + <p> + As all your friends without doors are apprehensive that some other unhappy + event may result from so violent a contention, in which it seems the + families on both sides are now engaged, I must desire you to enable me, on + the authority of your own information, to do you occasional justice. + </p> + <p> + My mother, and all of us, like the rest of the world, talk of nobody but + you on this occasion, and of the consequences which may follow from the + resentments of a man of Mr. Lovelace's spirit; who, as he gives out, has + been treated with high indignity by your uncles. My mother will have it, + that you cannot now, with any decency, either see him, or correspond with + him. She is a good deal prepossessed by your uncle Antony; who + occasionally calls upon us, as you know; and, on this rencounter, has + represented to her the crime which it would be in a sister to encourage a + man who is to wade into her favour (this was his expression) through the + blood of her brother. + </p> + <p> + Write to me therefore, my dear, the whole of your story from the time that + Mr. Lovelace was first introduced into your family; and particularly an + account of all that passed between him and your sister; about which there + are different reports; some people scrupling not to insinuate that the + younger sister has stolen a lover from the elder: and pray write in so + full a manner as may satisfy those who know not so much of your affairs as + I do. If anything unhappy should fall out from the violence of such + spirits as you have to deal with, your account of all things previous to + it will be your best justification. + </p> + <p> + You see what you draw upon yourself by excelling all your sex. Every + individual of it who knows you, or has heard of you, seems to think you + answerable to her for your conduct in points so very delicate and + concerning. + </p> + <p> + Every eye, in short, is upon you with the expectation of an example. I + wish to heaven you were at liberty to pursue your own methods: all would + then, I dare say, be easy, and honourably ended. But I dread your + directors and directresses; for your mother, admirably well qualified as + she is to lead, must submit to be led. Your sister and brother will + certainly put you out of your course. + </p> + <p> + But this is a point you will not permit me to expatiate upon: pardon me + therefore, and I have done.—Yet, why should I say, pardon me? when + your concerns are my concerns? when your honour is my honour? when I love + you, as never woman loved another? and when you have allowed of that + concern and of that love; and have for years, which in persons so young + may be called many, ranked in the first class of your friends, + </p> + <p> + Your ever grateful and affectionate, ANNA HOWE. + </p> + <p> + Will you oblige me with a copy of the preamble to the clauses in your + grandfather's will in your favour; and allow me to send it to my aunt + Harman?—She is very desirous to see it. Yet your character has so + charmed her, that, though a stranger to you personally, she assents to the + preference given you in that will, before she knows the testator's reasons + for giving you that preference. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER II + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE HARLOWE-PLACE, JAN. 13. + </h3> + <p> + How you oppress me, my dearest friend, with your politeness! I cannot + doubt your sincerity; but you should take care, that you give me not + reason from your kind partiality to call in question your judgment. You do + not distinguish that I take many admirable hints from you, and have the + art to pass them upon you for my own: for in all you do, in all you say, + nay, in your very looks (so animated!) you give lessons to one who loves + you and observes you as I love you and observe you, without knowing that + you do—So pray, my dear, be more sparing of your praise for the + future, lest after this confession we should suspect that you secretly + intend to praise yourself, while you would be thought only to commend + another. + </p> + <p> + Our family has indeed been strangely discomposed.—Discomposed!—It + has been in tumults, ever since the unhappy transaction; and I have borne + all the blame; yet should have had too much concern from myself, had I + been more justly spared by every one else. + </p> + <p> + For, whether it be owing to a faulty impatience, having been too + indulgently treated to be inured to blame, or to the regret I have to hear + those censured on my account, whom it is my duty to vindicate; I have + sometimes wished, that it had pleased God to have taken me in my last + fever, when I had every body's love and good opinion; but oftener that I + had never been distinguished by my grandfather as I was: since that + distinction has estranged from me my brother's and sister's affections; at + least, has raised a jealousy with regard to the apprehended favour of my + two uncles, that now-and-then overshadows their love. + </p> + <p> + My brother being happily recovered of his fever, and his wound in a + hopeful way, although he has not yet ventured abroad, I will be as + particular as you desire in the little history you demand of me. But + heaven forbid that any thing should ever happen which may require it to be + produced for the purpose you mention! + </p> + <p> + I will begin, as you command, with Mr. Lovelace's address to my sister; + and be as brief as possible. I will recite facts only; and leave you to + judge of the truth of the report raised, that the younger sister has + robbed the elder. + </p> + <p> + It was in pursuance of a conference between Lord M. and my uncle Antony, + that Mr. Lovelace [my father and mother not forbidding] paid his respect + to my sister Arabella. My brother was then in Scotland, busying himself in + viewing the condition of the considerable estate which was left him there + by his generous godmother, together with one as considerable in Yorkshire. + I was also absent at my Dairy-house, as it is called,* busied in the + accounts relating to the estate which my grandfather had the goodness to + devise to me; and which once a year was left to my inspection, although I + have given the whole into my father's power. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Her grandfather, in order to invite her to him as often as + her other friends would spare her, indulged her in erecting + and fitting up a dairy-house in her own taste. When + finished, it was so much admired for its elegant simplicity + and convenience, that the whole seat (before, of old time, + from its situation, called The Grove) was generally known by + the name of The Dairy-house. Her grandfather in particular + was fond of having it so called. +</pre> + <p> + My sister made me a visit there the day after Mr. Lovelace had been + introduced; and seemed highly pleased with the gentleman. His birth, his + fortune in possession, a clear 2000L. a year, as Lord M. had assured my + uncle; presumptive heir to that nobleman's large estate: his great + expectations from Lady Sarah Sadleir and Lady Betty Lawrence; who with his + uncle interested themselves very warmly (he being the last of his line) to + see him married. + </p> + <p> + 'So handsome a man!—O her beloved Clary!' (for then she was ready to + love me dearly, from the overflowings of her good humour on his account!) + 'He was but too handsome a man for her!—Were she but as amiable as + somebody, there would be a probability of holding his affections!—For + he was wild, she heard; very wild, very gay; loved intrigue—but he + was young; a man of sense: would see his error, could she but have + patience with his faults, if his faults were not cured by marriage!' + </p> + <p> + Thus she ran on; and then wanted me 'to see the charming man,' as she + called him.—Again concerned, 'that she was not handsome enough for + him;' with, 'a sad thing, that the man should have the advantage of the + woman in that particular!'—But then, stepping to the glass, she + complimented herself, 'That she was very well: that there were many women + deemed passable who were inferior to herself: that she was always thought + comely; and comeliness, let her tell me, having not so much to lose as + beauty had, would hold, when that would evaporate or fly off:—nay, + for that matter,' [and again she turned to the glass] 'her features were + not irregular; her eyes not at all amiss.' And I remember they were more + than usually brilliant at that time.—'Nothing, in short, to be found + fault with, though nothing very engaging she doubted—was there, + Clary.' + </p> + <p> + Excuse me, my dear, I never was thus particular before; no, not to you. + Nor would I now have written thus freely of a sister, but that she makes a + merit to my brother of disowning that she ever liked him; as I shall + mention hereafter: and then you will always have me give you minute + descriptions, nor suffer me to pass by the air and manner in which things + are spoken that are to be taken notice of; rightly observing, that air and + manner often express more than the accompanying words. + </p> + <p> + I congratulated her upon her prospects. She received my compliments with a + great deal of self-complacency. + </p> + <p> + She liked the gentleman still more at his next visit; and yet he made no + particular address to her, although an opportunity was given him for it. + This was wondered at, as my uncle has introduced him into our family + declaredly as a visitor to my sister. But as we are ever ready to make + excuses when in good humour with ourselves for the perhaps not unwilful + slights of those whose approbation we wish to engage; so my sister found + out a reason much to Mr. Lovelace's advantage for his not improving the + opportunity that was given him.—It was bashfulness, truly, in him. + [Bashfulness in Mr. Lovelace, my dear!]—Indeed, gay and lively as he + is, he has not the look of an impudent man. But, I fancy, it is many, many + years ago since he was bashful. + </p> + <p> + Thus, however, could my sister make it out—'Upon her word, she + believed Mr. Lovelace deserved not the bad character he had as to women.—He + was really, to her thinking, a modest man. He would have spoken out, she + believed; but once or twice as he seemed to intend to do so, he was under + so agreeable a confusion! Such a profound respect he seemed to shew her! A + perfect reverence, she thought: she loved dearly that a man in courtship + should shew a reverence to his mistress'—So indeed we all do, I + believe: and with reason; since, if I may judge from what I have seen in + many families, there is little enough of it shewn afterwards.—And + she told my aunt Hervey, that she would be a little less upon the reserve + next time he came: 'She was not one of those flirts, not she, who would + give pain to a person that deserved to be well-treated; and the more pain + for the greatness of his value for her.'—I wish she had not somebody + whom I love in her eye. + </p> + <p> + In his third visit, Bella governed herself by this kind and considerate + principle: so that, according to her own account of the matter, the man + might have spoken out.—But he was still bashful: he was not able to + overcome this unseasonable reverence. So this visit went off as the + former. + </p> + <p> + But now she began to be dissatisfied with him. She compared his general + character with this his particular behaviour to her; and having never been + courted before, owned herself puzzled how to deal with so odd a lover. + 'What did the man mean, she wondered? Had not her uncle brought him + declaredly as a suitor to her?—It could not be bashfulness (now she + thought of it) since he might have opened his mind to her uncle, if he + wanted courage to speak directly to her.—Not that she cared much for + the man neither: but it was right, surely, that a woman should be put out + of doubt early as to a man's intentions in such a case as this, from his + own mouth.—But, truly, she had begun to think, that he was more + solicitous to cultivate her mamma's good opinion, than hers!—Every + body, she owned, admired her mother's conversation; but he was mistaken if + he thought respect to her mother only would do with her. And then, for his + own sake, surely he should put it into her power to be complaisant to him, + if he gave her reason to approve of him. This distant behaviour, she must + take upon herself to say, was the more extraordinary, as he continued his + visits, and declared himself extremely desirous to cultivate a friendship + with the whole family; and as he could have no doubt about her sense, if + she might take upon her to join her own with the general opinion; he + having taken great notice of, and admired many of her good things as they + fell from her lips. Reserves were painful, she must needs say, to open and + free spirits, like hers: and yet she must tell my aunt,' (to whom all this + was directed) 'that she should never forget what she owed to her sex, and + to herself, were Mr. Lovelace as unexceptionable in his morals as in his + figure, and were he to urge his suit ever so warmly.' + </p> + <p> + I was not of her council. I was still absent. And it was agreed upon + between my aunt Hervey and her, that she was to be quite solemn and shy in + his next visit, if there were not a peculiarity in his address to her. + </p> + <p> + But my sister it seems had not considered the matter well. This was not + the way, as it proved, to be taken for matters of mere omission, with a + man of Mr. Lovelace's penetration. Nor with any man; since if love has not + taken root deep enough to cause it to shoot out into declaration, if an + opportunity be fairly given for it, there is little room to expect, that + the blighting winds of anger or resentment will bring it forward. Then my + poor sister is not naturally good-humoured. This is too well-known a truth + for me to endeavor to conceal it, especially from you. She must therefore, + I doubt, have appeared to great disadvantages when she aimed to be worse + tempered than ordinary. + </p> + <p> + How they managed it in their next conversation I know not. One would be + tempted to think by the issue, that Mr. Lovelace was ungenerous enough to + seek the occasion given,* and to improve it. Yet he thought fit to put the + question too:—But, she says, it was not till, by some means or other + (she knew not how) he had wrought her up to such a pitch of displeasure + with him, that it was impossible for her to recover herself at the + instant. Nevertheless he re-urged his question, as expecting a definitive + answer, without waiting for the return of her temper, or endeavouring to + mollify her; so that she was under a necessity of persisting in her + denial: yet gave him reason to think she did not dislike his address, only + the manner of it; his court being rather made to her mother than to + herself, as if he was sure of her consent at any time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Mr. Lovelace's Letter, No. XXXI, in which he briefly + accounts for his conduct in this affair. +</pre> + <p> + A good encouraging denial, I must own: as was the rest of her plea; to + wit, 'A disinclination to change her state. Exceedingly happy as she was: + she never could be happier!' And such-like consenting negatives, as I may + call them, and yet not intend a reflection upon my sister: for what can + any young creature in the like circumstances say, when she is not sure but + a too-ready consent may subject her to the slights of a sex that generally + values a blessing either more or less as it is obtained with difficulty or + ease? Miss Biddulph's answer to a copy of verse from a gentleman, + reproaching our sex as acting in disguise, is not a bad one, although you + may perhaps think it too acknowledging for the female character. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ungen'rous Sex!—To scorn us if we're kind; + And yet upbraid us if we seem severe! + Do you, t' encourage us to tell our mind, + Yourselves put off disguise, and be sincere. + You talk of coquetry!—Your own false hearts + Compel our sex to act dissembling parts. +</pre> + <p> + Here I am obliged to lay down my pen. I will soon resume it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER III + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE JAN. 13, 14. + </h3> + <p> + And thus, as Mr. Lovelace thought fit to take it, had he his answer from + my sister. It was with very great regret, as he pretended, [I doubt the + man is an hypocrite, my dear] that he acquiesced in it. 'So much + determinedness; such a noble firmness in my sister, that there was no hope + of prevailing upon her to alter sentiments she had adopted on full + consideration.' He sighed, as Bella told us, when he took his leave of + her: 'Profoundly sighed; grasped her hand, and kissed it with such an + ardour—Withdrew with such an air of solemn respect—She could + almost find it in her heart, although he had vexed her, to pity him.' A + good intentional preparative to love, this pity; since, at the time, she + little thought that he would not renew his offer. + </p> + <p> + He waited on my mother after he had taken leave of Bella, and reported his + ill success in so respectful a manner, as well with regard to my sister, + as to the whole family, and with so much concern that he was not accepted + as a relation to it, that it left upon them all (my brother being then, as + I have said, in Scotland) impressions in his favour, and a belief that + this matter would certainly be brought on again. But Mr. Lovelace going up + directly to town, where he staid a whole fortnight, and meeting there with + my uncle Antony, to whom he regretted his niece's cruel resolution not to + change her state; it was seen that there was a total end of the affair. + </p> + <p> + My sister was not wanting to herself on this occasion. She made a virtue + of necessity; and the man was quite another man with her. 'A vain + creature! Too well knowing his advantages: yet those not what she had + conceived them to be!—Cool and warm by fits and starts; an ague-like + lover. A steady man, a man of virtue, a man of morals, was worth a + thousand of such gay flutterers. Her sister Clary might think it worth her + while perhaps to try to engage such a man: she had patience: she was + mistress of persuasion: and indeed, to do the girl justice, had something + of a person: But as for her, she would not have a man of whose heart she + could not be sure for one moment; no, not for the world: and most + sincerely glad was she that she had rejected him.' + </p> + <p> + But when Mr. Lovelace returned into the country, he thought fit to visit + my father and mother; hoping, as he told them, that, however unhappy he + had been in the rejection of the wished-for alliance, he might be allowed + to keep up an acquaintance and friendship with a family which he should + always respect. And then unhappily, as I may say, was I at home and + present. + </p> + <p> + It was immediately observed, that his attention was fixed on me. My + sister, as soon as he was gone, in a spirit of bravery, seemed desirous to + promote his address, should it be tendered. + </p> + <p> + My aunt Hervey was there; and was pleased to say, we should make the + finest couple in England—if my sister had no objection.—No, + indeed! with a haughty toss, was my sister's reply—it would be + strange if she had, after the denial she had given him upon full + deliberation. + </p> + <p> + My mother declared, that her only dislike of his alliance with either + daughter, was on account of his reputed faulty morals. + </p> + <p> + My uncle Harlowe, that his daughter Clary, as he delighted to call me from + childhood, would reform him if any woman in the world could. + </p> + <p> + My uncle Antony gave his approbation in high terms: but referred, as my + aunt had done, to my sister. + </p> + <p> + She repeated her contempt of him; and declared, that, were there not + another man in England, she would not have him. She was ready, on the + contrary, she could assure them, to resign her pretensions under hand and + seal, if Miss Clary were taken with his tinsel, and if every one else + approved of his address to the girl. + </p> + <p> + My father indeed, after a long silence, being urged by my uncle Antony to + speak his mind, said, that he had a letter from his son, on his hearing of + Mr. Lovelace's visits to his daughter Arabella; which he had not shewn to + any body but my mother; that treaty being at an end when he received it: + that in this letter he expressed great dislike to an alliance with Mr. + Lovelace on the score of his immoralities: that he knew, indeed, there was + an old grudge between them; but that, being desirous to prevent all + occasions of disunion and animosity in his family, he would suspend the + declaration of his own mind till his son arrived, and till he had heard + his further objections: that he was the more inclined to make his son this + compliment, as Mr. Lovelace's general character gave but too much ground + for his son's dislike of him; adding, that he had hear (so, he supposed, + had every one,) that he was a very extravagant man; that he had contracted + debts in his travels: and indeed, he was pleased to say, he had the air of + a spendthrift. + </p> + <p> + These particulars I had partly from my aunt Hervey, and partly from my + sister; for I was called out as soon as the subject was entered upon. When + I returned, my uncle Antony asked me, how I should like Mr. Lovelace? + Every body saw, he was pleased to say, that I had made a conquest. + </p> + <p> + I immediately answered, that I did not like him at all: he seemed to have + too good an opinion both on his person and parts, to have any regard to + his wife, let him marry whom he would. + </p> + <p> + My sister particularly was pleased with this answer, and confirmed it to + be just; with a compliment to my judgment.—For it was hers. + </p> + <p> + But the very next day Lord M. came to Harlowe-Place [I was then absent]; + and in his nephew's name made a proposal in form; declaring, that it was + the ambition of all his family to be related to ours: and he hoped his + kinsman would not have such an answer on the part of the younger sister, + as he had on that of the elder. + </p> + <p> + In short, Mr. Lovelace's visits were admitted as those of a man who had + not deserved disrespect from our family; but as to his address to me, with + a reservation, as above, on my father's part, that he would determine + nothing without his son. My discretion as to the rest was confided in: for + still I had the same objections as to the man: nor would I, when we were + better acquainted, hear any thing but general talk from him; giving him no + opportunity of conversing with me in private. + </p> + <p> + He bore this with a resignation little expected from his natural temper, + which is generally reported to be quick and hasty; unused it seems from + childhood to check or controul. A case too common in considerable families + where there is an only son: and his mother never had any other child. But, + as I have heretofore told you, I could perceive, notwithstanding this + resignation, that he had so good an opinion of himself, as not to doubt, + that his person and accomplishments would insensibly engage me: And could + that be once done, he told my aunt Hervey, he should hope, from so steady + a temper, that his hold in my affections would be durable: While my sister + accounted for his patience in another manner, which would perhaps have had + more force if it had come from a person less prejudiced: 'That the man was + not fond of marrying at all: that he might perhaps have half a score + mistresses: and that delay might be as convenient for his roving, as for + my well-acted indifference.' That was her kind expression. + </p> + <p> + Whatever was his motive for a patience so generally believed to be out of + his usual character, and where the object of his address was supposed to + be of fortune considerable enough to engage his warmest attention, he + certainly escaped many mortifications by it: for while my father suspended + his approbation till my brother's arrival, Mr. Lovelace received from + every one those civilities which were due to his birth: and although we + heard from time to time reports to his disadvantage with regard to morals, + yet could we not question him upon them without giving him greater + advantages in his own opinion than the situation he was in with us would + justify to prudence; since it was much more likely that his address would + not be allowed of, than that it would. + </p> + <p> + And thus was he admitted to converse with our family almost upon his own + terms; for while my friends saw nothing in his behaviour but what was + extremely respectful, and observed in him no violent importunity, they + seemed to have taken a great liking to his conversation: While I + considered him only as a common guest when he came; and thought myself no + more concerned in his visits, not at his entrance and departure, than any + other of the family. + </p> + <p> + But this indifference on my side was the means of procuring him one very + great advantage; since upon it was grounded that correspondence by letters + which succeeded;—and which, had it been to be begun when the family + animosity broke out, would never have been entered into on my part. The + occasion was this: + </p> + <p> + My uncle Hervey has a young gentleman intrusted to his care, whom he has + thoughts of sending abroad a year or two hence, to make the Grand Tour, as + it is called; and finding Mr. Lovelace could give a good account of every + thing necessary for a young traveller to observe upon such an occasion, he + desired him to write down a description of the courts and countries he had + visited, and what was most worthy of curiosity in them. + </p> + <p> + He consented, on condition that I would direct his subjects, as he called + it: and as every one had heard his manner of writing commended; and + thought his narratives might be agreeable amusements in winter evenings; + and that he could have no opportunity particularly to address me directly + in them, since they were to be read in full assembly before they were + given to the young gentleman, I made the less scruple to write, and to + make observations, and put questions for our further information—Still + the less perhaps as I love writing; and those who do, are fond, you know, + of occasions to use the pen: And then, having ever one's consent, and my + uncle Hervey's desire that I would write, I thought that if I had been the + only scrupulous person, it would have shewn a particularity that a vain + man might construe to his advantage; and which my sister would not fail to + animadvert upon. + </p> + <p> + You have seen some of these letters; and have been pleased with this + account of persons, places, and things; and we have both agreed, that he + was no common observer upon what he had seen. + </p> + <p> + My sister allowed that the man had a tolerable knack of writing and + describing: And my father, who had been abroad in his youth, said, that + his remarks were curious, and shewed him to be a person of reading, + judgment and taste. + </p> + <p> + Thus was a kind of correspondence begun between him and me, with general + approbation; while every one wondered at, and was pleased with, his + patient veneration of me; for so they called it. However, it was not + doubted but he would soon be more importunate, since his visits were more + frequent, and he acknowledged to my aunt Hervey a passion for me, + accompanied with an awe that he had never known before; to which he + attributed what he called his but seeming acquiescence with my father's + pleasure, and the distance I kept him at. And yet, my dear, this may be + his usual manner of behaviour to our sex; for had not my sister at first + all his reverence? + </p> + <p> + Mean time, my father, expecting his importunity, kept in readiness the + reports he had heard in his disfavour, to charge them upon him then, as so + many objections to address. And it was highly agreeable to me that he did + so: it would have been strange if it were not; since the person who could + reject Mr. Wyerley's address for the sake of his free opinions, must have + been inexcusable, had she not rejected another's for his freer practices. + </p> + <p> + But I should own, that in the letters he sent me upon the general subject, + he more than once inclosed a particular one, declaring his passionate + regards for me, and complaining with fervour enough, of my reserves. But + of these I took not the least notice: for, as I had not written to him at + all, but upon a subject so general, I thought it was but right to let what + he wrote upon one so particular pass off as if I had never seen it; and + the rather, as I was not then at liberty (from the approbation his letters + met with) to break off the correspondence, unless I had assigned the true + reason for doing so. Besides, with all his respectful assiduities, it was + easy to observe, (if it had not been his general character) that his + temper is naturally haughty and violent; and I had seen too much of that + untractable spirit in my brother to like it in one who hoped to be still + more nearly related to me. + </p> + <p> + I had a little specimen of this temper of his upon the very occasion I + have mentioned: For after he had sent me a third particular letter with + the general one, he asked me the next time he came to Harlowe-Place, if I + had not received such a one from him?—I told him I should never + answer one so sent; and that I had waited for such an occasion as he had + now given me, to tell him so: I desired him therefore not to write again + on the subject; assuring him, that if he did, I would return both, and + never write another line to him. + </p> + <p> + You can't imagine how saucily the man looked; as if, in short, he was + disappointed that he had not made a more sensible impression upon me: nor, + when he recollected himself (as he did immediately), what a visible + struggle it cost him to change his haughty airs for more placid ones. But + I took no notice of either; for I thought it best to convince him, by the + coolness and indifference with which I repulsed his forward hopes (at the + same time intending to avoid the affectation of pride or vanity) that he + was not considerable enough in my eyes to make me take over-ready offence + at what he said, or at his haughty looks: in other words, that I had not + value enough for him to treat him with peculiarity either by smiles or + frowns. Indeed he had cunning enough to give me, undesignedly, a piece of + instruction which taught me this caution; for he had said in conversation + once, 'That if a man could not make a woman in courtship own herself + pleased with him, it was as much and oftentimes more to his purpose to + make her angry with him.' + </p> + <p> + I must break off here, but will continue the subject the very first + opportunity. Mean time, I am + </p> + <p> + Your most affectionate friend and servant, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE JAN. 15. + </h3> + <p> + Such, my dear, was the situation Mr. Lovelace and I were in when my + brother arrived from Scotland. + </p> + <p> + The moment Mr. Lovelace's visits were mentioned to him, he, without either + hesitation or apology, expressed his disapprobation of them. He found + great flaws in his character; and took the liberty to say in so many + words, that he wondered how it came into the heads of his uncles to + encourage such a man for either of his sisters: At the same time returning + his thanks to my father for declining his consent till he arrived, in such + a manner, I thought, as a superior would do, when he commended an inferior + for having well performed his duty in his absence. + </p> + <p> + He justified his avowed inveteracy by common fame, and by what he had + known of him at college; declaring, that he had ever hated him; ever + should hate him; and would never own him for a brother, or me for a + sister, if I married him. + </p> + <p> + That early antipathy I have heard accounted for in this manner: + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lovelace was always noted for his vivacity and courage; and no less, + it seems, for the swift and surprising progress he made in all parts of + literature: for diligence in his studies in the hours of study, he had + hardly his equal. This it seems was his general character at the + university; and it gained him many friends among the more learned; while + those who did not love him, feared him, by reason of the offence his + vivacity made him too ready to give, and of the courage he shewed in + supporting the offence when given; which procured him as many followers as + he pleased among the mischievous sort.—No very amiable character, + you'll say, upon the whole. + </p> + <p> + But my brother's temper was not more happy. His native haughtiness could + not bear a superiority so visible; and whom we fear more than love, we are + not far from hating: and having less command of his passions than the + other, he was evermore the subject of his perhaps indecent ridicule: so + that every body, either from love or fear, siding with his antagonist, he + had a most uneasy time of it while both continued in the same college.—It + was the less wonder therefore that a young man who is not noted for the + gentleness of his temper, should resume an antipathy early begun, and so + deeply rooted. + </p> + <p> + He found my sister, who waited but for the occasion, ready to join him in + his resentments against the man he hated. She utterly disclaimed all + manner of regard for him: 'Never liked him at all:—His estate was + certainly much incumbered: it was impossible it should be otherwise; so + entirely devoted as he was to his pleasures. He kept no house; had no + equipage: Nobody pretended that he wanted pride: the reason therefore was + easy to be guessed at.' And then did she boast of, and my brother praised + her for, refusing him: and both joined on all occasions to depreciate him, + and not seldom made the occasions; their displeasure against him causing + every subject to run into this, if it began not with it. + </p> + <p> + I was not solicitous to vindicate him when I was not joined in their + reflection. I told them I did not value him enough to make a difference in + the family on his account: and as he was supposed to have given much cause + for their ill opinion of him, I thought he ought to take the consequence + of his own faults. + </p> + <p> + Now and then indeed, when I observed that their vehemence carried them + beyond all bounds of probability in their charges against him, I thought + it but justice to put in a word for him. But this only subjected me to + reproach, as having a prepossession in his favour which I would not own.—So + that, when I could not change the subject, I used to retire either to my + music, or to my closet. + </p> + <p> + Their behaviour to him, when they could not help seeing him, was very cold + and disobliging; but as yet not directly affrontive. For they were in + hopes of prevailing upon my father to forbid his visits. But as there was + nothing in his behaviour, that might warrant such a treatment of a man of + his birth and fortune, they succeeded not: And then they were very earnest + with me to forbid them. I asked, what authority I had to take such a step + in my father's house; and when my behaviour to him was so distant, that he + seemed to be as much the guest of any other person of the family, + themselves excepted, as mine?—In revenge, they told me, that it was + cunning management between us; and that we both understood one another + better than we pretended to do. And at last they gave such a loose to + their passions, all of a sudden* as I may say, that instead of + withdrawing, as they used to do when he came, they threw themselves in his + way purposely to affront him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The reason of this their more openly shown animosity is + given in Letter XIII. +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Lovelace, you may believe, very ill brooked this: but nevertheless + contented himself to complain of it to me: in high terms, however, telling + me, that but for my sake my brother's treatment of him was not to be + borne. + </p> + <p> + I was sorry for the merit this gave him in his own opinion with me: and + the more, as some of the affronts he received were too flagrant to be + excused: But I told him, that I was determined not to fall out with my + brother, if I could help it, whatever faults he had: and since they could + not see one another with temper, should be glad that he would not throw + himself in my brother's way; and I was sure my brother would not seek him. + </p> + <p> + He was very much nettled at this answer: But said, he must bear his + affronts if I would have it so. He had been accused himself of violence in + his temper; but he hoped to shew on this occasion that he had a command of + his passions which few young men, so highly provoked, would be able to + shew; and doubted not but it would be attributed to a proper motive by a + person of my generosity and penetration. + </p> + <p> + My brother had just before, with the approbation of my uncles, employed a + person related to a discharged bailiff or steward of Lord M. who had had + the management of some part of Mr. Lovelace's affairs (from which he was + also dismissed by him) to inquire into his debts, after his companions, + into his amours, and the like. + </p> + <p> + My aunt Hervey, in confidence, gave me the following particulars of what + the man had said of him. + </p> + <p> + 'That he was a generous landlord: that he spared nothing for solid and + lasting improvements upon his estate; and that he looked into his own + affairs, and understood them: that he had been very expensive when abroad; + and contracted a large debt (for he made no secret of his affairs); yet + chose to limit himself to an annual sum, and to decline equipage, in order + to avoid being obliged to his uncle and aunts; from whom he might have + what money he pleased; but that he was very jealous of their controul; had + often quarrels with them; and treated them so freely, that they were all + afraid of him. However, that his estate was never mortgaged, as my brother + had heard it was; his credit was always high; and the man believed, he was + by this time near upon, if not quite, clear of the world. + </p> + <p> + 'He was a sad gentleman, he said, as to women:—If his tenants had + pretty daughters, they chose to keep them out of his sight. He believed he + kept no particular mistress; for he had heard newelty, that was the man's + word, was every thing with him. But for his uncle's and aunt's teazings, + the man fancied he would not think of marriage: he was never known to be + disguised with liquor; but was a great plotter, and a great writer: That + he lived a wild life in town, by what he had heard: had six or seven + companions as bad as himself; whom now and then he brought down with him; + and the country was always glad when they went up again. He would have it, + that although passionate, he was good-humoured; loved as well to take a + jest as to give one; and would rally himself upon occasion the freest of + any man he ever knew.' + </p> + <p> + This was his character from an enemy; for, as my aunt observed, every + thing the man said commendably of him came grudgingly, with a must needs + say—to do him justice, &c. while the contrary was delivered with + a free good-will. And this character, as a worse was expected, though this + was bad enough, not answering the end of inquiring after it, my brother + and sister were more apprehensive than before, that his address would be + encouraged, since the worst part of it was known, or supposed, when he was + first introduced to my sister. + </p> + <p> + But, with regard to myself, I must observe in his disfavour, that, + notwithstanding the merit he wanted to make with me for his patience upon + my brother's ill-treatment of him, I owed him no compliments for trying to + conciliate with him. Not that I believe it would have signified any thing + if he had made ever such court either to him or to my sister: yet one + might have expected from a man of his politeness, and from his + pretensions, you know, that he would have been willing to try. Instead of + which, he shewed such a contempt both of my brother and my sister, + especially my brother, as was construed into a defiance of them. And for + me to have hinted at an alteration in his behaviour to my brother, was an + advantage I knew he would have been proud of; and which therefore I had no + mind to give him. But I doubted not that having so very little + encouragement from any body, his pride would soon take fire, and he would + of himself discontinue his visits, or go to town; where, till he came + acquainted with our family, he used chiefly to reside: And in this latter + case he had no reason to expect, that I would receive, much less answer, + his Letters: the occasions which had led me to receive any of his, being + by this time over. + </p> + <p> + But my brother's antipathy would not permit him to wait for such an event; + and after several excesses, which Mr. Lovelace still returned with + contempt, and a haughtiness too much like that of the aggressor, my + brother took upon himself to fill up the door-way once when he came, as if + to oppose his entrance: And upon his asking for me, demanded, what his + business was with his sister? + </p> + <p> + The other, with a challenging air, as my brother says, told him, he would + answer a gentleman any question; but he wished that Mr. James Harlowe, who + had of late given himself high airs, would remember that he was not now at + college. + </p> + <p> + Just then the good Dr. Lewen, who frequently honours me with a visit of + conversation, as he is pleased to call it, and had parted with me in my + own parlour, came to the door: and hearing the words, interposed; both + having their hands upon their swords: and telling Mr. Lovelace where I + was, he burst by my brother, to come to me; leaving him chafing, he said, + like a hunted boar at bay. + </p> + <p> + This alarmed us all. My father was pleased to hint to Mr. Lovelace, that + he wished he would discontinue his visits for the peace-sake of the + family: And I, by his command, spoke a great deal plainer. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Lovelace is a man not easily brought to give up his purpose, + especially in a point wherein he pretends his heart is so much engaged: + and no absolute prohibition having been given, things went on for a little + while as before: for I saw plainly, that to have denied myself to his + visits (which however I declined receiving as often as I could) was to + bring forward some desperate issue between the two; since the offence so + readily given on one side was brooked by the other only out of + consideration to me. + </p> + <p> + And thus did my brother's rashness lay me under an obligation where I + would least have owed it. + </p> + <p> + The intermediate proposals of Mr. Symmes and Mr. Mullins, both (in turn) + encouraged by my brother, induced him to be more patient for a while, as + nobody thought me over-forward in Mr. Lovelace's favour; for he hoped that + he should engage my father and uncles to approve of the one or the other + in opposition to the man he hated. But when he found that I had interest + enough to disengage myself from the addresses of those gentlemen, as I had + (before he went to Scotland, and before Mr. Lovelace visited here) of Mr. + Wyerley's, he then kept no measures: and first set himself to upbraid me + for supposed prepossession, which he treated as if it were criminal; and + then to insult Mr. Lovelace in person, at Mr. Edward Symmes's, the brother + of the other Symmes, two miles off; and no good Dr. Lewen being there to + interpose, the unhappy rencounter followed. My brother was disarmed, as + you have heard; and on being brought home, and giving us ground to suppose + he was much worse hurt than he really was, and a fever ensuing, every one + flamed out; and all was laid at my door. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lovelace for three days together sent twice each day to inquire after + my brother's health; and although he received rude and even shocking + returns, he thought fit on the fourth day to make in person the same + inquiries; and received still greater incivilities from my two uncles, who + happened to be both there. My father also was held by force from going to + him with his sword in his hand, although he had the gout upon him. + </p> + <p> + I fainted away with terror, seeing every one so violent, and hearing Mr. + Lovelace swear that he would not depart till he had made my uncles ask his + pardon for the indignities he had received at their hands; a door being + held fast locked between him and them. My mother all the time was praying + and struggling to with-hold my father in the great parlour. Meanwhile my + sister, who had treated Mr. Lovelace with virulence, came in to me, and + insulted me as fast as I recovered. But when Mr. Lovelace was told how ill + I was, he departed; nevertheless vowing revenge. + </p> + <p> + He was ever a favourite with our domestics. His bounty to them, and having + always something facetious to say to each, had made them all of his party: + and on this occasion they privately blamed every body else, and reported + his calm and gentlemanly behaviour (till the provocations given him ran + very high) in such favourable terms, that those reports, and my + apprehensions of the consequence of this treatment, induced me to read a + letter he sent me that night; and, it being written in the most respectful + terms (offering to submit the whole to my decision, and to govern himself + entirely by my will) to answer it some days after. + </p> + <p> + To this unhappy necessity was owing our renewed correspondence, as I may + call it; yet I did not write till I had informed myself from Mr. Symmes's + brother, that he was really insulted into the act of drawing his sword by + my brother's repeatedly threatening (upon his excusing himself out of + regard to me) to brand me ir he did not; and, by all the inquiry I could + make, that he was again the sufferer from my uncles in a more violent + manner than I have related. + </p> + <p> + The same circumstances were related to my father and other relations by + Mr. Symmes; but they had gone too far in making themselves parties to the + quarrel either to retract or forgive; and I was forbidden to correspond + with him, or to be seen a moment in his company. + </p> + <p> + One thing however I can say, but that in confidence, because my mother + commanded me not to mention it:—That, expressing her apprehension of + the consequences of the indignities offered to Mr. Lovelace, she told me, + she would leave it to my prudence to do all I could to prevent the + impending mischief on one side. + </p> + <p> + I am obliged to break off. But I believe I have written enough to answer + very fully all that you have required of me. It is not for a child to seek + to clear her own character, or to justify her actions, at the expense of + the most revered ones: yet, as I know that the account of all those + further proceedings by which I may be affected, will be interesting to so + dear a friend (who will communicate to others no more than what is + fitting) I will continue to write, as I have opportunity, as minutely as + we are used to write to each other. Indeed I have no delight, as I have + often told you, equal to that which I take in conversing with you by + letter, when I cannot in person. + </p> + <p> + Mean time, I cannot help saying, that I am exceedingly concerned to find, + that I am become so much the public talk as you tell me I am. Your kind, + your precautionary regard for my fame, and the opportunity you have given + me to tell my own story previous to any new accident (which heaven avert!) + is so like the warm friend I have ever found in my dear Miss Howe, that, + with redoubled obligation, you bind me to be + </p> + <p> + Your ever grateful and affectionate, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + Copy of the requested Preamble to the clauses in her Grandfather's Will: + inclosed in the preceding Letter. + </p> + <p> + As the particular estate I have mentioned and described above, is + principally of my own raising: as my three sons have been uncommonly + prosperous; and are very rich: the eldest by means of the unexpected + benefits he reaps from his new found mines; the second, by what has, as + unexpectedly, fallen in to him on the deaths of several relations of his + present wife, the worthy daughter by both sides of very honourable + families; over and above the very large portion which he received with her + in marriage: my son Antony by his East-India traffic, and successful + voyages: as furthermore my grandson James will be sufficiently provided + for by his grandmother Lovell's kindness to him; who, having no near + relations, hath assured me, that she hath, as well by deed of gift as by + will, left him both her Scottish and English estates: for never was there + a family more prosperous in all its branches, blessed be God therefore: + and as my said son James will very probably make it up to my + grand-daughter Arabella; to whom I intend no disrespect; nor have reason; + for she is a very hopeful and dutiful child: and as my sons, John and + Antony, seem not inclined to a married life; so that my son James is the + only one who has children, or is likely to have any. For all these + reasons; and because my dearest and beloved grand-daughter Clarissa hath + been from her infancy a matchless young creature in her duty to me, and + admired by all who knew her, as a very extraordinary child; I must + therefore take the pleasure of considering her as my own peculiar child; + and this without intending offence; and I hope it will not be taken as + any, since my son James can bestow his favours accordingly, and in greater + proportion, upon his son James, and upon his daughter Arabella.— + </p> + <p> + These, I say, are the reasons which move me to dispose of the + above-described estate in the precious child's favour; who is the delight + of my old age: and, I verily think, has contributed, by her amiable duty + and kind and tender regards, to prolong my life. + </p> + <p> + Wherefore it is my express will and commandment, and I enjoin my said + three sons, John, James, and Antony, and my grandson James, and my + grand-daughter Arabella, as they value my blessing, and will regard my + memory, and would wish their own last wills and desires to be fulfilled by + their survivors, that they will not impugn or contest the following + bequests and devises in favour of my said grand-daughter Clarissa, + although they should not be strictly conformable to law or to the forms + thereof; nor suffer them to be controverted or disputed on any pretence + whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + And in this confidence, &c. &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER V + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE JAN. 20 + </h3> + <p> + I have been hindered from prosecuting my intention. Neither nights nor + mornings have been my own. My mother has been very ill; and would have no + other nurse but me. I have not stirred from her bedside (for she kept her + bed); and two nights I had the honour of sharing it with her. + </p> + <p> + Her disorder was a very violet colic. The contentions of these fierce, + these masculine spirits, and the apprehension of mischiefs that may arise + from the increasing animosity which all here have against Mr. Lovelace, + and his too well known resenting and intrepid character, she cannot bear. + Then the foundations laid, as she dreads, for jealousy and heart-burnings + in her own family, late so happy and so united, afflict exceedingly a + gentle and sensible mind, which has from the beginning, on all occasions, + sacrificed its own inward satisfaction to outward peace. My brother and + sister, who used very often to jar, are now so entirely one, and are so + much together, (caballing was the word that dropt from my mother's lips, + as if at unawares,) that she is very fearful of the consequences that may + follow;—to my prejudice, perhaps, is her kind concern; since she + sees that they behave to me every hour with more and more shyness and + reserve: yet, would she but exert that authority which the superiority of + her fine talents gives her, all these family feuds might perhaps be + extinguished in their but yet beginnings; especially as she may be assured + that all fitting concessions shall be made by me, not only as my brother + and sister are my elders, but for the sake of so excellent and so + indulgent a mother. + </p> + <p> + For, if I may say to you, my dear, what I would not to any other person + living, it is my opinion, that had she been of a temper that would have + borne less, she would have had ten times less to bear, than she has had. + No commendation, you'll say, of the generosity of those spirits which can + turn to its own disquiet so much condescending goodness. + </p> + <p> + Upon my word I am sometimes tempted to think that we may make the world + allow for and respect us as we please, if we can but be sturdy in our + wills, and set out accordingly. It is but being the less beloved for it, + that's all: and if we have power to oblige those we have to do with, it + will not appear to us that we are. Our flatterers will tell us any thing + sooner than our faults, or what they know we do not like to hear. + </p> + <p> + Were there not truth in this observation, is it possible that my brother + and sister could make their very failings, their vehemences, of such + importance to all the family? 'How will my son, how will my nephew, take + this or that measure? What will he say to it? Let us consult him about + it;' are references always previous to every resolution taken by his + superiors, whose will ought to be his. Well may he expect to be treated + with this deference by every other person, when my father himself, + generally so absolute, constantly pays it to him; and the more since his + godmother's bounty has given independence to a spirit that was before + under too little restraint.—But whither may these reflections lead + me!—I know you do not love any of us but my mother and me; and, + being above all disguises, make me sensible that you do not oftener than I + wish.—Ought I then to add force to your dislikes of those whom I + wish you to like?—of my father especially; for he, alas! has some + excuse for his impatience of contradiction. He is not naturally an + ill-tempered man; and in his person and air, and in his conversation too, + when not under the torture of a gouty paroxysm, every body distinguishes + the gentleman born and educated. + </p> + <p> + Our sex perhaps must expect to bear a little—uncourtliness shall I + call it?—from the husband whom as the lover they let know the + preference their hearts gave him to all other men.—Say what they + will of generosity being a manly virtue; but upon my word, my dear, I have + ever yet observed, that it is not to be met with in that sex one time in + ten that it is to be found in ours.—But my father was soured by the + cruel distemper I have named; which seized him all at once in the very + prime of life, in so violent a manner as to take from the most active of + minds, as his was, all power of activity, and that in all appearance for + life.—It imprisoned, as I may say, his lively spirits in himself, + and turned the edge of them against his own peace; his extraordinary + prosperity adding to his impatiency. Those, I believe, who want the fewest + earthly blessings, most regret that they want any. + </p> + <p> + But my brother! What excuse can be made for his haughty and morose temper? + He is really, my dear, I am sorry to have occasion to say it, an + ill-temper'd young man; and treats my mother sometimes—Indeed he is + not dutiful.—But, possessing every thing, he has the vice of age, + mingled with the ambition of youth, and enjoys nothing—but his own + haughtiness and ill-temper, I was going to say.—Yet again am I + adding force to your dislikes of some of us.—Once, my dear, it was + perhaps in your power to have moulded him as you pleased.—Could you + have been my sister!—Then had I friend in a sister.—But no + wonder that he does not love you now; who could nip in the bud, and that + with a disdain, let me say, too much of kin to his haughtiness, a passion + that would not have wanted a fervour worthy of the object; and which + possibly would have made him worthy. + </p> + <p> + But no more of this. I will prosecute my former intention in my next; + which I will sit down to as soon as breakfast is over; dispatching this by + the messenger whom you have so kindly sent to inquire after us on my + silence. Mean time, I am, + </p> + <p> + Your most affectionate and obliged friend and servant, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE HARLOWE-PLACE, JAN. 20. + </h3> + <p> + I will now resume my narrative of proceedings here.—My brother being + in a good way, although you may be sure that his resentments are rather + heightened than abated by the galling disgrace he has received, my friends + (my father and uncles, however, if not my brother and sister) begin to + think that I have been treated unkindly. My mother been so good as to tell + me this since I sent away my last. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless I believe they all think that I receive letters from Mr. + Lovelace. But Lord M. being inclined rather to support than to blame his + nephew, they seem to be so much afraid of Mr. Lovelace, that they do not + put it to me whether I do or not; conniving on the contrary, as it should + seem, at the only method left to allay the vehemence of a spirit which + they have so much provoked: For he still insists upon satisfaction from my + uncles; and this possibly (for he wants not art) as the best way to be + introduced again with some advantage into our family. And indeed my aunt + Hervey has put it to my mother, whether it were not best to prevail upon + my brother to take a turn to his Yorkshire estate (which he was intending + to do before) and to stay there till all is blown over. + </p> + <p> + But this is very far from being his intention: For he has already began to + hint again, that he shall never be easy or satisfied till I am married; + and, finding neither Mr. Symmes nor Mr. Mullins will be accepted, has + proposed Mr. Wyerley once more, on the score of his great passion for me. + This I have again rejected; and but yesterday he mentioned one who has + applied to him by letter, making high offers. This is Mr. Solmes; Rich + Solmes you know they call him. But this application has not met with the + attention of one single soul. + </p> + <p> + If none of his schemes of getting me married take effect, he has thoughts, + I am told, of proposing to me to go to Scotland, that as the compliment + is, I may put his house there in such order as our own is in. But this my + mother intends to oppose for her own sake; because having relieved her, as + she is pleased to say, of the household cares (for which my sister, you + know, has no turn) they must again devolve upon her if I go. And if she + did not oppose it, I should; for, believe me, I have no mind to be his + housekeeper; and I am sure, were I to go with him, I should be treated + rather as a servant than a sister:—perhaps, not the better because I + am his sister. And if Mr. Lovelace should follow me, things might be worse + than they are now. + </p> + <p> + But I have besought my mother, who is apprehensive of Mr. Lovelace's + visits, and for fear of whom my uncles never stir out without arms and + armed servants (my brother also being near well enough to go abroad), to + procure me permission to be your guest for a fortnight, or so.—Will + your mother, think you, my dear, give me leave? + </p> + <p> + I dare not ask to go to my dairy-house, as my good grandfather would call + it: for I am now afraid of being thought to have a wish to enjoy that + independence to which his will has entitled me: and as matter are + situated, such a wish would be imputed to my regard to the man to whom + they have now so great an antipathy. And indeed could I be as easy and + happy here as I used to be, I would defy that man and all his sex; and + never repent that I have given the power of my fortune into my father's + hands. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + Just now, my mother has rejoiced me with the news that my requested + permission is granted. Every one thinks it best that I should go to you, + except my brother. But he was told, that he must not expect to rule in + every thing. I am to be sent for into the great parlour, where are my two + uncles and my aunt Hervey, and to be acquainted with this concession in + form. + </p> + <p> + You know, my dear, that there is a good deal of solemnity among us. But + never was there a family more united in its different branches than ours. + Our uncles consider us as their own children, and declare that it is for + our sakes that they live single. So that they are advised with upon every + article relating to us, or that may affect us. It is therefore the less + wonder, at a time when they understand that Mr. Lovelace is determined to + pay us an amicable visit, as he calls it, (but which I am sure cannot end + amicably,) that they should both be consulted upon the permission I had + desired to attend you. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + I will acquaint you with what passed at the general leave given me to be + your guest. And yet I know that you will not love my brother the better + for my communication. But I am angry with him myself, and cannot help it. + And besides, it is proper to let you know the terms I go upon, and their + motives for permitting me to go. + </p> + <p> + Clary, said my mother, as soon as I entered the great parlour, your + request to go to Miss Howe's for a few days has been taken into + consideration, and granted— + </p> + <p> + Much against my liking, I assure you, said my brother, rudely interrupting + her. + </p> + <p> + Son James! said my father, and knit his brows. + </p> + <p> + He was not daunted. His arm was in a sling. He often has the mean art to + look upon that, when any thing is hinted that may be supposed to lead + toward the least favour to or reconciliation with Mr. Lovelace.—Let + the girl then [I am often the girl with him] be prohibited seeing that + vile libertine. + </p> + <p> + Nobody spoke. + </p> + <p> + Do you hear, sister Clary? taking their silence for approbation of what he + had dictated; you are not to receive visits from Lord M.'s nephew. + </p> + <p> + Every one still remained silent. + </p> + <p> + Do you so understand the license you have, Miss? interrogated he. + </p> + <p> + I would be glad, Sir, said I, to understand that you are my brother;—and + that you would understand that you are only my brother. + </p> + <p> + O the fond, fond heart! with a sneer of insult, lifting up his hands. + </p> + <p> + Sir, said I, to my father, to your justice I appeal: If I have deserved + reflection, let me be not spared. But if I am to be answerable for the + rashness— + </p> + <p> + No more!—No more of either side, said my father. You are not to + receive the visits of that Lovelace, though.—Nor are you, son James, + to reflect upon your sister. She is a worthy child. + </p> + <p> + Sir, I have done, replied he:—and yet I have her honour at heart, as + much as the honour of the rest of the family. + </p> + <p> + And hence, Sir, retorted I, your unbrotherly reflections upon me? + </p> + <p> + Well, but you observe, Miss, said he, that it is not I, but your father, + that tells you, that you are not to receive the visits of that Lovelace. + </p> + <p> + Cousin Harlowe, said my aunt Hervey, allow me to say, that my cousin + Clary's prudence may be confided in. + </p> + <p> + I am convinced it may, joined my mother. + </p> + <p> + But, aunt, but, madam (put in my sister) there is no hurt, I presume, in + letting my sister know the condition she goes to Miss Howe upon; since, if + he gets a nack of visiting her there— + </p> + <p> + You may be sure, interrupted my uncle Harlowe, he will endeavour to see + her there. + </p> + <p> + So would such an impudent man here, said my uncle Antony: and 'tis better + done there than here. + </p> + <p> + Better no where, said my father.—I command you (turning to me) on + pain of displeasure, that you see him not at all. + </p> + <p> + I will not, Sir, in any way of encouragement, I do assure you: not at all, + if I can properly avoid it. + </p> + <p> + You know with what indifference, said my mother, she has hitherto seen + him.—Her prudence may be trusted to, as my sister Hervey says. + </p> + <p> + With what appa—rent indifference, drawled my brother. + </p> + <p> + Son James! said my father sternly. + </p> + <p> + I have done, Sir, said he. But again, in a provoking manner, he reminded + me of the prohibition. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the conference. + </p> + <p> + Will you engage, my dear, that the hated man shall not come near your + house?—But what an inconsistence is this, when they consent to my + going, thinking his visits here no otherwise to be avoided!—But if + he does come, I charge you never to leave us alone together. + </p> + <p> + As I have no reason to doubt a welcome from your good mother, I will put + every thing in order here, and be with you in two or three days. + </p> + <p> + Mean time, I am Your most affectionate and obliged, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER VII + </h2> + <p> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE [AFTER HER RETURN FROM HER.] + HARLOWE-PLACE, FEB. 20. + </p> + <p> + I beg your excuse for not writing sooner. Alas! my dear, I have sad + prospects before me! My brother and sister have succeeded in all their + views. They have found out another lover for me; an hideous one!—Yet + he is encouraged by every body. No wonder that I was ordered home so + suddenly. At an hour's warning!—No other notice, you know, than what + was brought with the chariot that was to carry me back.—It was for + fear, as I have been informed [an unworthy fear!] that I should have + entered into any concert with Mr. Lovelace had I known their motive for + commanding me home; apprehending, 'tis evident, that I should dislike the + man they had to propose to me. + </p> + <p> + And well might they apprehend so:—For who do you think he is?—No + other than that Solmes—Could you have believed it?—And they + are all determined too; my mother with the rest!—Dear, dear + excellence! how could she be thus brought over, when I am assured, that on + his first being proposed she was pleased to say, That had Mr. Solmes the + Indies in possession, and would endow me with them, she should not think + him deserving of her Clarissa! + </p> + <p> + The reception I met with at my return, so different from what I used to + meet with on every little absence [and now I had been from them three + weeks], convinced me that I was to suffer for the happiness I had had in + your company and conversation for that most agreeable period. I will give + you an account of it. + </p> + <p> + My brother met me at the door, and gave me his hand when I stepped out of + the chariot. He bowed very low: pray, Miss, favour me.—I thought it + in good humour; but found it afterwards mock respect: and so he led me in + great form, I prattling all the way, inquiring of every body's health, + (although I was so soon to see them, and there was hardly time for + answers,) into the great parlour; where were my father, mother, my two + uncles, and sister. + </p> + <p> + I was struck all of a heap as soon as I entered, to see a solemnity which + I had been so little used to on the like occasions in the countenance of + every dear relation. They all kept their seats. I ran to my father, and + kneeled: then to my mother: and met from both a cold salute: From my + father a blessing but half pronounced: My mother indeed called me child; + but embraced me not with her usual indulgent ardour. + </p> + <p> + After I had paid my duty to my uncles, and my compliments to my sister, + which she received with solemn and stiff form, I was bid to sit down. But + my heart was full: and I said it became me to stand, if I could stand, + upon a reception so awful and unusual. I was forced to turn my face from + them, and pull out my handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + My unbrotherly accuser hereupon stood forth, and charged me with having + received no less than five or six visits at Miss Howe's from the man they + had all so much reason to hate [that was the expression]; notwithstanding + the commands I had had to the contrary. And he bid me deny it if I could. + </p> + <p> + I had never been used, I said, to deny the truth, nor would I now. I owned + I had in the three weeks passed seen the person I presumed he meant + oftener than five or six times [Pray hear me, brother, said I; for he was + going to flame out], but he always asked for Mrs. or Miss Howe, when he + came. + </p> + <p> + I proceeded, that I had reason to believe, that both Mrs. Howe and Miss, + as matters stood, would much rather have excused his visits; but they had + more than once apologized, that having not the same reason my papa had to + forbid him their house, his rank and fortune entitled him to civility. + </p> + <p> + You see, my dear, I made not the pleas I might have made. + </p> + <p> + My brother seemed ready to give a loose to his passion: My father put on + the countenance which always portends a gathering storm: My uncles + mutteringly whispered: And my sister aggravatingly held up her hands. + While I begged to be heard out:—And my mother said, let the child, + that was her kind word, be heard. + </p> + <p> + I hoped, I said, there was no harm done: that it became not me to + prescribe to Mrs. or Miss Howe who should be their visitors: that Mrs. + Howe was always diverted with the raillery that passed between Miss and + him: that I had no reason to challenge her guest for my visitor, as I + should seem to have done had I refused to go into their company when he + was with them: that I had never seen him out of the presence of one or + both of those ladies; and had signified to him once, on his urging a few + moments' private conversation with me, that, unless a reconciliation were + effected between my family and his, he must not expect that I would + countenance his visits, much less give him an opportunity of that sort. + </p> + <p> + I told him further, that Miss Howe so well understood my mind, that she + never left me a moment while Mr. Lovelace was there: that when he came, if + I was not below in the parlour, I would not suffer myself to be called to + him: although I thought it would be an affectation which would give him an + advantage rather than the contrary, if I had left company when he came in; + or refused to enter into it when I found he would stay any time. + </p> + <p> + My brother heard me out with such a kind of impatience as shewed he was + resolved to be dissatisfied with me, say what I would. The rest, as the + event has proved, behaved as if they would have been satisfied, had they + not further points to carry by intimidating me. All this made it evident, + as I mentioned above, that they themselves expected not my voluntary + compliance; and was a tacit confession of the disagreeableness of the + person they had to propose. + </p> + <p> + I was no sooner silent than my brother swore, although in my father's + presence, (swore, unchecked either by eye or countenance,) That for his + part, he would never be reconciled to that libertine: and that he would + renounce me for a sister, if I encouraged the addresses of a man so + obnoxious to them all. + </p> + <p> + A man who had like to have been my brother's murderer, my sister said, + with a face even bursting with restraint of passion. + </p> + <p> + The poor Bella has, you know, a plump high-fed face, if I may be allowed + the expression. You, I know, will forgive me for this liberty of speech + sooner than I can forgive myself: Yet how can one be such a reptile as not + to turn when trampled upon! + </p> + <p> + My father, with vehemence both of action and voice [my father has, you + know, a terrible voice when he is angry] told me that I had met with too + much indulgence in being allowed to refuse this gentleman, and the other + gentleman,; and it was now his turn to be obeyed! + </p> + <p> + Very true, my mother said:—and hoped his will would not now be + disputed by a child so favoured. + </p> + <p> + To shew they were all of a sentiment, my uncle Harlowe said, he hoped his + beloved niece only wanted to know her father's will, to obey it. + </p> + <p> + And my uncle Antony, in his rougher manner, added, that surely I would not + give them reason to apprehend, that I thought my grandfather's favour to + me had made me independent of them all.—If I did, he would tell me, + the will could be set aside, and should. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished, you must needs think.—Whose addresses now, thought + I, is this treatment preparative to?—Mr. Wyerley's again?—or + whose? And then, as high comparisons, where self is concerned, sooner than + low, come into young people's heads; be it for whom it will, this is + wooing as the English did for the heiress of Scotland in the time of + Edward the Sixth. But that it could be for Solmes, how should it enter + into my head? + </p> + <p> + I did not know, I said, that I had given occasion for this harshness. I + hoped I should always have a just sense of every one's favour to me, + superadded to the duty I owed as a daughter and a niece: but that I was so + much surprised at a reception so unusual and unexpected, that I hoped my + papa and mamma would give me leave to retire, in order to recollect + myself. + </p> + <p> + No one gainsaying, I made my silent compliments, and withdrew;—leaving + my brother and sister, as I thought, pleased; and as if they wanted to + congratulate each other on having occasioned so severe a beginning to be + made with me. + </p> + <p> + I went up to my chamber, and there with my faithful Hannah deplored the + determined face which the new proposal it was plain they had to make me + wore. + </p> + <p> + I had not recovered myself when I was sent for down to tea. I begged my + maid to be excused attending; but on the repeated command, went down with + as much cheerfulness as I could assume; and had a new fault to clear + myself of: for my brother, so pregnant a thing is determined ill-will, by + intimations equally rude and intelligible, charged my desire of being + excused coming down, to sullens, because a certain person had been spoken + against, upon whom, as he supposed, my fancy ran. + </p> + <p> + I could easily answer you, Sir, said I, as such a reflection deserves: but + I forbear. If I do not find a brother in you, you shall have a sister in + me. + </p> + <p> + Pretty meekness! Bella whisperingly said; looking at my brother, and + lifting up her lip in contempt. + </p> + <p> + He, with an imperious air, bid me deserve his love, and I should be sure + to have it. + </p> + <p> + As we sat, my mother, in her admirable manner, expatiated upon brotherly + and sisterly love; indulgently blamed my brother and sister for having + taken up displeasure too lightly against me; and politically, if I may say + so, answered for my obedience to my father's will.—The it would be + all well, my father was pleased to say: Then they should dote upon me, was + my brother's expression: Love me as well as ever, was my sister's: And my + uncles, That I then should be the pride of their hearts.—But, alas! + what a forfeiture of all these must I make! + </p> + <p> + This was the reception I had on my return from you. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Solmes came in before we had done tea. My uncle Antony presented him + to me, as a gentleman he had a particular friendship for. My uncle Harlowe + in terms equally favourable for him. My father said, Mr. Solmes is my + friend, Clarissa Harlowe. My mother looked at him, and looked at me, + now-and-then, as he sat near me, I thought with concern.—I at her, + with eyes appealing for pity. At him, when I could glance at him, with + disgust little short of affrightment. While my brother and sister Mr. + Solmes'd him, and Sirr'd—yet such a wretch!—But I will at + present only add, My humble thanks and duty to your honoured mother (to + whom I will particularly write, to express the grateful sense I have of + her goodness to me); and that I am + </p> + <p> + Your ever obliged, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE FEB. 24. + </h3> + <p> + They drive on here at a furious rate. The man lives here, I think. He + courts them, and is more and more a favourite. Such terms, such + settlements! That's the cry. + </p> + <p> + O my dear, that I had not reason to deplore the family fault, immensely + rich as they all are! But this I may the more unreservedly say to you, as + we have often joined in the same concern: I, for a father and uncles; you, + for a mother; in every other respect, faultless. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, I seem to be delivered over to my brother, who pretends as great + a love to me as ever. + </p> + <p> + You may believe I have been very sincere with him. But he affects to rally + me, and not to believe it possible, that one so dutiful and discreet as + his sister Clary can resolve to disoblige all her friends. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, I tremble at the prospect before me; for it is evident that they + are strangely determined. + </p> + <p> + My father and mother industriously avoid giving me opportunity of speaking + to them alone. They ask not for my approbation, intended, as it should + seem, to suppose me into their will. And with them I shall hope to + prevail, or with nobody. They have not the interest in compelling me, as + my brother and sister have: I say less therefore to them, reserving my + whole force for an audience of my father, if he will permit me a patient + ear. How difficult is it, my dear, to give a negative where both duty and + inclination join to make one wish to oblige! + </p> + <p> + I have already stood the shock of three of this man's particular visits, + besides my share in his more general ones; and find it is impossible I + should ever endure him. He has but a very ordinary share of understanding; + is very illiterate; knows nothing but the value of estates, and how to + improve them, and what belongs to land-jobbing and husbandry. Yet I am as + one stupid, I think. They have begun so cruelly with me, that I have not + spirit enough to assert my own negative. + </p> + <p> + They had endeavoured it seems to influence my good Mrs. Norton before I + came home—so intent are they to carry their point! And her opinion + not being to their liking, she has been told that she would do well to + decline visiting here for the present: yet she is the person of all the + world, next to my mother, the most likely to prevail upon me, were the + measures they are engaged in reasonable measures, or such as she could + think so. + </p> + <p> + My aunt likewise having said that she did not think her niece could ever + be brought to like Mr. Solmes, has been obliged to learn another lesson. + </p> + <p> + I am to have a visit from her to-morrow. And, since I have refused so much + as to hear from my brother and sister what the noble settlements are to + be, she is to acquaint me with the particulars; and to receive from me my + determination: for my father, I am told, will not have patience but to + suppose that I shall stand in opposition to his will. + </p> + <p> + Mean time it has been signified to me, that it will be acceptable if I do + not think of going to church next Sunday. + </p> + <p> + The same signification was made for me last Sunday; and I obeyed. They are + apprehensive that Mr. Lovelace will be there with design to come home with + me. + </p> + <p> + Help me, dear Miss Howe, to a little of your charming spirit: I never more + wanted it. + </p> + <p> + The man, this Solmes, you may suppose, has no reason to boast of his + progress with me. He has not the sense to say any thing to the purpose. + His courtship indeed is to them; and my brother pretends to court me as + his proxy, truly!—I utterly, to my brother, reject his address; but + thinking a person, so well received and recommended by all my family, + entitled to good manners, all I say against him is affectedly attributed + to coyness: and he, not being sensible of his own imperfections, believes + that my avoiding him when I can, and the reserves I express, are owing to + nothing else: for, as I said, all his courtship is to them; and I have no + opportunity of saying no, to one who asks me not the question. And so, + with an air of mannish superiority, he seems rather to pity the bashful + girl, than to apprehend that he shall not succeed. + </p> + <p> + FEBRUARY 25. + </p> + <p> + I have had the expected conference with my aunt. + </p> + <p> + I have been obliged to hear the man's proposals from her; and have been + told also what their motives are for espousing his interest with so much + warmth. I am even loth to mention how equally unjust it is for him to make + such offers, or for those I am bound to reverence to accept of them. I + hate him more than before. One great estate is already obtained at the + expense of the relations to it, though distant relations; my brother's, I + mean, by his godmother: and this has given the hope, however chimerical + that hope, of procuring others; and that my own at least may revert to the + family. And yet, in my opinion, the world is but one great family. + Originally it was so. What then is this narrow selfishness that reigns in + us, but relationship remembered against relationship forgot? + </p> + <p> + But here, upon my absolute refusal of him upon any terms, have I had a + signification made me that wounds me to the heart. How can I tell it you? + Yet I must. It is, my dear, that I must not for a month to come, or till + license obtained, correspond with any body out of the house. + </p> + <p> + My brother, upon my aunt's report, (made, however, as I am informed, in + the gentlest manner, and even giving remote hopes, which she had no + commission from me to give,) brought me, in authoritative terms, the + prohibition. + </p> + <p> + Not to Miss Howe? said I. + </p> + <p> + No, not to Miss Howe, Madam, tauntingly: for have you not acknowledged, + that Lovelace is a favourite there? + </p> + <p> + See, my dear Miss Howe—! + </p> + <p> + And do you think, Brother, this is the way— + </p> + <p> + Do you look to that.—But your letters will be stopt, I can tell you.—And + away he flung. + </p> + <p> + My sister came to me soon after—Sister Clary, you are going on in a + fine way, I understand. But as there are people who are supposed to harden + you against your duty, I am to tell you, that it will be taken well if you + avoid visits or visitings for a week or two till further order. + </p> + <p> + Can this be from those who have authority— + </p> + <p> + Ask them; ask them, child, with a twirl of her finger.—I have + delivered my message. Your father will be obeyed. He is willing to hope + you to be all obedience, and would prevent all incitements to + refractoriness. + </p> + <p> + I know my duty, said I; and hope I shall not find impossible condition + annexed to it. + </p> + <p> + A pert young creature, vain and conceited, she called me. I was the only + judge, in my own wise opinion, of what was right and fit. She, for her + part, had long seen into my specious ways: and now I should shew every + body what I was at bottom. + </p> + <p> + Dear Bella! said I, hands and eyes lifted up—why all this?—Dear, + dear Bella, why— + </p> + <p> + None of your dear, dear Bella's to me.—I tell you, I see through + your witchcrafts [that was her strange word]. And away she flung; adding, + as she went, and so will every body else very quickly, I dare say. + </p> + <p> + Bless me, said I to myself, what a sister have I!—How have I + deserved this? + </p> + <p> + Then I again regretted my grandfather's too distinguishing goodness to me. + </p> + <p> + FEB. 25, IN THE EVENING. + </p> + <p> + What my brother and sister have said against me I cannot tell:—but I + am in heavy disgrace with my father. + </p> + <p> + I was sent for down to tea. I went with a very cheerful aspect: but had + occasion soon to change it. + </p> + <p> + Such a solemnity in every body's countenance!—My mother's eyes were + fixed upon the tea-cups; and when she looked up, it was heavily, as if her + eye-lids had weights upon them; and then not to me. My father sat + half-aside in his elbow-chair, that his head might be turned from me: his + hands clasped, and waving, as it were, up and down; his fingers, poor dear + gentleman! in motion, as if angry to the very ends of them. My sister was + swelling. My brother looked at me with scorn, having measured me, as I may + say, with his eyes as I entered, from head to foot. My aunt was there, and + looked upon me as if with kindness restrained, bending coldly to my + compliment to her as she sat; and then cast an eye first on my brother, + then on my sister, as if to give the reason [so I am willing to construe + it] of her unusual stiffness.—Bless me, my dear! that they should + choose to intimidate rather than invite a mind, till now, not thought + either unpersuadable or ungenerous! + </p> + <p> + I took my seat. Shall I make tea, Madam, to my mother?—I always + used, you know, my dear, to make tea. + </p> + <p> + No! a very short sentence, in one very short word, was the expressive + answer. And she was pleased to take the canister in her own hand. + </p> + <p> + My brother bid the footman, who attended, leave the room—I, he said, + will pour out the water. + </p> + <p> + My heart was up in my mouth. I did not know what to do with myself. What + is to follow? thought I. + </p> + <p> + Just after the second dish, out stept my mother—A word with you, + sister Hervey! taking her in her hand. Presently my sister dropt away. + Then my brother. So I was left alone with my father. + </p> + <p> + He looked so very sternly, that my heart failed me as twice or thrice I + would have addressed myself to him: nothing but solemn silence on all + hands having passed before. + </p> + <p> + At last, I asked, if it were his pleasure that I should pour him out + another dish? + </p> + <p> + He answered me with the same angry monosyllable, which I had received from + my mother before; and then arose, and walked about the room. I arose too, + with intent to throw myself at his feet; but was too much overawed by his + sternness, even to make such an expression of my duty to him as my heart + overflowed with. + </p> + <p> + At last, as he supported himself, because of his gout, on the back of a + chair, I took a little more courage; and approaching him, besought him to + acquaint me in what I had offended him? + </p> + <p> + He turned from me, and in a strong voice, Clarissa Harlowe, said he, know + that I will be obeyed. + </p> + <p> + God forbid, Sir, that you should not!—I have never yet opposed your + will— + </p> + <p> + Nor I your whimsies, Clarissa Harlowe, interrupted he.—Don't let me + run the fate of all who shew indulgence to your sex; to be the more + contradicted for mine to you. + </p> + <p> + My father, you know, my dear, has not (any more than my brother) a kind + opinion of our sex; although there is not a more condescending wife in the + world than my mother. + </p> + <p> + I was going to make protestations of duty—No protestations, girl! No + words! I will not be prated to! I will be obeyed! I have no child, I will + have no child, but an obedient one. + </p> + <p> + Sir, you never had reason, I hope— + </p> + <p> + Tell me not what I never had, but what I have, and what I shall have. + </p> + <p> + Good Sir, be pleased to hear me—My brother and sister, I fear— + </p> + <p> + Your brother and sister shall not be spoken against, girl!—They have + a just concern for the honour of my family. + </p> + <p> + And I hope, Sir— + </p> + <p> + Hope nothing.—Tell me not of hopes, but of facts. I ask nothing of + you but what is in your power to comply with, and what it is your duty to + comply with. + </p> + <p> + Then, Sir, I will comply with it—But yet I hope from your goodness— + </p> + <p> + No expostulations! No but's, girl! No qualifyings! I will be obeyed, I + tell you; and cheerfully too!—or you are no child of mine! + </p> + <p> + I wept. + </p> + <p> + Let me beseech you, my dear and ever-honoured Papa, (and I dropt down on + my knees,) that I may have only yours and my mamma's will, and not my + brother's, to obey. + </p> + <p> + I was going on; but he was pleased to withdraw, leaving me on the floor; + saying, That he would not hear me thus by subtilty and cunning aiming to + distinguish away my duty: repeating, that he would be obeyed. + </p> + <p> + My heart is too full;—so full, that it may endanger my duty, were I + to try to unburden it to you on this occasion: so I will lay down my pen.—But + can—Yet positively, I will lay down my pen—! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE FEB. 26, IN THE MORNING. + </h3> + <p> + My aunt, who staid here last night, made me a visit this morning as soon + as it was light. She tells me, that I was left alone with my father + yesterday on purpose that he might talk with me on my expected obedience; + but that he owned he was put beside his purpose by reflecting on something + my brother had told him in my disfavour, and by his impatience but to + suppose, that such a gentle spirit as mine had hitherto seemed to be, + should presume to dispute his will in a point where the advantage of the + whole family was to be so greatly promoted by my compliance. + </p> + <p> + I find, by a few words which dropt unawares from my aunt, that they have + all an absolute dependence upon what they suppose to be meekness in my + temper. But in this they may be mistaken; for I verily think, upon a + strict examination of myself, that I have almost as much in me of my + father's as of my mother's family. + </p> + <p> + My uncle Harlowe it seems is against driving me upon extremities: But my + brother has engaged, that the regard I have for my reputation, and my + principles, will bring me round to my duty; that's the expression. Perhaps + I shall have reason to wish I had not known this. + </p> + <p> + My aunt advises me to submit for the present to the interdicts they have + laid me under; and indeed to encourage Mr. Solmes's address. I have + absolutely refused the latter, let what will (as I have told her) be the + consequence. The visiting prohibition I will conform to. But as to that of + not corresponding with you, nothing but the menace that our letters shall + be intercepted, can engage my observation of it. + </p> + <p> + She believes that this order is from my father, and that my mother has not + been consulted upon it. She says, that it is given, as she has reason + think, purely in consideration to me, lest I should mortally offend him; + and this from the incitements of other people (meaning you and Miss Lloyd, + I make no doubt) rather than by my own will. For still, as she tells me, + he speaks kind and praiseful things of me. + </p> + <p> + Here is clemency! Here is indulgence!—And so it is, to prevent a + headstrong child, as a good prince would wish to deter disaffected + subjects, from running into rebellion, and so forfeiting every thing! But + this is allowing to the young-man's wisdom of my brother; a plotter + without a head, and a brother without a heart! + </p> + <p> + How happy might I have been with any other brother in the world but James + Harlowe; and with any other sister but his sister! Wonder not, my dear, + that I, who used to chide you for these sort of liberties with my + relations, now am more undutiful than you ever was unkind. I cannot bear + the thought of being deprived of the principal pleasure of my life; for + such is your conversation by person and by letter. And who, besides, can + bear to be made the dupe of such low cunning, operating with such high and + arrogant passions? + </p> + <p> + But can you, my dear Miss Howe, condescend to carry on a private + correspondence with me?—If you can, there is one way I have thought + of, by which it may be done. + </p> + <p> + You must remember the Green Lane, as we call it, that runs by the side of + the wood-house and poultry-yard where I keep my bantams, pheasants, and + pea-hens, which generally engage my notice twice a day; the more my + favourites because they were my grandfather's, and recommended to my care + by him; and therefore brought hither from my Dairy-house since his death. + </p> + <p> + The lane is lower than the floor of the wood-house; and, in the side of + the wood-house, the boards are rotted away down to the floor for half an + ell together in several places. Hannah can step into the lane, and make a + mark with chalk where a letter or parcel may be pushed in, under some + sticks; which may be so managed as to be an unsuspected cover for the + written deposits from either. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + I have been just now to look at the place, and find it will answer. So + your faithful Robert may, without coming near the house, and as only + passing through the Green Lame which leads to two or three farm-houses + [out of livery if you please] very easily take from thence my letters and + deposit yours. + </p> + <p> + This place is the more convenient, because it is seldom resorted to but by + myself or Hannah, on the above-mentioned account; for it is the general + store-house for firing; the wood for constant use being nearer the house. + </p> + <p> + One corner of this being separated off for the roosting-place of my little + poultry, either she or I shall never want a pretence to go thither. + </p> + <p> + Try, my dear, the success of a letter this way; and give me your opinion + and advice what to do in this disgraceful situation, as I cannot but call + it; and what you think of my prospects; and what you would do in my case. + </p> + <p> + But before-hand I will tell you, that your advice must not run in favour + of this Solmes: and yet it is very likely they will endeavour to engage + your mother, in order to induce you, who have such an influence over me, + to favour him. + </p> + <p> + Yet, on second thoughts, if you incline to that side of the question, I + would have you write your whole mind. Determined as I think I am, and + cannot help it, I would at least give a patient hearing to what may be + said on the other side. For my regards are not so much engaged [upon my + word they are not; I know not myself if they be] to another person as some + of my friends suppose; and as you, giving way to your lively vein, upon + his last visits, affected to suppose. What preferable favour I may have + for him to any other person, is owing more to the usage he has received, + and for my sake borne, than to any personal consideration. + </p> + <p> + I write a few lines of grateful acknowledgement to your good mother for + her favours to me in the late happy period. I fear I shall never know such + another. I hope she will forgive me, that I did not write sooner. + </p> + <p> + The bearer, if suspected and examined, is to produce that as the only one + he carries. + </p> + <p> + How do needless watchfulness and undue restraint produce artifice and + contrivance! I should abhor these clandestine correspondences, were they + not forced upon me. They have so mean, so low an appearance to myself, + that I think I ought not to expect that you should take part in them. + </p> + <p> + But why (as I have also expostulated with my aunt) must I be pushed into a + state, which I have no wish to enter into, although I reverence it?—Why + should not my brother, so many years older, and so earnest to see me + engaged, be first engaged?—And why should not my sister be first + provided for? + </p> + <p> + But here I conclude these unavailing expostulations, with the assurance, + that I am, and ever will be, + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER X + </h2> + <h3> + MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE FEB. 27 + </h3> + <p> + What odd heads some people have!—Miss Clarissa Harlowe to be + sacrificed in marriage to Mr. Roger Solmes!—Astonishing! + </p> + <p> + I must not, you say, give my advice in favour of this man!—You now + convince me, my dear, that you are nearer of kin than I thought you, to + the family that could think of so preposterous a match, or you would never + have had the least notion of my advising in his favour. + </p> + <p> + Ask for his picture. You know I have a good hand at drawing an ugly + likeness. But I'll see a little further first: for who knows what may + happen, since matters are in such a train; and since you have not the + courage to oppose so overwhelming a torrent? + </p> + <p> + You ask me to help you to a little of my spirit. Are you in earnest? But + it will not now, I doubt, do you service.—It will not sit naturally + upon you. You are your mother's girl, think what you will; and have + violent spirits to contend with. Alas! my dear, you should have borrowed + some of mine a little sooner;—that is to say, before you had given + the management of your estate into the hands of those who think they have + a prior claim to it. What though a father's!—Has not the father two + elder children?—And do they not both bear more of his stamp and + image than you do?—Pray, my dear, call me not to account for this + free question; lest your application of my meaning, on examination, prove + to be as severe as that. + </p> + <p> + Now I have launched out a little, indulge me one word more in the same + strain—I will be decent, I promise you. I think you might have know, + that Avarice and Envy are two passions that are not to be satisfied, the + one by giving, the other by the envied person's continuing to deserve and + excel.—Fuel, fuel both, all the world over, to flames insatiate and + devouring. + </p> + <p> + But since you ask for my opinion, you must tell me all you know or surmise + of their inducements. And if you will not forbid me to make extracts from + your letters for the entertainment of my aunt and cousin in the little + island, who long to hear more of your affairs, it will be very obliging. + </p> + <p> + But you are so tender of some people who have no tenderness for any body + but themselves, that I must conjure you to speak out. Remember, that a + friendship like ours admits of no reserves. You may trust my impartiality. + It would be an affront to your own judgment, if you did not: For do you + not ask my advice? And have you not taught me that friendship should never + give a bias against justice?—Justify them, therefore, if you can. + Let us see if there be any sense, whether sufficient reason or not in + their choice. At present I cannot (and yet I know a good deal of your + family) have any conception how all of them, your mother and your aunt + Hervey in particular, can join with the rest against judgments given. As + to some of the others, I cannot wonder at any thing they do, or attempt to + do, where self is concerned. + </p> + <p> + You ask, Why may not your brother be first engaged in wedlock? I'll tell + you why: His temper and his arrogance are too well known to induce women + he would aspire to, to receive his addresses, notwithstanding his great + independent acquisitions, and still greater prospects. Let me tell you, my + dear, those acquisitions have given him more pride than reputation. To me + he is the most intolerable creature that I ever conversed with. The + treatment you blame, he merited from one whom he addressed with the air of + a person who presumes that he is about to confer a favour, rather than to + receive one. I ever loved to mortify proud and insolent spirits. What, + think you, makes me bear Hickman near me, but that the man is humble, and + knows and keeps his distance? + </p> + <p> + As to your question, Why your elder sister may not be first provided for? + I answer, Because she must have no man, but one who has a great and clear + estate; that's one thing. Another is, Because she has a younger sister. + Pray, my dear, be so good as to tell me, What man of a great and clear + estate would think of that eldest sister, while the younger were single? + </p> + <p> + You are all too rich to be happy, child. For must not each of you, by the + constitutions of your family, marry to be still richer? People who know in + what their main excellence consists, are not to be blamed (are they) for + cultivating and improving what they think most valuable?—Is true + happiness any part of your family view?—So far from it, that none of + your family but yourself could be happy were they not rich. So let them + fret on, grumble and grudge, and accumulate; and wondering what ails them + that they have not happiness when they have riches, think the cause is + want of more; and so go on heaping up, till Death, as greedy an + accumulator as themselves, gathers them into his garner. + </p> + <p> + Well then once more I say, do you, my dear, tell me what you know of their + avowed and general motives; and I will tell you more than you will tell me + of their failings! Your aunt Hervey, you say,* has told you: Why must I + ask you to let me know them, when you condescend to ask my advice on the + occasion? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Letter VIII. +</pre> + <p> + That they prohibit your corresponding with me, is a wisdom I neither + wonder at, nor blame them for: since it is an evidence to me, that they + know their own folly: And if they do, is it strange that they should be + afraid to trust one another's judgment upon it? + </p> + <p> + I am glad you have found out a way to correspond with me. I approve it + much. I shall more, if this first trial of it prove successful. But should + it not, and should it fall into their hands, it would not concern me but + for your sake. + </p> + <p> + We have heard before you wrote, that all was not right between your + relations and you at your coming home: that Mr. Solmes visited you, and + that with a prospect of success. But I concluded the mistake lay in the + person; and that his address was to Miss Arabella. And indeed had she been + as good-natured as your plump ones generally are, I should have thought + her too good for him by half. This must certainly be the thing, thought I; + and my beloved friend is sent for to advise and assist in her nuptial + preparations. Who knows, said I to my mother, but that when the man has + thrown aside his yellow full-buckled peruke, and his broad-brimmed beaver + (both of which I suppose were Sir Oliver's best of long standing) he may + cut a tolerable figure dangling to church with Miss Bell!—The woman, + as she observes, should excel the man in features: and where can she match + so well for a foil? + </p> + <p> + I indulged this surmise against rumour, because I could not believe that + the absurdest people in England could be so very absurd as to think of + this man for you. + </p> + <p> + We heard, moreover, that you received no visiters. I could assign no + reason for this, except that the preparations for your sister were to be + private, and the ceremony sudden, for fear this man should, as another man + did, change his mind. Miss Lloyd and Miss Biddulph were with me to inquire + what I knew of this; and of your not being in church, either morning or + afternoon, the Sunday after your return from us; to the disappointment of + a little hundred of your admirers, to use their words. It was easy for me + to guess the reason to be what you confirm—their apprehensions that + Lovelace would be there, and attempt to wait on you home. + </p> + <p> + My mother takes very kindly your compliments in your letter to her. Her + words upon reading it were, 'Miss Clarissa Harlowe is an admirable young + lady: wherever she goes, she confers a favour: whomever she leaves, she + fills with regret.'—And then a little comparative reflection—'O + my Nancy, that you had a little of her sweet obligingness!' + </p> + <p> + No matter. The praise was yours. You are me; and I enjoyed it. The more + enjoyed it, because—Shall I tell you the truth?—Because I + think myself as well as I am—were it but for this reason, that had I + twenty brother James's, and twenty sister Bell's, not one of them, nor all + of them joined together, would dare to treat me as yours presume to treat + you. The person who will bear much shall have much to bear all the world + through; it is your own sentiment,* grounded upon the strongest instance + that can be given in your own family; though you have so little improved + by it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Letter V. +</pre> + <p> + The result is this, that I am fitter for this world than you; you for the + next than me:—that is the difference.—But long, long, for my + sake, and for hundreds of sakes, may it be before you quit us for company + more congenial to you and more worthy of you! + </p> + <p> + I communicated to my mother the account you give of your strange + reception; also what a horrid wretch they have found out for you; and the + compulsory treatment they give you. It only set her on magnifying her + lenity to me, on my tyrannical behaviour, as she will call it [mothers + must have their way, you know, my dear] to the man whom she so warmly + recommends, against whom it seems there can be no just exception; and + expatiating upon the complaisance I owe her for her indulgence. So I + believe I must communicate to her nothing farther—especially as I + know she would condemn the correspondence between us, and that between you + and Lovelace, as clandestine and undutiful proceedings, and divulge our + secret besides; for duty implicit is her cry. And moreover she lends a + pretty open ear to the preachments of that starch old bachelor your uncle + Antony; and for an example to her daughter would be more careful how she + takes your part, be the cause ever so just. + </p> + <p> + Yet is this not the right policy neither. For people who allow nothing + will be granted nothing: in other words, those who aim at carrying too + many points will not be able to carry any. + </p> + <p> + But can you divine, my dear, what the old preachment-making, plump-hearted + soul, your uncle Antony, means by his frequent amblings hither?—There + is such smirking and smiling between my mother and him! Such mutual + praises of economy; and 'that is my way!'—and 'this I do!'—and + 'I am glad it has your approbation, Sir!'—and 'you look into every + thing, Madam!'—'Nothing would be done, if I did not!'— + </p> + <p> + Such exclamations against servants! Such exaltings of self! And dear + heart, and good lack!—and 'las a-day!—And now-and-then their + conversation sinking into a whispering accent, if I come across them!—I'll + tell you, my dear, I don't above half like it. + </p> + <p> + Only that these old bachelors usually take as many years to resolve upon + matrimony as they can reasonably expect to live, or I should be ready to + fire upon his visits; and to recommend Mr. Hickman to my mother's + acceptance, as a much more eligible man: for what he wants in years, he + makes up in gravity; and if you will not chide me, I will say, that there + is a primness in both (especially when the man has presumed too much with + me upon my mother's favour for him, and is under discipline on that + account) as make them seem near of kin: and then in contemplation of my + sauciness, and what they both fear from it, they sigh away! and seem so + mightily to compassionate each other, that if pity be but one remove from + love, I am in no danger, while they are both in a great deal, and don't + know it. + </p> + <p> + Now, my dear, I know you will be upon me with your grave airs: so in for + the lamb, as the saying is, in for the sheep; and do you yourself look + about you; for I'll have a pull with you by way of being aforehand. + Hannibal, we read, always advised to attack the Romans upon their own + territories. + </p> + <p> + You are pleased to say, and upon your word too! that your regards (a + mighty quaint word for affections) are not so much engaged, as some of + your friends suppose, to another person. What need you give one to + imagine, my dear, that the last month or two has been a period extremely + favourable to that other person, whom it has made an obliger of the niece + for his patience with the uncles. + </p> + <p> + But, to pass that by—so much engaged!—How much, my dear?—Shall + I infer? Some of your friends suppose a great deal. You seem to own a + little. + </p> + <p> + Don't be angry. It is all fair: because you have not acknowledged to me + that little. People I have heard you say, who affect secrets, always + excite curiosity. + </p> + <p> + But you proceed with a kind of drawback upon your averment, as if + recollection had given you a doubt—you know not yourself, if they be + [so much engaged]. Was it necessary to say this to me?—and to say it + upon your word too?—But you know best.—Yet you don't neither, + I believe. For a beginning love is acted by a subtle spirit; and + oftentimes discovers itself to a by-stander, when the person possessed + (why should I not call it possessed?) knows not it has such a demon. + </p> + <p> + But further you say, what preferable favour you may have for him to any + other person, is owing more to the usage he has received, and for your + sake borne, than to any personal consideration. + </p> + <p> + This is generously said. It is in character. But, O my friend, depend upon + it, you are in danger. Depend upon it, whether you know it or not, you are + a little in for't. Your native generosity and greatness of mind endanger + you: all your friends, by fighting against him with impolitic violence, + fight for him. And Lovelace, my life for yours, notwithstanding all his + veneration and assiduities, has seen further than that veneration and + those assiduities (so well calculated to your meridian) will let him own + he has seen—has seen, in short, that his work is doing for him more + effectually than he could do it for himself. And have you not before now + said, that nothing is so penetrating as the eye of a lover who has vanity? + And who says Lovelace wants vanity? + </p> + <p> + In short, my dear, it is my opinion, and that from the easiness of his + heart and behaviour, that he has seen more than I have seen; more than you + think could be seen—more than I believe you yourself know, or else + you would let me know it. + </p> + <p> + Already, in order to restrain him from resenting the indignities he has + received, and which are daily offered him, he has prevailed upon you to + correspond with him privately. I know he has nothing to boast of from what + you have written: but is not his inducing you to receive his letters, and + to answer them, a great point gained? By your insisting that he should + keep the correspondence private, it appears there is one secret which you + do not wish the world should know: and he is master of that secret. He is + indeed himself, as I may say, that secret! What an intimacy does this + beget for the lover! How is it distancing the parent! + </p> + <p> + Yet who, as things are situated, can blame you?—Your condescension + has no doubt hitherto prevented great mischiefs. It must be continued, for + the same reasons, while the cause remains. You are drawn in by a perverse + fate against inclination: but custom, with such laudable purposes, will + reconcile the inconveniency, and make an inclination.—And I would + advise you (as you would wish to manage on an occasion so critical with + that prudence which governs all your actions) not to be afraid of entering + upon a close examination into the true springs and grounds of this your + generosity to that happy man. + </p> + <p> + It is my humble opinion, I tell you frankly, that on inquiry it will come + out to be LOVE—don't start, my dear!—Has not your man himself + had natural philosophy enough to observe already to your aunt Hervey, that + love takes the deepest root in the steadiest minds? The deuce take his sly + penetration, I was going to say; for this was six or seven weeks ago. + </p> + <p> + I have been tinctured, you know. Nor on the coolest reflection, could I + account how and when the jaundice began: but had been over head and ears, + as the saying is, but for some of that advice from you, which I now return + you. Yet my man was not half so—so what, my dear—to be sure + Lovelace is a charming fellow. And were he only—but I will not make + you glow, as you read—upon my word I will not.—Yet, my dear, + don't you find at your heart somewhat unusual make it go throb, throb, + throb, as you read just here?—If you do, don't be ashamed to own it—it + is your generosity, my love, that's all.—But as the Roman augur + said, Caesar, beware of the Ides of March! + </p> + <p> + Adieu, my dearest friend.—Forgive, and very speedily, by the new + found expedient, tell me that you forgive, + </p> + <p> + Your ever-affectionate, ANNA HOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1. + </h3> + <p> + You both nettled and alarmed me, my dearest Miss Howe, by the concluding + part of your last. At first reading it, I did not think it necessary, said + I to myself, to guard against a critic, when I was writing to so dear a + friend. But then recollecting myself, is there not more in it, said I, + than the result of a vein so naturally lively? Surely I must have been + guilty of an inadvertence. Let me enter into the close examination of + myself which my beloved friend advises. + </p> + <p> + I do so; and cannot own any of the glow, any of the throbs you mention.—Upon + my word I will repeat, I cannot. And yet the passages in my letter, upon + which you are so humourously severe, lay me fairly open to your agreeable + raillery. I own they do. And I cannot tell what turn my mind had taken to + dictate so oddly to my pen. + </p> + <p> + But, pray now—is it saying so much, when one, who has no very + particular regard to any man, says, there are some who are preferable to + others? And is it blamable to say, they are the preferable, who are not + well used by one's relations; yet dispense with that usage out of regard + to one's self which they would otherwise resent? Mr. Lovelace, for + instance, I may be allowed to say, is a man to be preferred to Mr. Solmes; + and that I do prefer him to that man: but, surely, this may be said + without its being a necessary consequence that I must be in love with him. + </p> + <p> + Indeed I would not be in love with him, as it is called, for the world: + First, because I have no opinion of his morals; and think it a fault in + which our whole family (my brother excepted) has had a share, that he was + permitted to visit us with a hope, which, however, being distant, did not, + as I have observed heretofore,* entitle any of us to call him to account + for such of his immoralities as came to our ears. Next, because I think + him to be a vain man, capable of triumphing (secretly at least) over a + person whose heart he thinks he has engaged. And, thirdly, because the + assiduities and veneration which you impute to him, seem to carry an + haughtiness in them, as if he thought his address had a merit in it, that + would be more than an equivalent to a woman's love. In short, his very + politeness, notwithstanding the advantages he must have had from his birth + and education, appear to be constrained; and, with the most remarkable + easy and genteel person, something, at times, seems to be behind in his + manner that is too studiously kept in. Then, good-humoured as he is + thought to be in the main to other people's servants, and this even to + familiarity (although, as you have observed, a familiarity that has + dignity in it not unbecoming to a man of quality) he is apt sometimes to + break out into a passion with his own: An oath or a curse follows, and + such looks from those servants as plainly shew terror, and that they + should have fared worse had they not been in my hearing: with a + confirmation in the master's looks of a surmise too well justified. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Letter III. +</pre> + <p> + Indeed, my dear, THIS man is not THE man. I have great objections to him. + My heart throbs not after him. I glow not, but with indignation against + myself for having given room for such an imputation. But you must not, my + dearest friend, construe common gratitude into love. I cannot bear that + you should. But if ever I should have the misfortune to think it love, I + promise you upon my word, which is the same as upon my honour, that I will + acquaint you with it. + </p> + <p> + You bid me to tell you very speedily, and by the new-found expedient, that + I am not displeased with you for your agreeable raillery: I dispatch this + therefore immediately, postponing to my next the account of the + inducements which my friends have to promote with so much earnestness the + address of Mr. Solmes. + </p> + <p> + Be satisfied, my dear, mean time, that I am not displeased with you: + indeed I am not. On the contrary, I give you my hearty thanks for your + friendly premonitions; and I charge you (as I have often done) that if you + observe any thing in me so very faulty as would require from you to others + in my behalf the palliation of friendly and partial love, you acquaint me + with it: for methinks I would so conduct myself as not to give reason even + for an adversary to censure me; and how shall so weak and so young a + creature avoid the censure of such, if my friend will not hold a + looking-glass before me to let me see my imperfections? + </p> + <p> + Judge me, then, my dear, as any indifferent person (knowing what you know + of me) would do. I may be at first be a little pained; may glow a little + perhaps to be found less worthy of your friendship than I wish to be; but + assure yourself, that your kind correction will give me reflection that + shall amend me. If it do not, you will have a fault to accuse me of, that + will be utterly inexcusable: a fault, let me add, that should you not + accuse me of it (if in your opinion I am guilty) you will not be so much, + so warmly, my friend as I am yours; since I have never spared you on the + like occasions. + </p> + <p> + Here I break off to begin another letter to you, with the assurance, mean + time, that I am, and ever will be, + </p> + <p> + Your equally affectionate and grateful, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 2. + </h3> + <p> + Indeed you would not be in love with him for the world!—Your + servant, my dear. Nor would I have you. For, I think, with all the + advantages of person, fortune, and family, he is not by any means worthy + of you. And this opinion I give as well from the reasons you mention + (which I cannot but confirm) as from what I have heard of him but a few + hours ago from Mrs. Fortescue, a favourite of Lady Betty Lawrance, who + knows him well—but let me congratulate you, however, on your being + the first of our sex that ever I heard of, who has been able to turn that + lion, Love, at her own pleasure, into a lap-dog. + </p> + <p> + Well but, if you have not the throbs and the glows, you have not: and are + not in love; good reason why—because you would not be in love; and + there's no more to be said.—Only, my dear, I shall keep a good + look-out upon you; and so I hope you will be upon yourself; for it is no + manner of argument that because you would not be in love, you therefore + are not.—But before I part entirely with this subject, a word in + your ear, my charming friend—'tis only by way of caution, and in + pursuance of the general observation, that a stander-by is often a better + judge of the game than those that play.—May it not be, that you have + had, and have, such cross creatures and such odd heads to deal with, as + have not allowed you to attend to the throbs?—Or, if you had them a + little now and then, whether, having had two accounts to place them to, + you have not by mistake put them to the wrong one? + </p> + <p> + But whether you have a value for Lovelace or not, I know you will be + impatient to hear what Mrs. Fortescue has said of him. Nor will I keep you + longer in suspense. + </p> + <p> + An hundred wild stories she tells of him from childhood to manhood: for, + as she observed, having never been subject to contradiction, he was always + as mischievous as a monkey. But I shall pass over these whole hundred of + his puerile rogueries (although indicative ones, as I may say) to take + notice as well of some things you are not quite ignorant of, as of others + you know not, and to make a few observations upon him and his ways. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Fortescue owns, what every body knows, 'that he is notoriously, nay, + avowedly, a man of pleasure; yet says, that in any thing he sets his heart + upon or undertakes, he is the most industrious and persevering mortal + under the sun. He rests it seems not above six hours in the twenty-four—any + more than you. He delights in writing. Whether at Lord M.'s, or at Lady + Betty's, or Lady Sarah's, he has always a pen in his fingers when he + retires. One of his companions (confirming his love of writing) has told + her, that his thoughts flow rapidly to his pen:' And you and I, my dear, + have observed, on more occasions than one, that though he writes even a + fine hand, he is one of the readiest and quickest of writers. He must + indeed have had early a very docile genius; since a person of his + pleasurable turn and active spirit, could never have submitted to take + long or great pains in attaining the qualifications he is master of; + qualifications so seldom attained by youth of quality and fortune; by such + especially of those of either, who, like him, have never known what it was + to be controuled. + </p> + <p> + 'He had once it seems the vanity, upon being complimented on these talents + (and on his surprising diligence, for a man of pleasure) to compare + himself to Julius Caesar; who performed great actions by day, and wrote + them down at night; and valued himself, that he only wanted Caesar's + out-setting, to make a figure among his contemporaries. + </p> + <p> + 'He spoke of this indeed, she says, with an air of pleasantry: for she + observed, and so have we, that he has the art of acknowledging his vanity + with so much humour, that it sets him above the contempt which is due to + vanity and self-opinion; and at the same time half persuades those who + hear him, that he really deserves the exultation he gives himself.' + </p> + <p> + But supposing it to be true that all his vacant nightly hours are employed + in writing, what can be his subjects? If, like Caesar, his own actions, he + must undoubtedly be a very enterprising and very wicked man; since nobody + suspects him to have a serious turn; and, decent as he is in his + conversation with us, his writings are not probably such as would redound + either to his own honour, or to the benefit of others, were they to be + read. He must be conscious of this, since Mrs. Fortescue says, 'that in + the great correspondence by letters which he holds, he is as secret and as + careful as if it were of a treasonable nature;—yet troubles not his + head with politics, though nobody knows the interests of princes and + courts better than he is said to do.' + </p> + <p> + That you and I, my dear, should love to write, is no wonder. We have + always, from the time each could hold a pen, delighted in epistolary + correspondencies. Our employments are domestic and sedentary; and we can + scribble upon twenty innocent subjects, and take delight in them because + they are innocent; though were they to be seen, they might not much profit + or please others. But that such a gay, lively young fellow as this, who + rides, hunts, travels, frequents the public entertainments, and has means + to pursue his pleasures, should be able to set himself down to write for + hours together, as you and I have heard him say he frequently does, that + is the strange thing. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Fortescue says, 'that he is a complete master of short-hand writing.' + By the way, what inducements could a swift writer as he have to learn + short-hand! + </p> + <p> + She says (and we know it as well as she) 'that he has a surprising memory, + and a very lively imagination.' + </p> + <p> + Whatever his other vices are, all the world, as well as Mrs. Fortescue, + says, 'he is a sober man. And among all his bad qualities, gaming, that + great waster of time as well as fortune, is not his vice:' So that he must + have his head as cool, and his reason as clear, as the prime of youth and + his natural gaiety will permit; and by his early morning hours, a great + portion of time upon his hands to employ in writing, or worse. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Fortescue says, 'he has one gentleman who is more his intimate and + correspondent than any of the rest.' You remember what his dismissed + bailiff said of him and of his associates.* I don't find but that Mrs. + Fortescue confirms this part of it, 'that all his relations are afraid of + him; and that his pride sets him above owing obligations to them. She + believes he is clear of the world; and that he will continue so;' No doubt + from the same motive that makes him avoid being obliged to his relations. + </p> + <p> + * Letter IV. + </p> + <p> + A person willing to think favourably of him would hope, that a brave, a + learned, and a diligent, man, cannot be naturally a bad man.—But if + he be better than his enemies say he is (and if worse he is bad indeed) he + is guilty of an inexcusable fault in being so careless as he is of his + reputation. I think a man can be so but from one of these two reasons: + either that he is conscious he deserves the ill spoken of him; or, that he + takes a pride in being thought worse than he is. Both very bad and + threatening indications; since the first must shew him to be utterly + abandoned; and it is but natural to conclude from the other, that what a + man is not ashamed to have imputed to him, he will not scruple to be + guilty of whenever he has an opportunity. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, and upon all I could gather from Mrs. Fortescue, Mr. + Lovelace is a very faulty man. You and I have thought him too gay, too + inconsiderate, too rash, too little an hypocrite, to be deep. You see he + never would disguise his natural temper (haughty as it certainly is) with + respect to your brother's behaviour to him. Where he thinks a contempt + due, he pays it to the uttermost. Nor has he complaisance enough to spare + your uncles. + </p> + <p> + But were he deep, and ever so deep, you would soon penetrate him, if they + would leave you to yourself. His vanity would be your clue. Never man had + more: Yet, as Mrs. Fortescue observed, 'never did man carry it off so + happily.' There is a strange mixture in it of humourous vivacity:—Since + but for one half of what he says of himself, when he is in the vein, any + other man would be insufferable. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + Talk of the devil, is an old saying. The lively wretch has made me a + visit, and is but just gone away. He is all impatience and resentment at + the treatment you meet with, and full of apprehensions too, that they will + carry their point with you. + </p> + <p> + I told him my opinion, that you will never be brought to think of such a + man as Solmes; but that it will probably end in a composition, never to + have either. + </p> + <p> + No man, he said, whose fortunes and alliances are so considerable, ever + had so little favour from a woman for whose sake he had borne so much. + </p> + <p> + I told him my mind as freely as I used to do. But whoever was in fault, + self being judge? He complained of spies set upon his conduct, and to pry + into his life and morals, and this by your brother and uncles. + </p> + <p> + I told him, that this was very hard upon him; and the more so, as neither + his life nor morals perhaps would stand a fair inquiry. + </p> + <p> + He smiled, and called himself my servant.—The occasion was too fair, + he said, for Miss Howe, who never spared him, to let it pass.—But, + Lord help the shallow souls of the Harlowes! Would I believe it! they were + for turning plotters upon him. They had best take care he did not pay them + in their own coin. Their hearts were better turned for such works than + their heads. + </p> + <p> + I asked him, If he valued himself upon having a head better turned than + theirs for such works, as he called them? + </p> + <p> + He drew off: and then ran into the highest professions of reverence and + affection for you. + </p> + <p> + The object so meritorious, who can doubt the reality of his professions? + </p> + <p> + Adieu, my dearest, my noble friend!—I love and admire you for the + generous conclusion of your last more than I can express. Though I began + this letter with impertinent raillery, knowing that you always loved to + indulge my mad vein; yet never was there a heart that more glowed with + friendly love, than that of + </p> + <p> + Your own ANNA HOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1. + </h3> + <p> + I now take up my pen to lay before you the inducements and motive which my + friends have to espouse so earnestly the address of this Mr. Solmes. + </p> + <p> + In order to set this matter in a clear light, it is necessary to go a + little back, and even perhaps to mention some things which you already + know: and so you may look upon what I am going to relate, as a kind of + supplement to my letters of the 15th and 20th of January last.* + </p> + <p> + * Letters IV. and V. + </p> + <p> + In those letters, of which I have kept memorandums, I gave you an account + of my brother's and sister's antipathy to Mr. Lovelace; and the methods + they took (so far as they had then come to my knowledge) to ruin him in + the opinion of my other friends. And I told you, that after a very cold, + yet not a directly affrontive behaviour to him, they all of a sudden* + became more violent, and proceeded to personal insults; which brought on + at last the unhappy rencounter between my brother and him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Letter IV. +</pre> + <p> + Now you must know, that from the last conversation that passed between my + aunt and me, it comes out, that this sudden vehemence on my brother's and + sister's parts, was owing to stronger reasons than to the college-begun + antipathy on his side, or to slighted love on hers; to wit, to an + apprehension that my uncles intended to follow my grandfather's example in + my favour; at least in a higher degree than they wish they should. An + apprehension founded it seems on a conversation between my two uncles and + my brother and sister: which my aunt communicated to me in confidence, as + an argument to prevail upon me to accept of Mr. Solmes's noble + settlements: urging, that such a seasonable compliance, would frustrate my + brother's and sister's views, and establish me for ever in the love of my + father and uncles. + </p> + <p> + I will give you the substance of this communicated conversation, after I + have made a brief introductory observation or two, which however I hardly + need to make to you who are so well acquainted with us all, did not the + series or thread of the story require it. + </p> + <p> + I have more than once mentioned to you the darling view some of us have + long had of raising a family, as it is called. A reflection, as I have + often thought, upon our own, which is no considerable or upstart one, on + either side, on my mother's especially.—A view too frequently it + seems entertained by families which, having great substance, cannot be + satisfied without rank and title. + </p> + <p> + My uncles had once extended this view to each of us three children; + urging, that as they themselves intended not to marry, we each of us might + be so portioned, and so advantageously matched, as that our posterity, if + not ourselves, might make a first figure in our country.—While my + brother, as the only son, thought the two girls might be very well + provided for by ten or fifteen thousand pounds a-piece: and that all the + real estates in the family, to wit, my grandfather's, father's, and two + uncles', and the remainder of their respective personal estates, together + with what he had an expectation of from his godmother, would make such a + noble fortune, and give him such an interest, as might entitle him to hope + for a peerage. Nothing less would satisfy his ambition. + </p> + <p> + With this view he gave himself airs very early; 'That his grandfather and + uncles were his stewards: that no man ever had better: that daughters were + but incumbrances and drawbacks upon a family:' and this low and familiar + expression was often in his mouth, and uttered always with the + self-complaisance which an imagined happy thought can be supposed to give + the speaker; to wit, 'That a man who has sons brings up chickens for his + own table,' [though once I made his comparison stagger with him, by asking + him, If the sons, to make it hold, were to have their necks wrung off?] + 'whereas daughters are chickens brought up for tables of other men.' This, + accompanied with the equally polite reflection, 'That, to induce people to + take them off their hands, the family-stock must be impaired into the + bargain,' used to put my sister out of all patience: and, although she now + seems to think a younger sister only can be an incumbrance, she was then + often proposing to me to make a party in our own favour against my + brother's rapacious views, as she used to call them: while I was for + considering the liberties he took of this sort, as the effect of a + temporary pleasantry, which, in a young man, not naturally good-humoured, + I was glad to see; or as a foible that deserved raillery, but no other + notice. + </p> + <p> + But when my grandfather's will (of the purport of which in my particular + favour, until it was opened, I was as ignorant as they) had lopped off one + branch of my brother's expectation, he was extremely dissatisfied with me. + Nobody indeed was pleased: for although every one loved me, yet being the + youngest child, father, uncles, brother, sister, all thought themselves + postponed, as to matter of right and power [Who loves not power?]: And my + father himself could not bear that I should be made sole, as I may call + it, and independent; for such the will, as to that estate and the powers + it gave, (unaccountably, as they all said,) made me. + </p> + <p> + To obviate, therefore, every one's jealousy, I gave up to my father's + management, as you know, not only the estate, but the money bequeathed me + (which was a moiety of what my grandfather had by him at his death; the + other moiety being bequeathed to my sister); contenting myself to take as + from his bounty what he was pleased to allow me, without desiring the + least addition to my annual stipend. And then I hoped I had laid all envy + asleep: but still my brother and sister (jealous, as now is evident, of my + two uncles' favour of me, and of the pleasure I had given my father and + them by this act of duty) were every now-and-then occasionally doing me + covert ill offices: of which, however, I took the less notice, when I was + told of them, as I thought I had removed the cause of their envy; and I + imputed every thing of that sort to the petulance they are both pretty + much noted for. + </p> + <p> + My brother's acquisition then took place. This made us all very happy; and + he went down to take possession of it: and his absence (on so good an + account too) made us still happier. Then followed Lord M.'s proposal for + my sister: and this was an additional felicity for the time. I have told + you how exceedingly good-humoured it made my sister. + </p> + <p> + You know how that went off: you know what came on in its place. + </p> + <p> + My brother then returned; and we were all wrong again: and Bella, as I + observed in my letters abovementioned, had an opportunity to give herself + the credit of having refused Mr. Lovelace, on the score of his reputed + faulty morals. This united my brother and sister in one cause. They set + themselves on all occasions to depreciate Mr. Lovelace, and his family too + (a family which deserves nothing but respect): and this gave rise to the + conversation I am leading to, between my uncles and them: of which I now + come to give the particulars; after I have observed, that it happened + before the rencounter, and soon after the inquiry made into Mr. Lovelace's + affairs had come out better than my brother and sister hoped it would.* + </p> + <p> + * See Letter IV. + </p> + <p> + They were bitterly inveighing against him, in their usual way, + strengthening their invectives with some new stories in his disfavour, + when my uncle Antony, having given them a patient hearing, declared, 'That + he thought the gentleman behaved like a gentleman; his niece Clary with + prudence; and that a more honourable alliance for the family, as he had + often told them, could not be wished for: since Mr. Lovelace had a very + good paternal estate; and that, by the evidence of an enemy, all clear. + Nor did it appear, that he was so bad a man as he had been represented to + be: wild indeed; but it was a gay time of life: he was a man of sense: and + he was sure that his niece would not have him, if she had not good reason + to think him reformed, or that there was a likelihood that she could + reform him by her example.' + </p> + <p> + My uncle then gave one instance, my aunt told me, as a proof of a + generosity in Mr. Lovelace's spirit, which convinced him that he was not a + bad man in nature; and that he was of a temper, he was pleased to say, + like my own; which was, That when he (my uncle) had represented to him, + that he might, if he pleased, make three or four hundred pounds a year of + his paternal estate, more than he did; he answered, 'That his tenants paid + their rents well: that it was a maxim with his family, from which he would + by no means depart, Never to rack-rent old tenants, or their descendants; + and that it was a pleasure to him, to see all his tenants look fat, sleek, + and contented.' + </p> + <p> + I indeed had once occasionally heard him say something like this; and + thought he never looked so well as at that time;—except once; and + that was in an instance given by him on the following incident. + </p> + <p> + An unhappy tenant of my uncle Antony came petitioning to my uncle for + forbearance, in Mr. Lovelace's presence. When he had fruitlessly + withdrawn, Mr. Lovelace pleaded his cause so well, that the man was called + in again, and had his suit granted. And Mr. Lovelace privately followed + him out, and gave him two guineas, for present relief; the man having + declared, that, at the time, he had not five shilling in the world. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion, he told my uncle (but without any airs of ostentation), + that he had once observed an old tenant and his wife in a very mean habit + at church; and questioning them about it the next day, as he knew they had + no hard bargain in their farm, the man said, he had done some very foolish + things with a good intention, which had put him behind-hand, and he could + not have paid his rent, and appear better. He asked him how long it would + take him to retrieve the foolish step he acknowledged he had made. He + said, Perhaps two or three years. Well then, said he, I will abate you + five pounds a year for seven years, provided you will lay it upon your + wife and self, that you may make a Sunday-appearance like MY tenants. Mean + time, take this (putting his hand in his pocket, and giving him five + guineas), to put yourselves in present plight; and let me see you next + Sunday at church, hand in hand, like an honest and loving couple; and I + bespeak you to dine with me afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Although this pleased me when I heard it, as giving an instance of + generosity and prudence at the same time, not lessening (as my uncle took + notice) the yearly value of the farm, yet, my dear, I had no throbs, no + glows upon it!—Upon my word, I had not. Nevertheless I own to you, + that I could not help saying to myself on the occasion, 'Were it ever to + be my lot to have this man, he would not hinder me from pursuing the + methods I so much delight to take'—With 'A pity, that such a man + were not uniformly good!' + </p> + <p> + Forgive me this digression. + </p> + <p> + My uncle went on (as my aunt told me), 'That, besides his paternal estate, + he was the immediate heir to very splendid fortunes: that, when he was in + treaty for his niece Arabella, Lord M. told him (my uncle) what great + things he and his two half-sisters intended to do for him, in order to + qualify him for the title, which would be extinct at his Lordship's death, + and which they hoped to procure for him, or a still higher, that of those + ladies' father, which had been for some time extinct on failure of heirs + male: that it was with this view that his relations were all so earnest + for his marrying: that as he saw not where Mr. Lovelace could better + himself; so, truly, he thought there was wealth enough in their own family + to build up three considerable ones: that, therefore, he must needs say, + he was the more desirous of this alliance, as there was a great + probability, not only from Mr. Lovelace's descent, but from his fortunes, + that his niece Clarissa might one day be a peeress of Great Britain:—and, + upon that prospect [here was the mortifying stroke], he should, for his + own part, think it not wrong to make such dispositions as should + contribute to the better support of the dignity.' + </p> + <p> + My uncle Harlowe, it seems, far from disapproving of what his brother had + said, declared, 'That there was but one objection to an alliance with Mr. + Lovelace; to wit, his faulty morals: especially as so much could be done + for Miss Bella, and for my brother too, by my father; and as my brother + was actually possessed of a considerable estate by virtue of the deed of + gift and will of his godmother Lovell.' + </p> + <p> + Had I known this before, I should the less have wondered at many things I + have been unable to account for in my brother's and sister's behaviour to + me; and been more on my guard than I imagined there was a necessity to be. + </p> + <p> + You may easily guess how much this conversation affected my brother at the + time. He could not, you know, but be very uneasy to hear two of his + stewards talk at this rate to his face. + </p> + <p> + He had from early days, by his violent temper, made himself both feared + and courted by the whole family. My father himself, as I have lately + mentioned, very often (long before my brother's acquisition had made him + still more assuming) gave way to him, as to an only son who was to build + up the name, and augment the honour of it. Little inducement, therefore, + had my brother to correct a temper which gave him so much consideration + with every body. + </p> + <p> + 'See, Sister Bella,' said he, in an indecent passion before my uncles, on + this occasion I have mentioned—'See how it is!—You and I ought + to look about us!—This little syren is in a fair way to out-uncle, + as she has already out-grandfather'd, us both!' + </p> + <p> + From this time (as I now find it plain upon recollection) did my brother + and sister behave to me, as to one who stood in their way; and to each + other as having but one interest: and were resolved, therefore, to bend + all their force to hinder an alliance from taking effect, which they + believed was likely to oblige them to contract their views. + </p> + <p> + And how was this to be done, after such a declaration from both my uncles? + </p> + <p> + My brother found out the way. My sister (as I have said) went hand in hand + with him. Between them, the family union was broke, and every one was made + uneasy. Mr. Lovelace was received more and more coldly by all: but not + being to be put out of his course by slights only, personal affronts + succeeded; defiances next; then the rencounter: that, as you have heard, + did the business. And now, if I do not oblige them, my grandfather's + estate is to be litigated with me; and I, who never designed to take + advantage of the independency bequeathed me, am to be as dependent upon my + father's will, as a daughter ought to be who knows not what is good for + herself. This is the language of the family now. + </p> + <p> + But if I will suffer myself to be prevailed upon, how happy (as they lay + it out) shall we all be!—Such presents am I to have, such jewels, + and I cannot tell what, from every one in the family! Then Mr. Solmes's + fortunes are so great, and his proposals so very advantageous, (no + relation whom he values,) that there will be abundant room to raise mine + upon them, were the high-intended favours of my own relations to be quite + out of the question. Moreover, it is now, with this view, found out, that + I have qualifications which of themselves will be a full equivalent to Mr. + Solmes for the settlements he is to make; and still leave him under an + obligation to me for my compliance. He himself thinks so, I am told—so + very poor a creature is he, even in his own eyes, as well as in theirs. + </p> + <p> + These desirable views answered, how rich, how splendid shall we all three + be! And I—what obligations shall I lay upon them all!—And that + only by doing an act of duty so suitable to my character, and manner of + thinking; if, indeed, I am the generous as well as dutiful creature I have + hitherto made them believe I am. + </p> + <p> + This is the bright side that is turned to my father and uncles, to + captivate them: but I am afraid that my brother's and sister's design is + to ruin me with them at any rate. Were it otherwise, would they not on my + return from you have rather sought to court than frighten me into measures + which their hearts are so much bent to carry? A method they have followed + ever since. + </p> + <p> + Mean time, orders are given to all the servants to shew the highest + respect to Mr. Solmes; the generous Mr. Solmes is now his character with + some of our family! But are not these orders a tacit confession, that they + think his own merit will not procure him respect? He is accordingly, in + every visit he makes, not only highly caressed by the principals of our + family, but obsequiously attended and cringed to by the menials.—And + the noble settlements are echoed from every mouth. + </p> + <p> + Noble is the word used to enforce the offers of a man who is mean enough + avowedly to hate, and wicked enough to propose to rob of their just + expectations, his own family, (every one of which at the same time stands + in too much need of his favour,) in order to settle all he is worth upon + me; and if I die without children, and he has none by any other marriage, + upon a family which already abounds. Such are his proposals. + </p> + <p> + But were there no other motive to induce me to despise the upstart man, is + not this unjust one to his family enough?—The upstart man, I repeat; + for he was not born to the immense riches he is possessed of: riches left + by one niggard to another, in injury to the next heir, because that other + is a niggard. And should I not be as culpable, do you think, in my + acceptance of such unjust settlements, as he is in the offer of them, if I + could persuade myself to be a sharer in them, or suffer a reversionary + expectation of possessing them to influence my choice? + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it concerns me not a little, that my friends could be brought to + encourage such offers on such motives as I think a person of conscience + should not presume to begin the world with. + </p> + <p> + But this it seems is the only method that can be taken to disappoint Mr. + Lovelace; and at the same time to answer all my relations have wish for + each of us. And surely I will not stand against such an accession to the + family as may happen from marrying Mr. Solmes: since now a possibility is + discovered, (which such a grasping mind as my brother's can easily turn + into a probability,) that my grandfather's estate will revert to it, with + a much more considerable one of the man's own. Instances of estates + falling in, in cases far more unlikely than this, are insisted upon; and + my sister says, in the words of an old saw, It is good to be related to an + estate. + </p> + <p> + While Solmes, smiling no doubt to himself at a hope so remote, by offers + only, obtains all their interests; and doubts not to join to his own the + estate I am envied for; which, for the conveniency of its situation + between two of his, will it seems be of twice the value to him that it + would be of to any other person; and is therefore, I doubt not, a stronger + motive with him than the wife. + </p> + <p> + These, my dear, seem to me the principal inducements of my relations to + espouse so vehemently as they do this man's suit. And here, once more, + must I deplore the family fault, which gives those inducements such a + force as it will be difficult to resist. + </p> + <p> + And thus far, let matters with regard to Mr. Solmes and me come out as + they will, my brother has succeeded in his views; that is to say, he has, + in the first place, got my FATHER to make the cause his own, and to insist + upon my compliance as an act of duty. + </p> + <p> + My MOTHER has never thought fit to oppose my father's will, when once he + has declared himself determined. + </p> + <p> + My UNCLES, stiff, unbroken, highly-prosperous bachelors, give me leave to + say, (though very worthy persons in the main,) have as high notions of a + child's duty, as of a wife's obedience; in the last of which, my mother's + meekness has confirmed them, and given them greater reason to expect the + first. + </p> + <p> + My aunt HERVEY (not extremely happy in her own nuptials, and perhaps under + some little obligation) is got over, and chuses [sic] not to open her lips + in my favour against the wills of a father and uncles so determined. + </p> + <p> + This passiveness in my mother and in my aunt, in a point so contrary to + their own first judgments, is too strong a proof that my father is + absolutely resolved. + </p> + <p> + Their treatment of my worthy MRS. NORTON is a sad confirmation of it: a + woman deserving of all consideration for her wisdom, and every body + thinking so; but who, not being wealthy enough to have due weight in a + point against which she has given her opinion, and which they seem bent + upon carrying, is restrained from visiting here, and even from + corresponding with me, as I am this very day informed. + </p> + <p> + Hatred to Lovelace, family aggrandizement, and this great motive paternal + authority!—What a force united must they be supposed to have, when + singly each consideration is sufficient to carry all before it! + </p> + <p> + This is the formidable appearance which the address of this disagreeable + man wears at present. + </p> + <p> + My BROTHER and my SISTER triumph.—They have got me down, as Hannah + overheard them exult. And so they have (yet I never knew that I was + insolently up); for now my brother will either lay me under an obligation + to comply to my own unhappiness, and so make me an instrument of his + revenge upon Lovelace; or, if I refuse, will throw me into disgrace with + my whole family. + </p> + <p> + Who will wonder at the intrigues and plots carried on by undermining + courtiers against one another, when a private family, but three of which + can possibly have clashing interests, and one of them (as she presumes to + think) above such low motives, cannot be free from them? + </p> + <p> + What at present most concerns me, is, the peace of my mother's mind! How + can the husband of such a wife (a good man too!—But oh! this + prerogative of manhood!) be so positive, so unpersuadable, to one who has + brought into the family means, which they know so well the value of, that + methinks they should value her the more for their sake? + </p> + <p> + They do indeed value her: but, I am sorry to say, she has purchased that + value by her compliances; yet has merit for which she ought to be + venerated; prudence which ought of itself to be conformed to in every + thing. + </p> + <p> + But whither roves my pen? How dare a perverse girl take these liberties + with relations so very respectable, and whom she highly respects? What an + unhappy situation is that which obliges her, in her own defence as it + were, to expose their failings? + </p> + <p> + But you, who know how much I love and reverence my mother, will judge what + a difficulty I am under, to be obliged to oppose a scheme which she has + engaged in. Yet I must oppose it (to comply is impossible); and must + without delay declare my opposition, or my difficulties will increase; + since, as I am just now informed, a lawyer has been this very day + consulted [Would you have believed it?] in relation to settlements. + </p> + <p> + Were ours a Roman Catholic family, how much happier for me, that they + thought a nunnery would answer all their views!—How happy, had not a + certain person slighted somebody! All then would have been probably + concluded between them before my brother had arrived to thwart the match: + then had I a sister; which now I have not; and two brothers;—both + aspiring; possibly both titled: while I should only have valued that in + either which is above title, that which is truly noble in both! + </p> + <p> + But by what a long-reaching selfishness is my brother governed! By what + remote, exceedingly remote views! Views, which it is in the power of the + slightest accident, of a fever, for instance, (the seeds of which are + always vegetating, as I may say, and ready to burst forth, in his own + impetuous temper,) or of the provoked weapon of an adversary, to blow up + and destroy! + </p> + <p> + I will break off here. Let me write ever so freely of my friends, I am + sure of your kind construction: and I confide in your discretion, that you + will avoid reading to or transcribing for others such passages as may have + the appearance of treating too freely the parental, or even the fraternal + character, or induce others to censure for a supposed failure in duty to + the one, or decency to the other, + </p> + <p> + Your truly affectionate, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 2. + </h3> + <p> + On Hannah's depositing my long letter, (begun yesterday, but by reason of + several interruptions not finished till within this hour,) she found and + brought me yours of this day. I thank you, my dear, for this kind + expedition. These few lines will perhaps be time enough deposited, to be + taken away by your servant with the other letter: yet they are only to + thank you, and to tell you my increasing apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + I must take or seek the occasion to apply to my mother for her mediation; + for I am in danger of having a day fixed, and antipathy taken for + bashfulness.—Should not sisters be sisters to each other? Should not + they make a common cause of it, as I may say, a cause of sex, on such + occasions as the present? Yet mine, in support of my brother's + selfishness, and, no doubt, in concert with him, has been urging in full + assembly it seems, (and that with an earnestness peculiar to herself when + she sets upon any thing,) that an absolute day be given me; and if I + comply not, to be told, that it shall be to the forfeiture of all my + fortunes, and of all their love. + </p> + <p> + She need not be so officious: my brother's interest, without hers, is + strong enough; for he has found means to confederate all the family + against me. Upon some fresh provocation, or new intelligence concerning + Mr. Lovelace, (I know not what it is,) they have bound themselves, or are + to bind themselves, by a signed paper, to one another [The Lord bless me, + my dear, what shall I do!] to carry their point in favour of Mr. Solmes, + in support of my father's authority, as it is called, and against Mr. + Lovelace, as a libertine, and an enemy to the family: and if so, I am + sure, I may say against me.—How impolitic in them all, to join two + people in one interest, whom they wish for ever to keep asunder! + </p> + <p> + What the discharged steward reported of him is surely bad enough: what + Mrs. Fortescue said, not only confirms that bad, but gives room to think + him still worse. And yet the something further which my friends have come + at, is of so heinous a nature (as Betty Barnes tells Hannah) that it + proves him almost to be the worst of men.—But, hang the man, I had + almost said—What is he to me? What would he be—were not this + Mr. Sol——O my dear, how I hate the man in the light he is + proposed to me! + </p> + <p> + All of them, at the same time, are afraid of Mr. Lovelace; yet not afraid + to provoke him!—How am I entangled!—to be obliged to go on + corresponding with him for their sakes—Heaven forbid, that their + persisted-in violence should so drive me, as to make it necessary for my + own! + </p> + <p> + But surely they will yield—Indeed I cannot. + </p> + <p> + I believe the gentlest spirits when provoked (causelessly and cruelly + provoked) are the most determined. The reason may be, that not taking up + resolutions lightly—their very deliberation makes them the more + immovable.—And then when a point is clear and self-evident, how can + one with patience think of entering into an argument or contention upon + it?— + </p> + <p> + An interruption obliges me to conclude myself, in some hurry, as well as + fright, what I must ever be, + </p> + <p> + Yours more than my own, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE FRIDAY, MARCH 3. + </h3> + <p> + I have both your letters at once. It is very unhappy, my dear, since your + friends will have you marry, that a person of your merit should be + addressed by a succession of worthless creatures, who have nothing but + their presumption for their excuse. + </p> + <p> + That these presumers appear not in this very unworthy light to some of + your friends, is, because their defects are not so striking to them as to + others.—And why? Shall I venture to tell you?—Because they are + nearer their own standard—Modesty, after all, perhaps has a concern + in it; for how should they think that a niece or sister of theirs [I will + not go higher, for fear of incurring your displeasure] should be an angel? + </p> + <p> + But where indeed is the man to be found (who has the least share of due + diffidence) that dares to look up to Miss Clarissa Harlowe with hope, or + with any thing but wishes? Thus the bold and forward, not being sensible + of their defects, aspire; while the modesty of the really worthy fills + them with too much reverence to permit them to explain themselves. Hence + your Symmes's, your Byron's, your Mullins's, your Wyerley's (the best of + the herd), and your Solmes's, in turn, invade you—Wretches that, + looking upon the rest of your family, need not despair of succeeding in an + alliance with it—But to you, what an inexcusable presumption! + </p> + <p> + Yet I am afraid all opposition will be in vain. You must, you will, I + doubt, be sacrificed to this odious man. I know your family. There will be + no resisting such baits as he has thrown out. O, my dear, my beloved + friend! and are such charming qualities, is such exalted merit, to be sunk + in such a marriage!—You must not, your uncle tells your mother, + dispute their authority. AUTHORITY! what a full word is that in the mouth + of a narrow-minded person, who happened to be born thirty years before + one!—Of your uncles I speak; for as to the paternal authority, that + ought to be sacred.—But should not parents have reason for what they + do? + </p> + <p> + Wonder not, however, at your Bell's unsisterly behaviour in this affair: I + have a particular to add to the inducements your insolent brother is + governed by, which will account for all her driving. You have already + owned, that her outward eye was from the first struck with the figure and + address of the man whom she pretends to despise, and who, 'tis certain, + thoroughly despises her: but you have not told me, that still she loves + him of all men. Bell has a meanness in her very pride; that meanness rises + with her pride, and goes hand in hand with it; and no one is so proud as + Bell. She has owned her love, her uneasy days, and sleepless nights, and + her revenge grafted upon her love, to her favourite Betty Barnes—To + lay herself in the power of a servant's tongue! Poor creature!—But + LIKE little souls will find one another out, and mingle, as well as LIKE + great ones. This, however, she told the wench in strict confidence: and + thus, by way of the female round-about, as Lovelace had the sauciness on + such another occasion, in ridicule of our sex, to call it, Betty (pleased + to be thought worthy of a secret, and to have an opportunity of inveighing + against Lovelace's perfidy, as she would have it to be) told it to one of + her confidants: that confidant, with like injunctions of secrecy, to Miss + Lloyd's Harriot—Harriot to Miss Lloyd—Miss Lloyd to me—I + to you—with leave to make what you please of it. + </p> + <p> + And now you will not wonder to find Miss Bell an implacable rival, rather + than an affectionate sister; and will be able to account for the words + witchcraft, syren, and such like, thrown out against you; and for her + driving on for a fixed day for sacrificing you to Solmes: in short, for + her rudeness and violence of every kind. + </p> + <p> + What a sweet revenge will she take, as well upon Lovelace as upon you, if + she can procure her rival sister to be married to the man that sister + hates; and so prevent her having the man whom she herself loves (whether + she have hope of him or not), and whom she suspects her sister loves! + </p> + <p> + Poisons and poniard have often been set to work by minds inflamed by + disappointed love, and actuated by revenge.—Will you wonder, then, + that the ties of relationship in such a case have no force, and that a + sister forgets to be a sister? + </p> + <p> + Now I know this to be her secret motive, (the more grating to her, as her + pride is concerned to make her disavow it), and can consider it joined + with her former envy, and as strengthened by a brother, who has such an + ascendant over the whole family; and whose interest (slave to it as he + always was) engaged him to ruin you with every one: both possessed of the + ears of all your family, and having it as much in their power as in their + will to misrepresent all you say, all you do; such subject also as to the + rencounter, and Lovelace's want of morals, to expatiate upon: your whole + family likewise avowedly attached to the odious man by means of the + captivating proposals he has made them;—when I consider all these + things, I am full of apprehensions for you.—O my dear, how will you + be able to maintain your ground;—I am sure, (alas! I am too sure) + that they will subdue such a fine spirit as yours, unused to opposition; + and (tell it not in Gath) you must be Mrs. Solmes! + </p> + <p> + Mean time, it is now easy, as you will observe, to guess from what quarter + the report I mentioned to you in one of my former, came, That the younger + sister has robbed the elder of her lover:* for Betty whispered it, at the + time she whispered the rest, that neither Lovelace nor you had done + honourably by her young mistress.—How cruel, my dear, in you, to rob + the poor Bella of the only lover she only had!—At the instant too + that she was priding herself, that now at last she should have it in her + power not only to gratify her own susceptibilities, but to give an example + to the flirts of her sex** (my worship's self in her eye) how to govern + their man with a silken rein, and without a curb-bridle! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + * Letter I. + + ** Letter II. +</pre> + <p> + Upon the whole, I have now no doubt of their persevering in favour of the + despicable Solmes; and of their dependence upon the gentleness of your + temper, and the regard you have for their favour, and for your own + reputation. And now I am more than ever convinced of the propriety of the + advice I formerly gave you, to keep in your own hands the estate + bequeathed to you by your grandfather.—Had you done so, it would + have procured you at least an outward respect from your brother and + sister, which would have made them conceal the envy and ill-will that now + are bursting upon you from hearts so narrow. + </p> + <p> + I must harp a little more upon this string—Do not you observe, how + much your brother's influence has overtopped yours, since he has got into + fortunes so considerable, and since you have given some of them an + appetite to continue in themselves the possession of your estate, unless + you comply with their terms? + </p> + <p> + I know your dutiful, your laudable motives; and one would have thought, + that you might have trusted to a father who so dearly loved you. But had + you been actually in possession of that estate, and living up to it, and + upon it, (your youth protected from blighting tongues by the company of + your prudent Norton, as you had proposed,) do you think that your brother, + grudging it to you at the time as he did, and looking upon it as his right + as an only son, would have been practising about it, and aiming at it? I + told you some time ago, that I thought your trials but proportioned to + your prudence:* but you will be more than woman, if you can extricate + yourself with honour, having such violent spirits and sordid minds in + some, and such tyrannical and despotic wills in others, to deal with. + Indeed, all may be done, and the world be taught further to admire you for + your blind duty and will-less resignation, if you can persuade yourself to + be Mrs. Solmes. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Letter I. +</pre> + <p> + I am pleased with the instances you give me of Mr. Lovelace's benevolence + to his own tenants, and with his little gift to your uncle's. Mrs. + Fortescue allows him to be the best of landlords: I might have told you + that, had I thought it necessary to put you into some little conceit of + him. He has qualities, in short, that may make him a tolerable creature on + the other side of fifty: but God help the poor woman to whose lot he shall + fall till then! women, I should say, perhaps; since he may break + half-a-dozen hearts before that time.—But to the point I was upon—Shall + we not have reason to commend the tenant's grateful honesty, if we are + told, that with joy the poor man called out your uncle, and on the spot + paid him in part of his debt those two guineas?—But what shall we + say of that landlord, who, though he knew the poor man to be quite + destitute, could take it; and, saying nothing while Mr. Lovelace staid, as + soon as he was gone, tell of it in praise of the poor fellow's honesty?—Were + this so, and were not that landlord related to my dearest friend, how + should I despise such a wretch?—But, perhaps, the story is + aggravated. Covetous people have every one's ill word: and so indeed they + ought; because they are only solicitous to keep that which they prefer to + every one's good one.—Covetous indeed would they be, who deserved + neither, yet expected both! + </p> + <p> + I long for your next letter. Continue to be as particular as possible. I + can think of no other subject but what relates to you and to your affairs: + for I am, and ever will be, most affectionately, + </p> + <p> + Your own, ANNA HOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE [HER PRECEDING NOT AT THAT TIME + RECEIVED.] FRIDAY, MARCH 3. + </p> + <p> + O my dear friend, I have had a sad conflict! Trial upon trial; conference + upon conference!—But what law, what ceremony, can give a man a right + to a heart which abhors him more than it does any living creature? + </p> + <p> + I hope my mother will be able to prevail for me.—But I will recount + it all, though I sit up the whole night to do it; for I have a vast deal + to write, and will be as minute as you wish me to be. + </p> + <p> + I concluded my last in a fright. It was occasioned by a conversation that + passed between my mother and my aunt, part of which Hannah overheard. I + need not give you the particulars; since what I have to relate to you from + different conversations that have passed between my mother and me, in the + space of a very few hours, will include them all. I will begin then. + </p> + <p> + I went down this morning when breakfast was ready with a very uneasy + heart, from what Hannah had informed me of yesterday afternoon; wishing + for an opportunity, however, to appeal to my mother, in hopes to engage + her interest in my behalf, and purposing to try to find one when she + retired to her own apartment after breakfast: but, unluckily, there was + the odious Solmes, sitting asquat between my mother and sister, with so + much assurance in his looks!—But you know, my dear, that those we + love not, cannot do any thing to please us. + </p> + <p> + Had the wretch kept his seat, it might have been well enough: but the bend + and broad-shouldered creature must needs rise, and stalk towards a chair, + which was just by that which was set for me. + </p> + <p> + I removed it to a distance, as if to make way to my own: and down I sat, + abruptly I believe; what I had heard all in my head. + </p> + <p> + But this was not enough to daunt him. The man is a very confident, he is a + very bold, staring man!—Indeed, my dear, the man is very confident. + </p> + <p> + He took the removed chair, and drew it so near mine, squatting in it with + his ugly weight, that he pressed upon my hoop.—I was so offended + (all I had heard, as I said, in my head) that I removed to another chair. + I own I had too little command of myself. It gave my brother and sister + too much advantage. I day say they took it. But I did it involuntarily, I + think. I could not help it.—I knew not what I did. + </p> + <p> + I saw that my father was excessively displeased. When angry, no man's + countenance ever shews it so much as my father's. Clarissa Harlowe! said + he with a big voice—and there he stopped. Sir! said I, trembling and + courtesying (for I had not then sat down again); and put my chair nearer + the wretch, and sat down—my face, as I could feel, all in a glow. + </p> + <p> + Make tea, child, said my kind mamma; sit by me, love, and make tea. + </p> + <p> + I removed with pleasure to the seat the man had quitted; and being thus + indulgently put into employment, soon recovered myself; and in the course + of the breakfasting officiously asked two or three questions of Mr. + Solmes, which I would not have done, but to make up with my father.—Proud + spirits may be brought to! Whisperingly spoke my sister to me, over her + shoulder, with an air of triumph and scorn: but I did not mind her. + </p> + <p> + My mother was all kindness and condescension. I asked her once, if she + were pleased with the tea? She said, softly, (and again called me dear,) + she was pleased with all I did. I was very proud of this encouraging + goodness: and all blew over, as I hoped, between my father and me; for he + also spoke kindly to me two or three times. + </p> + <p> + Small accidents these, my dear, to trouble you with; only as they lead to + greater, as you shall hear. + </p> + <p> + Before the usual breakfast-time was over, my father withdrew with my + mother, telling her he wanted to speak with her. Then my sister and next + my aunt (who was with us) dropt away. + </p> + <p> + My brother gave himself some airs of insult, which I understood well + enough; but which Mr. Solmes could make nothing of: and at last he arose + from his seat—Sister, said he, I have a curiosity to shew you. I + will fetch it. And away he went shutting the door close after him. + </p> + <p> + I saw what all this was for. I arose; the man hemming up for a speech, + rising, and beginning to set his splay-feet [indeed, my dear, the man in + all his ways is hateful to me] in an approaching posture.—I will + save my brother the trouble of bringing to me his curiosity, said I. I + courtesied—Your servant, sir—The man cried, Madam, Madam, + twice, and looked like a fool.—But away I went—to find my + brother, to save my word.—But my brother, indifferent as the weather + was, was gone to walk in the garden with my sister. A plain case, that he + had left his curiosity with me, and designed to shew me no other. + </p> + <p> + I had but just got into my own apartment, and began to think of sending + Hannah to beg an audience of my mother (the more encouraged by her + condescending goodness at breakfast) when Shorey, her woman, brought me + her commands to attend me in her closet. + </p> + <p> + My father, Hannah told me, was just gone out of it with a positive angry + countenance. Then I as much dreaded the audience as I had wished for it + before. + </p> + <p> + I went down however; but, apprehending the subject she intended to talk to + me upon, approached her trembling, and my heart in visible palpitations. + </p> + <p> + She saw my concern. Holding out her kind arms, as she sat, Come kiss me, + my dear, said she, with a smile like a sun-beam breaking through the cloud + that overshadowed her naturally benign aspect—Why flutters my jewel + so? + </p> + <p> + This preparative sweetness, with her goodness just before, confirmed my + apprehensions. My mother saw the bitter pill wanted gilding. + </p> + <p> + O my Mamma! was all I could say; and I clasped my arms round her neck, and + my face sunk into her bosom. + </p> + <p> + My child! my child! restrain, said she, your powers of moving! I dare not + else trust myself with you.—And my tears trickled down her bosom, as + hers bedewed my neck. + </p> + <p> + O the words of kindness, all to be expressed in vain, that flowed from her + lips! + </p> + <p> + Lift up your sweet face, my best child, my own Clarissa Harlowe!—O + my daughter, best beloved of my heart, lift up a face so ever amiable to + me!—Why these sobs?—Is an apprehended duty so affecting a + thing, that before I can speak—But I am glad, my love, you can guess + at what I have to say to you. I am spared the pains of breaking to you + what was a task upon me reluctantly enough undertaken to break to you. + Then rising, she drew a chair near her own, and made me sit down by her, + overwhelmed as I was with tears of apprehension of what she had to say, + and of gratitude for her truly maternal goodness to me—sobs still my + only language. + </p> + <p> + And drawing her chair still nearer to mine, she put her arms round my + neck, and my glowing cheek wet with my tears, close to her own: Let me + talk to you, my child. Since silence is your choice, hearken to me, and be + silent. + </p> + <p> + You know, my dear, what I every day forego, and undergo, for the sake of + peace. Your papa is a very good man, and means well; but he will not be + controuled; nor yet persuaded. You have sometimes seemed to pity me, that + I am obliged to give up every point. Poor man! his reputation the less for + it; mine the greater: yet would I not have this credit, if I could help + it, at so dear a rate to him and to myself. You are a dutiful, a prudent, + and a wise child, she was pleased to say, in hope, no doubt, to make me + so: you would not add, I am sure, to my trouble: you would not wilfully + break that peace which costs your mother so much to preserve. Obedience is + better than sacrifice. O my Clary Harlowe, rejoice my heart, by telling me + that I have apprehended too much!—I see your concern! I see your + perplexity! I see your conflict! [loosing her arm, and rising, not willing + I should see how much she herself was affected]. I will leave you a + moment.—Answer me not—[for I was essaying to speak, and had, + as soon as she took her dear cheek from mine, dropt down on my knees, my + hands clasped, and lifted up in a supplicating manner]—I am not + prepared for your irresistible expostulation, she was pleased to say. I + will leave you to recollection: and I charge you, on my blessing, that all + this my truly maternal tenderness be not thrown away upon you. + </p> + <p> + And then she withdrew into the next apartment; wiping her eyes as she went + from me; as mine overflowed; my heart taking in the whole compass of her + meaning. + </p> + <p> + She soon returned, having recovered more steadiness. + </p> + <p> + Still on my knees, I had thrown my face across the chair she had sat in. + </p> + <p> + Look up to me, my Clary Harlowe—No sullenness, I hope! + </p> + <p> + No, indeed, my ever-to-be-revered Mamma.—And I arose. I bent my + knee. + </p> + <p> + She raised me. No kneeling to me, but with knees of duty and compliance. + Your heart, not your knees, must bend. It is absolutely determined. + Prepare yourself therefore to receive your father, when he visits you + by-and-by, as he would wish to receive you. But on this one quarter of an + hour depends the peace of my future life, the satisfaction of all the + family, and your own security from a man of violence: and I charge you + besides, on my blessing, that you think of being Mrs. Solmes. + </p> + <p> + There went the dagger to my heart, and down I sunk: and when I recovered, + found myself in the arms of my Hannah, my sister's Betty holding open my + reluctantly-opened palm, my laces cut, my linen scented with hartshorn; + and my mother gone. Had I been less kindly treated, the hated name still + forborne to be mentioned, or mentioned with a little more preparation and + reserve, I had stood the horrid sound with less visible emotion—But + to be bid, on the blessing of a mother so dearly beloved, so truly + reverenced, to think of being MRS. SOLMES—what a denunciation was + that! + </p> + <p> + Shorey came in with a message (delivered in her solemn way): Your mamma, + Miss, is concerned for your disorder: she expects you down again in an + hour; and bid me say, that she then hopes every thing from your duty. + </p> + <p> + I made no reply; for what could I say? And leaning upon my Hannah's arm, + withdrew to my own apartment. There you will guess how the greatest part + of the hour was employed. + </p> + <p> + Within that time, my mother came up to me. + </p> + <p> + I love, she was pleased to say, to come into this apartment.—No + emotions, child! No flutters!—Am I not your mother?—Do not + discompose me by discomposing yourself! Do not occasion me uneasiness, + when I would give you nothing but pleasure. Come, my dear, we will go into + your closet. + </p> + <p> + She took my hand, led the way, and made me sit down by her: and after she + had inquired how I did, she began in a strain as if she supposed I had + made use of the intervening space to overcome all my objections. + </p> + <p> + She was pleased to tell me, that my father and she, in order to spare my + natural modesty, had taken the whole affair upon themselves— + </p> + <p> + Hear me out; and then speak.—He is not indeed every thing I wish him + to be: but he is a man of probity, and has no vices— + </p> + <p> + No vices, Madam—! + </p> + <p> + Hear me out, child.—You have not behaved much amiss to him: we have + seen with pleasure that you have not— + </p> + <p> + O Madam, must I not now speak! + </p> + <p> + I shall have done presently.—A young creature of your virtuous and + pious turn, she was pleased to say, cannot surely love a profligate: you + love your brother too well, to wish to marry one who had like to have + killed him, and who threatened your uncles, and defies us all. You have + had your own way six or seven times: we want to secure you against a man + so vile. Tell me (I have a right to know) whether you prefer this man to + all others?—Yet God forbid that I should know you do; for such a + declaration would make us all miserable. Yet tell me, are your affections + engaged to this man? + </p> + <p> + I knew not what the inference would be, if I said they were not. + </p> + <p> + You hesitate—You answer me not—You cannot answer me.—Rising—Never + more will I look upon you with an eye of favour— + </p> + <p> + O Madam, Madam! Kill me not with your displeasure—I would not, I + need not, hesitate one moment, did I not dread the inference, if I answer + you as you wish.—Yet be that inference what it will, your threatened + displeasure will make me speak. And I declare to you, that I know not my + own heart, if it not be absolutely free. And pray, let me ask my dearest + Mamma, in what has my conduct been faulty, that, like a giddy creature, I + must be forced to marry, to save me from—From what? Let me beseech + you, Madam, to be the guardian of my reputation! Let not your Clarissa be + precipitated into a state she wishes not to enter into with any man! And + this upon a supposition that otherwise she shall marry herself, and + disgrace her whole family. + </p> + <p> + Well then, Clary [passing over the force of my plea] if your heart be free— + </p> + <p> + O my beloved Mamma, let the usual generosity of your dear heart operate in + my favour. Urge not upon me the inference that made me hesitate. + </p> + <p> + I won't be interrupted, Clary—You have seen in my behaviour to you, + on this occasion, a truly maternal tenderness; you have observed that I + have undertaken the task with some reluctance, because the man is not + every thing; and because I know you carry your notions of perfection in a + man too high— + </p> + <p> + Dearest Madam, this one time excuse me!—Is there then any danger + that I should be guilty of an imprudent thing for the man's sake you hint + at? + </p> + <p> + Again interrupted!—Am I to be questioned, and argued with? You know + this won't do somewhere else. You know it won't. What reason then, + ungenerous girl, can you have for arguing with me thus, but because you + think from my indulgence to you, you may? + </p> + <p> + What can I say? What can I do? What must that cause be that will not bear + being argued upon? + </p> + <p> + Again! Clary Harlowe! + </p> + <p> + Dearest Madam, forgive me: it was always my pride and my pleasure to obey + you. But look upon that man—see but the disagreeableness of his + person— + </p> + <p> + Now, Clary, do I see whose person you have in your eye!—Now is Mr. + Solmes, I see, but comparatively disagreeable; disagreeable only as + another man has a much more specious person + </p> + <p> + But, Madam, are not his manners equally so?—Is not his person the + true representative of his mind?—That other man is not, shall not + be, any thing to me, release me but from this one man, whom my heart, + unbidden, resists. + </p> + <p> + Condition thus with your father. Will he bear, do you think, to be thus + dialogued with? Have I not conjured you, as you value my peace—What + is it that I do not give up?—This very task, because I apprehended + you would not be easily persuaded, is a task indeed upon me. And will you + give up nothing? Have you not refused as many as have been offered to you? + If you would not have us guess for whom, comply; for comply you must, or + be looked upon as in a state of defiance with your whole family. + </p> + <p> + And saying this, she arose and went from me. But at the chamber-door + stopt; and turned back: I will not say below in what a disposition I leave + you. Consider of every thing. The matter is resolved upon. As you value + your father's blessing and mine, and the satisfaction of all the family, + resolve to comply. I will leave you for a few moments. I will come up to + you again. See that I find you as I wish to find you; and since your heart + is free, let your duty govern it. + </p> + <p> + In about half an hour, my mother returned. She found me in tears. She took + my hand: It is my part evermore, said she, to be of the acknowledging + side. I believe I have needlessly exposed myself to your opposition, by + the method I have taken with you. I first began as if I expected a denial, + and by my indulgence brought it upon myself. + </p> + <p> + Do not, my dearest Mamma! do not say so! + </p> + <p> + Were the occasion for this debate, proceeded she, to have risen from + myself; were it in my power to dispense with your compliance; you too well + know what you can do with me. + </p> + <p> + Would any body, my dear Miss Howe, wish to marry, who sees a wife of such + a temper, and blessed with such an understanding as my mother is noted + for, not only deprived of all power, but obliged to be even active in + bringing to bear a point of high importance, which she thinks ought not to + be insisted upon? + </p> + <p> + When I came to you a second time, proceeded she, knowing that your + opposition would avail you nothing, I refused to hear your reasons: and in + this I was wrong too, because a young creature who loves to reason, and + used to love to be convinced by reason, ought to have all her objections + heard: I now therefore, this third time, see you; and am come resolved to + hear all you have to say: and let me, my dear, by my patience engage your + gratitude; your generosity, I will call it, because it is to you I speak, + who used to have a mind wholly generous.—Let me, if your heart be + really free, let me see what it will induce you to do to oblige me: and so + as you permit your usual discretion to govern you, I will hear all you + have to say; but with this intimation, that say what you will, it will be + of no avail elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + What a dreadful saying is that! But could I engage your pity, Madam, it + would be somewhat. + </p> + <p> + You have as much of my pity as of my love. But what is person, Clary, with + one of your prudence, and your heart disengaged? + </p> + <p> + Should the eye be disgusted, when the heart is to be engaged?—O + Madam, who can think of marrying when the heart is shocked at the first + appearance, and where the disgust must be confirmed by every conversation + afterwards? + </p> + <p> + This, Clary, is owing to your prepossession. Let me not have cause to + regret that noble firmness of mind in so young a creature which I thought + your glory, and which was my boast in your character. In this instance it + would be obstinacy, and want of duty.—Have you not made objections + to several— + </p> + <p> + That was to their minds, to their principles, Madam.—But this man— + </p> + <p> + Is an honest man, Clary Harlowe. He has a good mind. He is a virtuous man. + </p> + <p> + He an honest man? His a good mind, Madam? He a virtuous man?— + </p> + <p> + Nobody denies these qualities. + </p> + <p> + Can he be an honest man who offers terms that will rob all his own + relations of their just expectations?—Can his mind be good— + </p> + <p> + You, Clary Harlowe, for whose sake he offers so much, are the last person + who should make this observation. + </p> + <p> + Give me leave to say, Madam, that a person preferring happiness to + fortune, as I do; that want not even what I have, and can give up the use + of that, as an instance of duty— + </p> + <p> + No more, no more of your merits!—You know you will be a gainer by + that cheerful instance of your duty; not a loser. You know you have but + cast your bread upon the waters—so no more of that!—For it is + not understood as a merit by every body, I assure you; though I think it a + high one; and so did your father and uncles at the time— + </p> + <p> + At the time, Madam!—How unworthily do my brother and sister, who are + afraid that the favour I was so lately in— + </p> + <p> + I hear nothing against your brother and sister—What family feuds + have I in prospect, at a time when I hoped to have most comfort from you + all! + </p> + <p> + God bless my brother and sister in all their worthy views! You shall have + no family feuds if I can prevent them. You yourself, Madam, shall tell me + what I shall bear from them, and I will bear it: but let my actions, not + their misrepresentations (as I am sure by the disgraceful prohibitions I + have met with has been the case) speak for me. + </p> + <p> + Just then, up came my father, with a sternness in his looks that made me + tremble.—He took two or three turns about my chamber, though pained + by his gout; and then said to my mother, who was silent as soon as she saw + him— + </p> + <p> + My dear, you are long absent.—Dinner is near ready. What you had to + say, lay in a very little compass. Surely, you have nothing to do but to + declare your will, and my will—But perhaps you may be talking of the + preparations—Let us have you soon down—Your daughter in your + hand, if worthy of the name. + </p> + <p> + And down he went, casting his eye upon me with a look so stern, that I was + unable to say one word to him, or even for a few minutes to my mother. + </p> + <p> + Was not this very intimidating, my dear? + </p> + <p> + My mother, seeing my concern, seemed to pity me. She called me her good + child, and kissed me; and told me that my father should not know I had + made such opposition. He has kindly furnished us with an excuse for being + so long together, said she.—Come, my dear—dinner will be upon + table presently—Shall we go down?—And took my hand. + </p> + <p> + This made me start: What, Madam, go down to let it be supposed we were + talking of preparations!—O my beloved Mamma, command me not down + upon such a supposition. + </p> + <p> + You see, child, that to stay longer together, will be owning that you are + debating about an absolute duty; and that will not be borne. Did not your + father himself some days ago tell you, he would be obeyed? I will a third + time leave you. I must say something by way of excuse for you: and that + you desire not to go down to dinner—that your modesty on the + occasion— + </p> + <p> + O Madam! say not my modesty on such an occasion: for that will be to give + hope— + </p> + <p> + And design you not to give hope?—Perverse girl!—Rising and + flinging from me; take more time for consideration!—Since it is + necessary, take more time—and when I see you next, let me know what + blame I have to cast upon myself, or to bear from your father, for my + indulgence to you. + </p> + <p> + She made, however, a little stop at the chamber-door; and seemed to expect + that I would have besought her to make the gentlest construction for me; + for, hesitating, she was pleased to say, I suppose you would not have me + make a report— + </p> + <p> + O Madam, interrupted I, whose favour can I hope for if I lose my mamma's? + </p> + <p> + To have desired a favourable report, you know, my dear, would have been + qualifying upon a point that I was too much determined upon, to give room + for any of my friends to think I have the least hesitation about it. And + so my mother went down stairs. + </p> + <p> + I will deposit thus far; and, as I know you will not think me too minute + in the relation of particulars so very interesting to one you honour with + your love, proceed in the same way. As matters stand, I don't care to have + papers, so freely written, about me. + </p> + <p> + Pray let Robert call every day, if you can spare him, whether I have any + thing ready or not. + </p> + <p> + I should be glad you would not send him empty handed. What a generosity + will it be in you, to write as frequently from friendship, as I am forced + to do from misfortune! The letters being taken away will be an assurance + that you have them. As I shall write and deposit as I have opportunity, + the formality of super and sub-scription will be excused. For I need not + say how much I am + </p> + <p> + Your sincere and ever affectionate, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE + </h3> + <p> + My mother, on her return, which was as soon as she had dined, was pleased + to inform me, that she told my father, on his questioning her about my + cheerul compliance (for, it seems, the cheerful was all that was doubted) + that she was willing, on so material a point, to give a child whom she had + so much reason to love (as she condescended to acknowledge were her words) + liberty to say all that was in her heart to say, that her compliance might + be the freer: letting him know, that when he came up, she was attending to + my pleas; for that she found I had rather not marry at all. + </p> + <p> + She told me, that to this my father angrily said, let her take care—let + her take care—that she give me not ground to suspect her of a + preference somewhere else. But, if it be to ease her heart, and not to + dispute my will, you may hear her out. + </p> + <p> + So, Clary, said my mother, I am returned in a temper accordingly: and I + hope you will not again, by your peremptoriness, shew me how I ought to + treat you. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Madam, you did me justice to say, I have no inclination to marry + at all. I have not, I hope, made myself so very unuseful in my papa's + family, as— + </p> + <p> + No more of your merits, Clary! You have been a good child. You have eased + me of all the family cares: but do not now give more than ever you + relieved me from. You have been amply repaid in the reputation your skill + and management have given you: but now there is soon to be a period to all + those assistances from you. If you marry, there will be a natural, and, if + to please us, a desirable period; because your own family will employ all + your talents in that way: if you do not, there will be a period likewise, + but not a natural one—you understand me, child. + </p> + <p> + I wept. + </p> + <p> + I have made inquiry already after a housekeeper. I would have had your + good Norton; but I suppose you will yourself wish to have the worthy woman + with you. If you desire it, that shall be agreed upon for you. + </p> + <p> + But, why, dearest Madam, why am I, the youngest, to be precipitated into a + state, that I am very far from wishing to enter into with any body? + </p> + <p> + You are going to question me, I suppose, why your sister is not thought of + for Mr. Solmes? + </p> + <p> + I hope, Madam, it will not displease you if I were. + </p> + <p> + I might refer you for an answer to your father.—Mr. Solmes has + reasons for preferring you— + </p> + <p> + And I have reasons, Madam, for disliking him. And why I am— + </p> + <p> + This quickness upon me, interrupted my mother, is not to be borne! I am + gone, and your father comes, if I can do no good with you. + </p> + <p> + O Madam, I would rather die, than— + </p> + <p> + She put her hand to my mouth—No peremptoriness, Clary Harlowe: once + you declare yourself inflexible, I have done. + </p> + <p> + I wept for vexation. This is all, all, my brother's doings—his + grasping views— + </p> + <p> + No reflections upon your brother: he has entirely the honour of the family + at heart. + </p> + <p> + I would no more dishonour my family, Madam, than my brother would. + </p> + <p> + I believe it: but I hope you will allow your father, and me, and your + uncles, to judge what will do it honour, what dishonour. + </p> + <p> + I then offered to live single; never to marry at all; or never but with + their full approbation. + </p> + <p> + If you mean to shew your duty, and your obedience, Clary, you must shew it + in our way, not in your own. + </p> + <p> + I hope, Madam, that I have not so behaved hitherto, as to render such a + trial of my obedience necessary. + </p> + <p> + Yes, Clary, I cannot but say that you have hitherto behaved extremely + well: but you have had no trials till now: and I hope, that now you are + called to one, you will not fail in it. Parents, proceeded she, when + children are young, are pleased with every thing they do. You have been a + good child upon the whole: but we have hitherto rather complied with you, + than you with us. Now that you are grown up to marriageable years, is the + test; especially as your grandfather has made you independent, as we may + say, in preference to those who had prior expectations upon that estate. + </p> + <p> + Madam, my grandfather knew, and expressly mentioned in his will his + desire, that my father will more than make it up to my sister. I did + nothing but what I thought my duty to procure his favour. It was rather a + mark of his affection, than any advantage to me: For, do I either seek or + wish to be independent? Were I to be queen of the universe, that dignity + should not absolve me from my duty to you and to my father. I would kneel + for your blessings, were it in the presence of millions—so that— + </p> + <p> + I am loth to interrupt you, Clary; though you could more than once break + in upon me. You are young and unbroken: but, with all this ostentation of + your duty, I desire you to shew a little more deference to me when I am + speaking. + </p> + <p> + I beg your pardon, dear Madam, and your patience with me on such an + occasion as this. If I did not speak with earnestness upon it, I should be + supposed to have only maidenly objections against a man I never can + endure. + </p> + <p> + Clary Harlowe—! + </p> + <p> + Dearest, dearest Madam, permit me to speak what I have to say, this once—It + is hard, it is very hard, to be forbidden to enter into the cause of all + these misunderstandings, because I must not speak disrespectfully of one + who supposes me in the way of his ambition, and treats me like a slave— + </p> + <p> + Whither, whither, Clary— + </p> + <p> + My dearest Mamma!—My duty will not permit me so far to suppose my + father arbitrary, as to make a plea of that arbitrariness to you— + </p> + <p> + How now, Clary!—O girl! + </p> + <p> + Your patience, my dearest Mamma:—you were pleased to say, you would + hear me with patience.—PERSON in a man is nothing, because I am + supposed to be prudent: so my eye is to be disgusted, and my reason not + convinced— + </p> + <p> + Girl, girl! + </p> + <p> + Thus are my imputed good qualities to be made my punishment; and I am to + wedded to a monster— + </p> + <p> + [Astonishing!—Can this, Clarissa, be from you? + </p> + <p> + The man, Madam, person and mind, is a monster in my eye.]—And that I + may be induced to bear this treatment, I am to be complimented with being + indifferent to all men: yet, at other times, and to serve other purposes, + be thought prepossessed in favour of a man against whose moral character + lie just objections.—Confined, as if, like the giddiest of + creatures, I would run away with this man, and disgrace my whole family! O + my dearest Mamma! who can be patient under such treatment? + </p> + <p> + Now, Clary, I suppose you will allow me to speak. I think I have had + patience indeed with you.—Could I have thought—but I will put + all upon a short issue. Your mother, Clarissa, shall shew you an example + of that patience you so boldly claim from her, without having any + yourself. + </p> + <p> + O my dear, how my mother's condescension distressed me at the time!—Infinitely + more distressed me, than rigour could have done. But she knew, she was to + be sure aware, that she was put upon a harsh, upon an unreasonable + service, let me say, or she would not, she could not, have had so much + patience with me. + </p> + <p> + Let me tell you then, proceeded she, that all lies in a small compass, as + your father said.—You have been hitherto, as you are pretty ready to + plead, a dutiful child. You have indeed had no cause to be otherwise. No + child was ever more favoured. Whether you will discredit all your past + behaviour; whether, at a time and upon an occasion, that the highest + instance of duty is expected from you (an instance that is to crown all); + and when you declare that your heart is free—you will give that + instance; or whether, having a view to the independence you may claim, + (for so, Clary, whatever be your motive, it will be judged,) and which any + man you favour, can assert for you against us all; or rather for himself + in spite of us—whether, I say, you will break with us all; and stand + in defiance of a jealous father, needlessly jealous, I will venture to + say, of the prerogatives of his sex, as to me, and still ten times more + jealous of the authority of a father;—this is now the point with us. + You know your father has made it a point; and did he ever give up one he + thought he had a right to carry? + </p> + <p> + Too true, thought I to myself! And now my brother has engaged my father, + his fine scheme will walk alone, without needing his leading-strings; and + it is become my father's will that I oppose; not my brother's grasping + views. + </p> + <p> + I was silent. To say the truth, I was just then sullenly silent. My heart + was too big. I thought it was hard to be thus given up by my mother; and + that she should make a will so uncontroulable as my brother's, her will.—My + mother, my dear, though I must not say so, was not obliged to marry + against her liking. My mother loved my father. + </p> + <p> + My silence availed me still less. + </p> + <p> + I see, my dear, said she, that you are convinced. Now, my good child—now, + my Clary, do I love you! It shall not be known, that you have argued with + me at all. All shall be imputed to that modesty which has ever so much + distinguished you. You shall have the full merit of your resignation. + </p> + <p> + I wept. + </p> + <p> + She tenderly wiped the tears from my eyes, and kissed my cheek—Your + father expects you down with a cheerful countenance—but I will + excuse your going. All your scruples, you see, have met with an indulgence + truly maternal from me. I rejoice in the hope that you are convinced. This + indeed seems to be a proof of the truth of your agreeable declaration, + that your heart is free. + </p> + <p> + Did not this seem to border upon cruelty, my dear, in so indulgent a + mother?—It would be wicked [would it not] to suppose my mother + capable of art?—But she is put upon it, and obliged to take methods + to which her heart is naturally above stooping; and all intended for my + good, because she sees that no arguing will be admitted any where else! + </p> + <p> + I will go down, proceeded she, and excuse your attendance at afternoon + tea, as I did to dinner: for I know you will have some little reluctances + to subdue. I will allow you those; and also some little natural shynesses—and + so you shall not come down, if you chuse not to come down. Only, my dear, + do not disgrace my report when you come to supper. And be sure behave as + you used to do to your brother and sister; for your behaviour to them will + be one test of your cheerful obedience to us. I advise as a friend, you + see, rather than command as a mother—So adieu, my love. And again + she kissed me; and was going. + </p> + <p> + O my dear Mamma, said I, forgive me!—But surely you cannot believe, + I can ever think of having that man! + </p> + <p> + She was very angry, and seemed to be greatly disappointed. She threatened + to turn me over to my father and uncles:—she however bid me + (generously bid me) consider, what a handle I gave to my brother and + sister, if I thought they had views to serve by making my uncles + dissatisfied with me. + </p> + <p> + I, said she, in a milder accent, have early said all that I thought could + be said against the present proposal, on a supposition, that you, who have + refused several other (whom I own to be preferable as to person) would not + approve of it; and could I have succeeded, you, Clary, had never heard of + it. But if I could not, how can you expect to prevail? My great ends in + the task I have undertaken, are the preservation of the family peace so + likely to be overturned; to reinstate you in the affections of your father + and uncles: and to preserve you from a man of violence.—Your father, + you must needs think will flame out upon your refusal to comply: your + uncles are so + </p> + <p> + thoroughly convinced of the consistency of the measure with their + favourite views of aggrandizing the family, that they are as much + determined as your father: your aunt Hervey and your uncle Hervey are of + the same party. And it is hard, if a father and mother, and uncles, and + aunt, all conjoined, cannot be allowed to direct your choice—surely, + my dear girl, proceeded she [for I was silent all this time], it cannot be + that you are the more averse, because the family views will be promoted by + the match—this, I assure you, is what every body must think, if you + comply not. Nor, while the man, so obnoxious to us all, remains unmarried, + and buzzes about you, will the strongest wishes to live single, be in the + least regarded. And well you know, that were Mr. Lovelace an angel, and + your father had made it a point that you should not have him, it would be + in vain to dispute his will. As to the prohibition laid upon you (much as + I will own against my liking), that is owing to the belief that you + corresponded by Miss Howe's means with that man; nor do I doubt that you + did so. + </p> + <p> + I answered to every article, in such a manner, as I am sure would have + satisfied her, could she have been permitted to judge for herself; and I + then inveighed with bitterness against the disgraceful prohibitions laid + upon me. + </p> + <p> + They would serve to shew me, she was pleased to say, how much in earnest + my father was. They might be taken off, whenever I thought fit, and no + harm done, nor disgrace received. But if I were to be contumacious, I + might thank myself for all that would follow. + </p> + <p> + I sighed. I wept. I was silent. + </p> + <p> + Shall I, Clary, said she, shall I tell your father that these prohibitions + are as unnecessary as I hoped they would be? That you know your duty, and + will not offer to controvert his will? What say you, my love? + </p> + <p> + O Madam, what can I say to questions so indulgently put? I do indeed know + my duty: no creature in the world is more willing to practise it: but, + pardon me, dearest Madam, if I say, that I must bear these prohibitions, + if I am to pay so dear to have them taken off. + </p> + <p> + Determined and perverse, my dear mamma called me: and after walking twice + or thrice in anger about the room, she turned to me: Your heart free, + Clarissa! How can you tell me your heart is free? Such extraordinary + prepossessions to a particular person must be owing to extraordinary + prepossessions in another's favour! Tell me, Clary, and tell me truly—Do + you not continue to correspond with Mr. Lovelace? + </p> + <p> + Dearest Madam, replied I, you know my motives: to prevent mischief, I + answered his letters. The reasons for our apprehensions of this sort are + not over. + </p> + <p> + I own to you, Clary, (although now I would not have it known,) that I once + thought a little qualifying among such violent spirits was not amiss. I + did not know but all things would come round again by the mediation of + Lord M. and his two sisters: but as they all three think proper to resent + for their nephew; and as their nephew thinks fit to defy us all; and as + terms are offered, on the other hand, that could not be asked, which will + very probably prevent your grandfather's estate going out of the family, + and may be a means to bring still greater into it; I see not, that the + continuance of your correspondence with him either can or ought to be + permitted. I therefore now forbid it to you, as you value my favour. + </p> + <p> + Be pleased, Madam, only to advise me how to break it off with safety to my + brother and uncles; and it is all I wish for. Would to heaven, the man so + hated had not the pretence to make of having been too violently treated, + when he meant peace and reconciliation! It would always have been in my + own power to have broke with him. His reputed immoralities would have + given me a just pretence at any time to do so. But, Madam, as my uncles + and my brother will keep no measures; as he has heard what the view is; + and his regard for me from resenting their violent treatment of him and + his family; what can I do? Would you have me, Madam, make him desperate? + </p> + <p> + The law will protect us, child! offended magistracy will assert itself— + </p> + <p> + But, Madam, may not some dreadful mischief first happen?—The law + asserts not itself, till it is offended. + </p> + <p> + You have made offers, Clary, if you might be obliged in the point in + question—Are you really in earnest, were you to be complied with, to + break off all correspondence with Mr. Lovelace?—Let me know this. + </p> + <p> + Indeed I am; and I will. You, Madam, shall see all the letters that have + passed between us. You shall see I have given him no encouragement + independent of my duty. And when you have seen them, you will be better + able to direct me how, on the condition I have offered, to break entirely + with him. + </p> + <p> + I take you at your word, Clarissa—Give me his letters; and the + copies of yours. + </p> + <p> + I am sure, Madam, you will keep the knowledge that I write, and what I + write— + </p> + <p> + No conditions with your mother—surely my prudence may be trusted to. + </p> + <p> + I begged her pardon; and besought her to take the key of the private + drawer in my escritoire, where they lay, that she herself might see that I + had no reserves to my mother. + </p> + <p> + She did; and took all his letters, and the copies of mine.—Unconditioned + with, she was pleased to say, they shall be yours again, unseen by any + body else. + </p> + <p> + I thanked her; and she withdrew to read them; saying, she would return + them, when she had. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + You, my dear, have seen all the letters that passed between Mr. Lovelace + and me, till my last return from you. You have acknowledged, that he has + nothing to boast of from them. Three others I have received since, by the + private conveyance I told you of: the last I have not yet answered. + </p> + <p> + In these three, as in those you have seen, after having besought my + favour, and, in the most earnest manner, professed the ardour of his + passion for me; and set forth the indignities done him; the defiances my + brother throws out against him in all companies; the menaces, and hostile + appearance of my uncles wherever they go; and the methods they take to + defame him; he declares, 'That neither his own honour, nor the honour of + his family, (involved as that is in the undistinguishing reflection cast + upon him for an unhappy affair which he would have shunned, but could not) + permit him to bear these confirmed indignities: that as my inclinations, + if not favourable to him, cannot be, nor are, to such a man as the + newly-introduced Solmes, he is interested the more to resent my brother's + behaviour; who to every body avows his rancour and malice; and glories in + the probability he has, through the address of this Solmes, of mortifying + me, and avenging himself on him: that it is impossible he should not think + himself concerned to frustrate a measure so directly levelled at him, had + he not a still higher motive for hoping to frustrate it: that I must + forgive him, if he enter into conference with Solmes upon it. He earnestly + insists (upon what he has so often proposed) that I will give him leave, + in company with Lord M. to wait upon my uncles, and even upon my father—and + he promises patience, if new provocations, absolutely beneath a man to + bear, be not given:' which by the way I am far from being able to engage + for. + </p> + <p> + In my answer, I absolutely declare, as I tell him I have often done, 'That + he is to expect no favour from me against the approbation of my friends: + that I am sure their consents for his visiting any of them will never be + obtained: that I will not be either so undutiful, or so indiscreet, as to + suffer my interests to be separated from the interests of my family, for + any man upon earth: that I do not think myself obliged to him for the + forbearance I desire one flaming spirit to have with others: that in this + desire I require nothing of him, but what prudence, justice, and the laws + of his country require: that if he has any expectations of favour from me, + on that account, he deceives himself: that I have no inclination, as I + have often told him, to change my condition: that I cannot allow myself to + correspond with him any longer in this clandestine manner: it is mean, + low, undutiful, I tell him; and has a giddy appearance, which cannot be + excused: that therefore he is not to expect that I will continue it. + </p> + <p> + To this in his last, among other things, he replies, 'That if I am + actually determined to break off all correspondence with him, he must + conclude, that it is with a view to become the wife of a man, whom no + woman of honour and fortune can think tolerable. And in that case, I must + excuse him for saying, that he shall neither be able to bear the thoughts + of losing for ever a person in whom all his present and all his future + hopes are centred; nor support himself with patience under the insolent + triumphs of my brother upon it. But that nevertheless he will not threaten + either his own life, or that of any other man. He must take his + resolutions as such a dreaded event shall impel him at the time. If he + shall know that it will have my consent, he must endeavour to resign to + his destiny: but if it be brought about by compulsion, he shall not be + able to answer for the consequence.' + </p> + <p> + I will send you these letters for your perusal in a few days. I would + enclose them; but that it is possible something may happen, which may make + my mother require to re-peruse them. When you see them, you will observe + how he endeavours to hold me to this correspondence. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + In about an hour my mother returned. Take your letters, Clary: I have + nothing, she was pleased to say, to tax your discretion with, as to the + wording of yours to him: you have even kept up a proper dignity, as well + as observed all the rules of decorum; and you have resented, as you ought + to resent, his menacing invectives. In a word, I see not, that he can form + the least expectations, from what you have written, that you will + encourage the passion he avows for you. But does he not avow his passion? + Have you the least doubt about what must be the issue of this + correspondence, if continued? And do you yourself think, when you know the + avowed hatred of one side, and he declared defiances of the other, that + this can be, that it ought to be a match? + </p> + <p> + By no means it can, Madam; you will be pleased to observed, that I have + said as much to him. But now, Madam, that the whole correspondence is + before you, I beg your commands what to do in a situation so very + disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + One thing I will tell you, Clary—but I charge you, as you would not + have me question the generosity of your spirit, to take no advantage of + it, either mentally or verbally; that I am so much pleased with the offer + of your keys to me, made in so cheerful and unreserved a manner, and in + the prudence you have shewn in your letters, that were it practicable to + bring every one, or your father only, into my opinion, I should readily + leave all the rest to your discretion, reserving only to myself the + direction or approbation of your future letters; and to see, that you + broke off the correspondence as soon as possible. But as it is not, and as + I know your father would have no patience with you, should it be + acknowledged that you correspond with Mr. Lovelace, or that you have + corresponded with him since the time he prohibited you to do so; I forbid + you to continue such a liberty—Yet, as the case is difficult, let me + ask you, What you yourself can propose? Your heart, you say, is free. Your + own, that you cannot think, as matters circumstanced, that a match with a + man so obnoxious as he now is to us all, is proper to be thought of: What + do you propose to do?—What, Clary, are your own thoughts of the + matter? + </p> + <p> + Without hesitation thus I answered—What I humbly propose is this:—'That + I will write to Mr. Lovelace (for I have not answered his last) that he + has nothing to do between my father and me: that I neither ask his advice + nor need it: but that since he thinks he has some pretence for + interfering, because of my brother's avowal of the interest of Mr. Solmes + in displeasure to him, I will assure him (without giving him any reason to + impute the assurance to be in the least favourable to himself) that I will + never be that man's.' And if, proceeded I, I may never be permitted to + give him this assurance; and Mr. Solmes, in consequence of it, be + discouraged from prosecuting his address; let Mr. Lovelace be satisfied or + dissatisfied, I will go no farther; nor write another line to him; nor + ever see him more, if I can avoid it: and I shall have a good excuse for + it, without bringing in any of my family. + </p> + <p> + Ah! my love!—But what shall we do about the terms Mr. Solmes offers? + Those are the inducements with every body. He has even given hopes to your + brother that he will make exchanges of estates; or, at least, that he will + purchase the northern one; for you know it must be entirely consistent + with the family-views, that we increase our interest in this country. Your + brother, in short, has given a plan that captivates us all. And a family + so rich in all its branches, and that has its views to honour, must be + pleased to see a very great probability of taking rank one day among the + principal in the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + And for the sake of these views, for the sake of this plan of my + brother's, am I, Madam, to be given in marriage to a man I can never + endure!—O my dear Mamma, save me, save me, if you can, from this + heavy evil.—I had rather be buried alive, indeed I had, than have + that man! + </p> + <p> + She chid me for my vehemence; but was so good as to tell me, That she + would sound my uncle Harlowe, who was then below; and if he encouraged her + (or would engage to second her) she would venture to talk to my father + herself; and I should hear further in the morning. + </p> + <p> + She went down to tea, and kindly undertook to excuse my attendance at + supper. + </p> + <p> + But is it not a sad thing, I repeat, to be obliged to stand in opposition + to the will of such a mother? Why, as I often say to myself, was such a + man as this Solmes fixed upon? The only man in the world, surely, that + could offer so much, and deserve so little! + </p> + <p> + Little indeed does he deserve!—Why, my dear, the man has the most + indifferent of characters. Every mouth is opened against him for his + sordid ways—A foolish man, to be so base-minded!—When the + difference between the obtaining of a fame for generosity, and incurring + the censure of being a miser, will not, prudently managed, cost fifty + pounds a year. + </p> + <p> + What a name have you got, at a less expense? And what an opportunity had + he of obtaining credit at a very small one, succeeding such a wretched + creature as Sir Oliver, in fortunes so vast?—Yet has he so behaved, + that the common phrase is applied to him, That Sir Oliver will never be + dead while Mr. Solmes lives. + </p> + <p> + The world, as I have often thought, ill-natured as it is said to be, is + generally more just in characters (speaking by what it feels) than is + usually apprehended: and those who complain most of its censoriousness, + perhaps should look inwardly for the occasion oftener than they do. + </p> + <p> + My heart is a little at ease, on the hopes that my mother will be able to + procure favour for me, and a deliverance from this man; and so I have + leisure to moralize. But if I had not, I should not forbear to intermingle + occasionally these sorts of remarks, because you command me never to omit + them when they occur to my mind: and not to be able to make them, even in + a more affecting situation, when one sits down to write, would shew one's + self more engaged to self, and to one's own concerns, than attentive to + the wishes of a friend. If it be said, that it is natural so to be, what + makes that nature, on occasions where a friend may be obliged, or reminded + of a piece of instruction, which (writing down) one's self may be the + better for, but a fault; which it would set a person above nature to + subdue? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SAT. MAR. 4. + </h3> + <p> + Would you not have thought something might have been obtained in my + favour, from an offer so reasonable, from an expedient so proper, as I + imagine, to put a tolerable end, as from myself, to a correspondence I + hardly know how otherwise, with safety to some of my family, to get rid + of?—But my brother's plan, (which my mother spoke of, and of which I + have in vain endeavoured to procure a copy, with a design to take it to + pieces, and expose it, as I question not there is room to do,) joined with + my father's impatience of contradiction, are irresistible. + </p> + <p> + I have not been in bed all night; nor am I in the least drowsy. + Expectation, and hope, and doubt, (an uneasy state!) kept me sufficiently + wakeful. I stept down at my usual time, that it might not be known I had + not been in bed; and gave directions in the family way. + </p> + <p> + About eight o'clock, Shorey came to me from my mother with orders to + attend her in her chamber. + </p> + <p> + My mother had been weeping, I saw by her eyes: but her aspect seemed to be + less tender, and less affectionate, than the day before; and this, as soon + as I entered into her presence, struck me with an awe, which gave a great + damp to my spirits. + </p> + <p> + Sit down, Clary Harlowe; I shall talk to you by-and-by: and continued + looking into a drawer among laces and linens, in a way neither busy nor + unbusy. + </p> + <p> + I believe it was a quarter of an hour before she spoke to me (my heart + throbbing with the suspense all the time); and then she asked me coldly, + What directions I had given for the day? + </p> + <p> + I shewed her the bill of fare for this day, and to-morrow, if, I said, it + pleased her to approve of it. + </p> + <p> + She made a small alteration in it; but with an air so cold and so solemn, + as added to my emotions. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harlowe talks of dining out to-day, I think, at my brother Antony's— + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harlowe!—Not my father!—Have I not then a father!—thought + I. + </p> + <p> + Sit down when I bid you. + </p> + <p> + I sat down. + </p> + <p> + You look very sullen, Clary. + </p> + <p> + I hope not, Madam. + </p> + <p> + If children would always be children—parents—And there she + stopt. + </p> + <p> + She then went to her toilette, and looked into the glass, and gave half a + sigh—the other half, as if she would not have sighed if she could + have helped it, she gently hem'd away. + </p> + <p> + I don't love to see the girl look so sullen. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Madam, I am not sullen.—And I arose, and, turning from her, + drew out my handkerchief; for the tears ran down my cheeks. + </p> + <p> + I thought, by the glass before me, I saw the mother in her softened eye + cast towards me. But her words confirmed not the hoped-for tenderness. + </p> + <p> + One of the most provoking things in this world is, to have people cry for + what they can help! + </p> + <p> + I wish to heaven I could, Madam!—And I sobbed again. + </p> + <p> + Tears of penitence and sobs of perverseness are mighty well suited!—You + may go up to your chamber. I shall talk with you by-and-by. + </p> + <p> + I courtesied with reverence. + </p> + <p> + Mock me not with outward gestures of respect. The heart, Clary, is what I + want. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Madam, you have it. It is not so much mine as my Mamma's! + </p> + <p> + Fine talking!—As somebody says, If words were to pass for duty, + Clarissa Harlowe would be the dutifulest child breathing. + </p> + <p> + God bless that somebody!—Be it whom it will, God bless that + somebody!—And I courtesied, and, pursuant to her last command, was + going. + </p> + <p> + She seemed struck; but was to be angry with me. + </p> + <p> + So turning from me, she spoke with quickness, Whither now, Clary Harlowe? + </p> + <p> + You commanded me, Madam, to go to my chamber. + </p> + <p> + I see you are very ready to go out of my presence.—Is your + compliance the effect of sullenness, or obedience?—You are very + ready to leave me. + </p> + <p> + I could hold no longer; but threw myself at her feet: O my dearest Mamma! + Let me know all I am to suffer! Let me know what I am to be!—I will + bear it, if I can bear it: but your displeasure I cannot bear! + </p> + <p> + Leave me, leave me, Clary Harlowe!—No kneeling!—Limbs so + supple! Will so stubborn!—Rise, I tell you. + </p> + <p> + I cannot rise! I will disobey my Mamma, when she bids me leave her without + being reconciled to me! No sullens, my Mamma: no perverseness: but, worse + than either: this is direct disobedience!—Yet tear not yourself from + me! [wrapping my arms about her as I kneeled; she struggling to get from + me; my face lifted up to hers, with eyes running over, that spoke not my + heart if they were not all humility and reverence] You must not, must not, + tear yourself from me! [for still the dear lady struggled, and looked this + way and that, all in a sweet disorder, as if she knew not what to do].—I + will neither rise, nor leave you, nor let you go, till you say you are not + angry with me. + </p> + <p> + O thou ever-moving child of my heart! [folding her dear arms about my + neck, as mine embraced her knees] Why was this task—But leave me!—You + have discomposed me beyond expression! Leave me, my dear!—I won't be + angry with you—if I can help it—if you'll be good. + </p> + <p> + I arose trembling, and, hardly knowing what I did, or how I stood or + walked, withdrew to my chamber. My Hannah followed me as soon as she heard + me quit my mother's presence, and with salts and spring-water just kept me + from fainting; and that was as much as she could do. It was near two hours + before I could so far recover myself as to take up my pen, to write to you + how unhappily my hopes have ended. + </p> + <p> + My mother went down to breakfast. I was not fit to appear: but if I had + been better, I suppose I should not have been sent for; since the + permission for my attending her down, was given by my father (when in my + chamber) only on condition that she found me worthy of the name of + daughter. That, I doubt, I shall never be in his opinion, if he be not + brought to change his mind as to this Mr. Solmes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XIX + </h2> + <p> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE [IN ANSWER TO LETTER XV.] SAT. MARCH + 4, 12 O'CLOCK. + </p> + <p> + Hannah has just now brought me from the usual place your favour of + yesterday. The contents of it have made me very thoughtful; and you will + have an answer in my gravest style.—I to have that Mr. Solmes!—No + indeed!—I will sooner—But I will write first to those passages + in your letter which are less concerning, that I may touch upon this part + with more patience. + </p> + <p> + As to what you mention of my sister's value for Mr. Lovelace, I am not + very much surprised at it. She takes such officious pains, and it is so + much her subject, to have it thought that she never did, and never could + like him, that she gives but too much room to suspect that she does. She + never tells the story of their parting, and of her refusal of him, but her + colour rises, she looks with disdain upon me, and mingles anger with the + airs she gives herself:—anger as well as airs, demonstrating, that + she refused a man whom she thought worth accepting: Where else is the + reason either for anger or boast?—Poor Bella! She is to be pitied—she + cannot either like or dislike with temper! Would to heaven she had been + mistress of all her wishes!—Would to heaven she had! + </p> + <p> + As to what you say of my giving up to my father's controul the estate + devised me, my motives at the time, as you acknowledge, were not blamable. + Your advice to me on the subject was grounded, as I remember, on your good + opinion of me; believing that I should not make a bad use of the power + willed me. Neither you nor I, my dear, although you now assume the air of + a diviner, [pardon me] could have believed that would have happened which + has happened, as to my father's part particularly. You were indeed jealous + of my brother's views against me; or rather of his predominant love of + himself; but I did not think so hardly of my brother and sister as you + always did. You never loved them; and ill-will has eyes ever open to the + faulty side; as good-will or love is blind even to real imperfections. I + will briefly recollect my motives. + </p> + <p> + I found jealousies and uneasiness rising in every breast, where all before + was unity and love. The honoured testator was reflected upon: a second + childhood was attributed to him; and I was censured, as having taken + advantage of it. All young creatures, thought I, more or less, covet + independency; but those who wish most for it, are seldom the fittest to be + trusted either with the government of themselves, or with power over + others. This is certainly a very high and unusual devise to so young a + creature. We should not aim at all we have power to do. To take all that + good-nature, or indulgence, or good opinion confers, shews a want of + moderation, and a graspingness that is unworthy of that indulgence; and + are bad indications of the use that may be made of the power bequeathed. + It is true, thought I, that I have formed agreeable schemes of making + others as happy as myself, by the proper discharge of the stewardship + intrusted to me. [Are not all estates stewardships, my dear?] But let me + examine myself: Is not vanity, or secret love of praise, a principal + motive with me at the bottom?—Ought I not to suspect my own heart? + If I set up for myself, puffed up with every one's good opinion, may I not + be left to myself?—Every one's eyes are upon the conduct, upon the + visits, upon the visiters, of a young creature of our sex, made + independent: And are not such subjected, more than any others, to the + attempts of enterprisers and fortune-seekers?—And then, left to + myself, should I take a wrong step, though with ever so good an intention, + how many should I have to triumph over me, how few to pity me!—The + more of the one, and the fewer of the other, for having aimed at + excelling. + </p> + <p> + These were some of my reflections at the time: and I have no doubt, but + that in the same situation I should do the very same thing; and that upon + the maturest deliberation. Who can command or foresee events? To act up to + our best judgments at the time, is all we can do. If I have erred, 'tis to + worldly wisdom only that I have erred. If we suffer by an act of duty, or + even by an act of generosity, is it not pleasurable on reflection, that + the fault is in others, rather than in ourselves?—I had much rather + have reason to think others unkind, than that they should have any to + think me undutiful. + </p> + <p> + And so, my dear, I am sure had you. + </p> + <p> + And now for the most concerning part of your letter. + </p> + <p> + You think I must of necessity, as matters are circumstanced, be Solmes's + wife. I will not be very rash, my dear, in protesting to the contrary: but + I think it never can, and, what is still more, never ought to be!—My + temper, I know, is depended upon. But I have heretofore said,* that I have + something in me of my father's family, as well as of my mother's. And have + I any encouragement to follow too implicitly the example which my mother + sets of meekness, and resignedness to the wills of others? Is she not for + ever obliged (as she was pleased to hint to me) to be of the forbearing + side? In my mother's case, your observation I must own is verified, that + those who will bear much, shall have much to bear.** What is it, as she + says, that she has not sacrificed to peace?—Yet, has she by her + sacrifices always found the peace she has deserved to find? Indeed, no!—I + am afraid the very contrary. And often and often have I had reason (on her + account) to reflect, that we poor mortals, by our over-solicitude to + preserve undisturbed the qualities we are constitutionally fond of, + frequently lose the benefits we propose to ourselves from them: since the + designing and encroaching (finding out what we most fear to forfeit) + direct their batteries against these our weaker places, and, making an + artillery (if I may so phrase it) of our hopes and fears, play upon us at + their pleasure. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + * See Letter IX. + + ** See Letter X. +</pre> + <p> + Steadiness of mind, (a quality which the ill-bred and censorious deny to + any of our sex) when we are absolutely convinced of being in the right + [otherwise it is not steadiness, but obstinacy] and when it is exerted in + material cases, is a quality, which, as my good Dr. Lewen was wont to say, + brings great credit to the possessor of it; at the same time that it + usually, when tried and known, raises such above the attempts of the + meanly machinating. He used therefore to inculcate upon me this + steadiness, upon laudable convictions. And why may I not think that I am + now put upon a proper exercise of it? + </p> + <p> + I said above, that I never can be, that I never ought to be, Mrs. Solmes.—I + repeat, that I ought not: for surely, my dear, I should not give up to my + brother's ambition the happiness of my future life. Surely I ought not to + be the instrument of depriving Mr. Solmes's relations of their natural + rights and reversionary prospects, for the sake of further aggrandizing a + family (although that I am of) which already lives in great affluence and + splendour; and which might be as justly dissatisfied, were all that some + of it aim at to be obtained, that they were not princes, as now they are + that they are not peers [For when ever was an ambitious mind, as you + observe in the case of avarice,* satisfied by acquisition?]. The less, + surely, ought I to give into these grasping views of my brother, as I + myself heartily despise the end aimed at; as I wish not either to change + my state, or better my fortunes; and as I am fully persuaded, that + happiness and riches are two things, and very seldom meet together. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Letter X. +</pre> + <p> + Yet I dread, I exceedingly dread, the conflicts I know I must encounter + with. It is possible, that I may be more unhappy from the due observation + of the good doctor's general precept, than were I to yield the point; + since what I call steadiness is deemed stubbornness, obstinacy, + prepossession, by those who have a right to put what interpretation they + please upon my conduct. + </p> + <p> + So, my dear, were we perfect (which no one can be) we could not be happy + in this life, unless those with whom we have to deal (those more + especially who have any controul upon us) were governed by the same + principles. But then does not the good Doctor's conclusion recur,—That + we have nothing to do, but to chuse what is right; to be steady in the + pursuit of it; and to leave the issue to Providence? + </p> + <p> + This, if you approve of my motives, (and if you don't, pray inform me) + must be my aim in the present case. + </p> + <p> + But what then can I plead for a palliation to myself of my mother's + sufferings on my account? Perhaps this consideration will carry some force + with it—That her difficulties cannot last long; only till this great + struggle shall be one way or other determined—Whereas my + unhappiness, if I comply, will (from an aversion not to be overcome) be + for life. To which let me add, That as I have reason to think that the + present measures are not entered upon with her own natural liking, she + will have the less pain, should they want the success which I think in my + heart they ought to want. + </p> + <p> + I have run a great length in a very little time. The subject touched me to + the quick. My reflections upon it will give you reason to expect from me a + perhaps too steady behaviour in a new conference, which, I find, I must + have with my mother. My father and brother, as she was pleased to tell me, + dine at my uncle Antony's; and that, as I have reason to believe, on + purpose to give an opportunity for it. + </p> + <p> + Hannah informs me, that she heard my father high and angry with my mother, + at taking leave of her: I suppose for being to favourable to me; for + Hannah heard her say, as in tears, 'Indeed, Mr. Harlowe, you greatly + distress me!—The poor girl does not deserve—' Hannah heard no + more, but that he said, he would break somebody's heart—Mine, I + suppose—Not my mother's, I hope. + </p> + <p> + As only my sister dines with my mother, I thought I should have been + commanded down: but she sent me up a plate from her table. I continued my + writing. I could not touch a morsel. I ordered Hannah however to eat of + it, that I might not be thought sullen. + </p> + <p> + Before I conclude this, I will see whether any thing offers from either of + my private correspondencies, that will make it proper to add to it; and + will take a turn in the wood-yard and garden for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + I am stopped. Hannah shall deposit this. She was ordered by my mother (who + asked where I was) to tell me, that she would come up and talk with me in + my own closet.—She is coming! Adieu, my dear. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SAT. AFTERNOON. + </h3> + <p> + The expected conference is over: but my difficulties are increased. This, + as my mother was pleased to tell me, being the last persuasory effort that + is to be attempted, I will be particular in the account of it as my head + and my heart will allow it to be. + </p> + <p> + I have made, said she, as she entered my room, a short as well as early + dinner, on purpose to confer with you: and I do assure you, that it will + be the last conference I shall either be permitted or inclined to hold + with you on the subject, if you should prove as refractory as it is + imagined you will prove by some, who are of opinion, that I have not the + weight with you which my indulgence deserves. But I hope you will convince + as well them as me of the contrary. + </p> + <p> + Your father both dines and sups at your uncle's, on purpose to give us + this opportunity; and, according to the report I shall make on his return, + (which I have promised shall be a very faithful one,) he will take his + measures with you. + </p> + <p> + I was offering to speak—Hear, Clarissa, what I have to tell you, + said she, before you speak, unless what you have to say will signify to me + your compliance—Say—Will it?—If it will, you may speak. + </p> + <p> + I was silent. + </p> + <p> + She looked with concern and anger upon me—No compliance, I find!—Such + a dutiful young creature hitherto!—Will you not, can you not, speak + as I would have you speak?—Then [rejecting me as it were with her + hand] continue silent.—I, no more than your father, will bear your + avowed contradiction. + </p> + <p> + She paused, with a look of expectation, as if she waited for my consenting + answer. + </p> + <p> + I was still silent; looking down; the tears in my eyes. + </p> + <p> + O thou determined girl!—But say—Speak out—Are you + resolved to stand in opposition to us all, in a point our hearts are set + upon? + </p> + <p> + May I, Madam, be permitted to expostulate?— + </p> + <p> + To what purpose expostulate with me, Clarissa? Your father is determined. + Have I not told you there is no receding; that the honour as well as the + interest of the family is concerned? Be ingenuous: you used to be so, even + occasionally against yourself:—Who at the long run must submit—all + of us to you; or you to all of us?—If you intend to yield at last if + you find you cannot conquer, yield now, and with a grace—for yield + you must, or be none of our child. + </p> + <p> + I wept. I knew not what to say; or rather how to express what I had to + say. + </p> + <p> + Take notice, that there are flaws in your grandfather's will: not a + shilling of that estate will be yours, if you do not yield. Your + grandfather left it to you, as a reward of your duty to him and to us—You + will justly forfeit it, if— + </p> + <p> + Permit me, good Madam, to say, that, if it were unjustly bequeathed me, I + ought not to wish to have it. But I hope Mr. Solmes will be apprised of + these flaws. + </p> + <p> + This is very pertly said, Clarissa: but reflect, that the forfeiture of + that estate, through your opposition, will be attended with the total loss + of your father's favour: and then how destitute must you be; how unable to + support yourself; and how many benevolent designs and good actions must + you give up! + </p> + <p> + I must accommodate myself, Madam, in the latter case, to my circumstance: + much only is required where much is given. It becomes me to be thankful + for what I have had. I have reason to bless you, Madam, and my good Mrs. + Norton, for bringing me up to be satisfied with little; with much less, I + will venture to say, than my father's indulgence annually confers upon me.—And + then I thought of the old Roman and his lentils. + </p> + <p> + What perverseness! said my mother.—But if you depend upon the favour + of either or both of your uncles, vain will be that dependence: they will + give you up, I do assure you, if your father does, and absolutely renounce + you. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry, Madam, that I have had so little merit as to have made no + deeper impressions of favour for me in their hearts: but I will love and + honour them as long as I live. + </p> + <p> + All this, Clarissa, makes your prepossession in a certain man's favour the + more evident. Indeed, your brother and sister cannot go any where, but + they hear of these prepossessions. + </p> + <p> + It is a great grief to me, Madam, to be made the subject of the public + talk: but I hope you will have the goodness to excuse me for observing, + that the authors of my disgrace within doors, the talkers of my + prepossession without, and the reporters of it from abroad, are originally + the same persons. + </p> + <p> + She severely chid me for this. + </p> + <p> + I received her rebukes in silence. + </p> + <p> + You are sullen, Clarissa: I see you are sullen.—And she walked about + the room in anger. Then turning to me—You can bear the imputation of + sullenness I see!—You have no concern to clear yourself of it. I was + afraid of telling you all I was enjoined to tell you, in case you were to + be unpersuadable: but I find that I had a greater opinion of your + delicacy, of your gentleness, than I needed to have—it cannot + discompose so steady, so inflexible a young creature, to be told, as I now + tell you, that the settlements are actually drawn; and that you will be + called down in a very few days to hear them read, and to sign them: for it + is impossible, if your heart be free, that you can make the least + objection to them; except it will be an objection with you, that they are + so much in your favour, and in the favour of all our family. + </p> + <p> + I was speechless, absolutely speechless. Although my heart was ready to + burst, yet could I neither weep nor speak. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry, said she, for your averseness to this match: [match she was + pleased to call it!] but there is no help. The honour and interest of the + family, as your aunt has told you, and as I have told you, are concerned; + and you must comply. + </p> + <p> + I was still speechless. + </p> + <p> + She folded the warm statue, as she was pleased to call me, in her arms; + and entreated me, for heaven's sake, to comply. + </p> + <p> + Speech and tears were lent me at the same time.—You have given me + life, Madam, said I, clasping my uplifted hands together, and falling on + one knee; a happy one, till now, has your goodness, and my papa's, made + it! O do not, do not, make all the remainder of it miserable! + </p> + <p> + Your father, replied she, is resolved not to see you, till he sees you as + obedient a child as you used to be. You have never been put to a test till + now, that deserved to be called a test. This is, this must be, my last + effort with you. Give me hope, my dear child: my peace is concerned: I + will compound with you but for hope: and yet your father will not be + satisfied without an implicit, and even a cheerful obedience—Give me + but hope, child! + </p> + <p> + To give you hope, my dearest, my most indulgent Mamma, is to give you + every thing. Can I be honest, if I give a hope that I cannot confirm? + </p> + <p> + She was very angry. She again called me perverse: she upbraided me with + regarding only my own prepossessions, and respecting not either her peace + of mind or my own duty:—'It is a grating thing, said she, for the + parents of a child, who delighted in her in all the time of her helpless + infancy, and throughout every stage of her childhood; and in every part of + her education to womanhood, because of the promises she gave of proving + the most grateful and dutiful of children; to find, just when the time + arrived which should crown their wishes, that child stand in the way of + her own happiness, and her parents' comfort,and, refusing an excellent + offer and noble settlements, give suspicions to her anxious friends, that + she would become the property of a vile rake and libertine, who (be the + occasion what it will) defies her family, and has actually embrued his + hands in her brother's blood. + </p> + <p> + 'I have had a very hard time of it, said she, between your father and you; + for, seeing your dislike, I have more than once pleaded for you: but all + to no purpose. I am only treated as a too fond mother, who, from motives + of a blamable indulgence, encourage a child to stand in opposition to a + father's will. I am charged with dividing the family into two parts; I and + my youngest daughter standing against my husband, his two brothers, my + son, my eldest daughter, and my sister Hervey. I have been told, that I + must be convinced of the fitness as well as advantage to the whole (your + brother and Mr. Lovelace out of the question) of carrying the contract + with Mr. Solmes, on which so many contracts depend, into execution. + </p> + <p> + 'Your father's heart, I tell you once more, is in it: he has declared, + that he had rather have no daughter in you, than one he cannot dispose of + for your own good: especially if you have owned, that your heart is free; + and as the general good of his whole family is to be promoted by your + obedience. He has pleaded, poor man! that his frequent gouty paroxysms + (every fit more threatening than the former) give him no extraordinary + prospects, either of worldly happiness, or of long days: and he hopes, + that you, who have been supposed to have contributed to the lengthening of + your grandfather's life, will not, by your disobedience, shorten your + father's.' + </p> + <p> + This was a most affecting plea, my dear. I wept in silence upon it. I + could not speak to it. And my mother proceeded: 'What therefore can be his + motives, Clary Harlowe, in the earnest desire he has to see this treaty + perfected, but the welfare and aggrandizement of his family; which already + having fortunes to become the highest condition, cannot but aspire to + greater distinctions? However slight such views as these may appear to + you, Clary, you know, that they are not slight ones to any other of the + family: and your father will be his own judge of what is and what is not + likely to promote the good of his children. Your abstractedness, child, + (affectation of abstractedness, some call it,) savours, let me tell you, + of greater particularity, than we aim to carry. Modesty and humility, + therefore, will oblige you rather to mistrust yourself of peculiarity, + than censure views which all the world pursues, as opportunity offers.' + </p> + <p> + I was still silent; and she proceeded—'It is owing to the good + opinion, Clary, which your father has of you, and of your prudence, duty, + and gratitude, that he engaged for your compliance, in your absence + (before you returned from Miss Howe); and that he built and finished + contracts upon it, which cannot be made void, or cancelled.' + </p> + <p> + But why then, thought I, did they receive me, on my return from Miss Howe, + with so much intimidating solemnity?—To be sure, my dear, this + argument, as well as the rest, was obtruded upon my mother. + </p> + <p> + She went on, 'Your father has declared, that your unexpected opposition, + [unexpected she was pleased to call it,] and Mr. Lovelace's continued + menaces and insults, more and more convince him, that a short day is + necessary in order to put an end to all that man's hopes, and to his own + apprehensions resulting from the disobedience of a child so favoured. He + has therefore actually ordered patterns of the richest silks to be sent + for from London—' + </p> + <p> + I started—I was out of breath—I gasped, at this frightful + precipitance—I was going to open with warmth against it. I knew + whose the happy expedient must be: female minds, I once heard my brother + say, that could but be brought to balance on the change of their state, + might easily be determined by the glare and splendour of the nuptial + preparations, and the pride of becoming the mistress of a family.—But + she was pleased to hurry on, that I might not have time to express my + disgusts at such a communication—to this effect: 'Your father + therefore, my Clary, cannot, either for your sake, or his own, labour + under a suspense so affecting to his repose. He has even thought fit to + acquaint me, on my pleading for you, that it becomes me, as I value my own + peace, [how harsh to such a wife!] and as I wish, that he does not suspect + that I secretly favour the address of a vile rake, (a character which all + the sex, he is pleased to say, virtuous and vicious, are but too fond of!) + to exert my authority over you: and that this I may the less scrupulously + do, as you have owned [the old string!] that your heart is free.' + </p> + <p> + Unworthy reflection in my mother's case, surely, this of our sex's valuing + a libertine; since she made choice of my father in preference to several + suitors of equal fortune, because they were of inferior reputation for + morals! + </p> + <p> + 'Your father, added she, at his going out, told me what he expected from + me, in case I found out that I had not the requisite influence upon you—It + was this—That I should directly separate myself from you, and leave + you singly to take the consequence of your double disobedience—I + therefore entreat you, my dear Clarissa, concluded she, and that in the + most earnest and condescending manner, to signify to your father, on his + return, your ready obedience; and this as well for my sake as your own.' + </p> + <p> + Affected by my mother's goodness to me, and by that part of her argument + which related to her own peace, and to the suspicions they had of her + secretly inclining to prefer the man so hated by them, to the man so much + my aversion, I could not but wish it were possible for me to obey, I + therefore paused, hesitated, considered, and was silent for some time. I + could see, that my mother hoped that the result of this hesitation would + be favourable to her arguments. But then recollecting, that all was owing + to the instigations of a brother and sister, wholly actuated by selfish + and envious views; that I had not deserved the treatment I had of late met + with; that my disgrace was already become the public talk; that the man + was Mr. Solmes; and that my aversion to him was too generally known, to + make my compliance either creditable to myself or to them: that it would + give my brother and sister a triumph over me, and over Mr. Lovelace, which + they would not fail to glory in; and which, although it concerned me but + little to regard on his account, yet might be attended with fatal + mischiefs—And then Mr. Solmes's disagreeable person; his still more + disagreeable manners; his low understanding—Understanding! the glory + of a man, so little to be dispensed with in the head and director of a + family, in order to preserve to him that respect which a good wife (and + that for the justification of her own choice) should pay him herself, and + wish every body to pay him.—And as Mr. Solmes's inferiority in this + respectable faculty of the human mind [I must be allowed to say this to + you, and no great self assumption neither] would proclaim to all future, + as well as to all present observers, what must have been my mean + inducement. All these reflections crowding upon my remembrance; I would, + Madam, said I, folding my hands, with an earnestness in which my whole + heart was engaged, bear the cruelest tortures, bear loss of limb, and even + of life, to give you peace. But this man, every moment I would, at you + command, think of him with favour, is the more my aversion. You cannot, + indeed you cannot, think, how my whole soul resists him!—And to talk + of contracts concluded upon; of patterns; of a short day!—Save me, + save me, O my dearest Mamma, save your child, from this heavy, from this + insupportable evil—! + </p> + <p> + Never was there a countenance that expressed so significantly, as my + mother's did, an anguish, which she struggled to hide, under an anger she + was compelled to assume—till the latter overcoming the former, she + turned from me with an uplifted eye, and stamping—Strange + perverseness! were the only words I heard of a sentence that she angrily + pronounced; and was going. I then, half-frantically I believe, laid hold + of her gown—Have patience with me, dearest Madam! said I—Do + not you renounce me totally!—If you must separate yourself from your + child, let it not be with absolute reprobation on your own part!—My + uncles may be hard-hearted—my father may be immovable—I may + suffer from my brother's ambition, and from my sister's envy!—But + let me not lose my Mamma's love; at least, her pity. + </p> + <p> + She turned to me with benigner rays—You have my love! You have my + pity! But, O my dearest girl—I have not yours. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, indeed, Madam, you have: and all my reverence, all my gratitude, + you have!—But in this one point—Cannot I be this once obliged?—Will + no expedient be accepted? Have I not made a very fair proposal as to Mr. + Lovelace? + </p> + <p> + I wish, for both our sakes, my dear unpersuadable girl, that the decision + of this point lay with me. But why, when you know it does not, why should + you thus perplex and urge me?—To renounce Mr. Lovelace is now but + half what is aimed at. Nor will any body else believe you in earnest in + the offer, if I would. While you remain single, Mr. Lovelace will have + hopes—and you, in the opinion of others, inclinations. + </p> + <p> + Permit me, dearest Madam, to say, that your goodness to me, your patience, + your peace, weigh more with me, than all the rest put together: for + although I am to be treated by my brother, and, through his instigations, + by my father, as a slave in this point, and not as a daughter, yet my mind + is not that of a slave. You have not brought me up to be mean. + </p> + <p> + So, Clary! you are already at defiance with your father! I have had too + much cause before to apprehend as much—What will this come to?—I, + and then my dear mamma sighed—I, am forced to put up with many + humours— + </p> + <p> + That you are, my ever-honoured Mamma, is my grief. And can it be thought, + that this very consideration, and the apprehension of what may result from + a much worse-tempered man, (a man who has not half the sense of my + father,) has not made an impression upon me, to the disadvantage of the + married life? Yet 'tis something of an alleviation, if one must bear undue + controul, to bear it from a man of sense. My father, I have heard you say, + Madam, was for years a very good-humoured gentleman—unobjectionable + in person and manners—but the man proposed to me— + </p> + <p> + Forbear reflecting upon your father: [Did I, my dear, in what I have + repeated, and I think they are the very words, reflect upon my father?] it + is not possible, I must say again, and again, were all men equally + indifferent to you, that you should be thus sturdy in your will. I am + tired out with your obstinacy—The most unpersuadable girl—You + forget, that I must separate myself from you, if you will not comply. You + do not remember that you father will take you up, where I leave you. Once + more, however, I will put it to you,—Are you determined to brave + your father's displeasure?—Are you determined to defy your uncles?—Do + you choose to break with us all, rather than encourage Mr. Solmes?—Rather + than give me hope? + </p> + <p> + Dreadful alternative—But is not my sincerity, is not the integrity + of my heart, concerned in the answer? May not my everlasting happiness be + the sacrifice? Will not the least shadow of the hope you just now demanded + from me, be driven into absolute and sudden certainty? Is it not sought to + ensnare, to entangle me in my own desire of obeying, if I could give + answers that might be construed into hope?—Forgive me, Madam: bear + with your child's boldness in such a cause as this!—Settlements + drawn!—Patterns sent for!—An early day!—Dear, dear + Madam, how can I give hope, and not intend to be this man's? + </p> + <p> + Ah, girl, never say your heart is free! You deceive yourself if you think + it is. + </p> + <p> + Thus to be driven [and I wrung my hands through impatience] by the + instigations of a designing, an ambitious brother, and by a sister, that— + </p> + <p> + How often, Clary, must I forbid your unsisterly reflections?—Does + not your father, do not your uncles, does not every body, patronize Mr. + Solmes? And let me tell you, ungrateful girl, and unmovable as ungrateful, + let me repeatedly tell you, that it is evident to me, that nothing but a + love unworthy of your prudence can make you a creature late so dutiful, + now so sturdy. You may guess what your father's first question on his + return will be. He must know, that I can do nothing with you. I have done + my part. Seek me, if your mind change before he comes back: you have yet a + little more time, as he stays supper. I will no more seek you, nor to you.—And + away she flung. + </p> + <p> + What could I do but weep? + </p> + <p> + I am extremely affected on my mother's account—more, I must needs + say, than on my own. And indeed, all things considered, and especially, + that the measure she is engaged in, is (as I dare say it is) against her + own judgment, she deserves more compassion than myself.—Excellent + woman! What pity, that meekness and condescension should not be attended + with the due rewards of those charming graces!—Yet had she not let + violent spirits (as I have elsewhere observed with no small regret) find + their power over hers, it could not have been thus. + </p> + <p> + But here, run away with my pen, I suffer my mother to be angry with me on + her own account. She hinted to me, indeed, that I must seek her, if my + mind changed; which is a condition that amounts to a prohibition of + attending her: but, as she left me in displeasure, will it not have a very + obstinate appearance, and look like a kind of renunciation of her + mediation in my favour, if I go not down before my father returns, to + supplicate her pity, and her kind report to him? + </p> + <p> + I will attend her. I had rather all the world should be angry with me than + my mamma! + </p> + <p> + Mean time, to clear my hands from papers of such a nature, Hannah shall + deposit this. If two or three letters reach you together, they will but + express from one period to another, the anxieties and difficulties which + the mind of your unhappy but ever affectionate friend labours under. + </p> + <p> + CL. H. <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXI + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SAT. NIGHT. + </h3> + <p> + I have been down. I am to be unlucky in all I do, I think, be my + intentions ever so good. I have made matters worse instead of better: as I + shall now tell you. + </p> + <p> + I found my mother and sister together in my sister's parlour. My mother, I + fear, by the glow of her fine face, (and as the browner, sullener glow in + her sister's confirmed,) had been expressing herself with warmth, against + her unhappier child: perhaps giving such an account of what had passed, as + should clear herself, and convince Bella, and, through her, my brother and + uncles, of the sincere pains she had taken with me. + </p> + <p> + I entered like a dejected criminal; and besought the favour of a private + audience. My mother's return, both looks and words, gave but too much + reason for my above surmise. + </p> + <p> + You have, said she [looking at me with a sternness that never sits well on + her sweet features] rather a requesting than a conceding countenance, + Clarissa Harlowe: if I am mistaken, tell me so; and I will withdraw with + you wherever you will.—Yet whether so, or not, you may say what you + have to say before your sister. + </p> + <p> + My mother, I thought, might have withdrawn with me, as she knows that I + have not a friend in my sister. + </p> + <p> + I come down, Madam, said I, to beg of you to forgive me for any thing you + may have taken amiss in what passed above respecting your honoured self; + and that you will be pleased to use your endeavours to soften my papa's + displeasure against me, on his return. + </p> + <p> + Such aggravating looks; such lifting up of hands and eyes; such a furrowed + forehead, in my sister! + </p> + <p> + My mother was angry enough without all that; and asked me to what purpose + I came down, if I were still so intractable. + </p> + <p> + She had hardly spoken the words, when Shorey came in to tell her, that Mr. + Solmes was in the hall, and desired admittance. + </p> + <p> + Ugly creature! What, at the close of day, quite dark, brought him hither?—But, + on second thoughts, I believe it was contrived, that he should be here at + supper, to know the result of the conference between my mother and me, and + that my father, on his return, might find us together. + </p> + <p> + I was hurrying away, but my mother commanded me (since I had come down + only, as she said, to mock her) not to stir; and at the same time see if I + could behave so to Mr. Solmes, as might encourage her to make the + favourable report to my father which I had besought her to make. + </p> + <p> + My sister triumphed. I was vexed to be so caught, and to have such an + angry and cutting rebuke given me, with an aspect much more like the + taunting sister than the indulgent mother, if I may presume to say so: for + she herself seemed to enjoy the surprise upon me. + </p> + <p> + The man stalked in. His usual walk is by pauses, as if (from the same + vacuity of thought which made Dryden's clown whistle) he was telling his + steps: and first paid his clumsy respects to my mother; then to my sister; + next to me, as if I was already his wife, and therefore to be last in his + notice; and sitting down by me, told us in general what weather it was. + Very cold he made it; but I was warm enough. Then addressing himself to + me: And how do you find it, Miss? was his question; and would have taken + my hand. + </p> + <p> + I withdrew it, I believe with disdain enough. My mother frowned. My sister + bit her lip. + </p> + <p> + I could not contain myself: I was never so bold in my life; for I went on + with my plea, as if Mr. Solmes had not been there. + </p> + <p> + My mother coloured, and looked at him, at my sister, and at me. My + sister's eyes were opener and bigger than ever I saw them before. + </p> + <p> + The man understood me. He hemmed, and removed from one chair to another. + </p> + <p> + I went on, supplicating for my mother's favourable report: Nothing but + invincible dislike, said I— + </p> + <p> + What would the girl be at, interrupted my mother? Why, Clary! Is this a + subject!—Is this!—Is this!—Is this a time—And + again she looked upon Mr. Solmes. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry, on reflection, that I put my mamma into so much confusion—To + be sure it was very saucy in me. + </p> + <p> + I beg pardon, Madam, said I. But my papa will soon return. And since I am + not permitted to withdraw, it is not necessary, I humbly presume, that Mr. + Solmes's presence should deprive me of this opportunity to implore your + favourable report; and at the same time, if he still visit on my account + [looking at him] to convince him, that it cannot possibly be to any + purpose— + </p> + <p> + Is the girl mad? said my mother, interrupting me. + </p> + <p> + My sister, with the affectation of a whisper to my mother—This is—This + is spite, Madam, [very spitefully she spoke the word,] because you + commanded her to stay. + </p> + <p> + I only looked at her, and turning to my mother, Permit me, Madam, said I, + to repeat my request. I have no brother, no sister!—If I ever lose + my mamma's favour, I am lost for ever! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Solmes removed to his first seat, and fell to gnawing the head of his + hazel; a carved head, almost as ugly as his own—I did not think the + man was so sensible. + </p> + <p> + My sister rose, with a face all over scarlet; and stepping to the table, + where lay a fan, she took it up, and, although Mr. Solmes had observed + that the weather was cold, fanned herself very violently. + </p> + <p> + My mother came to me, and angrily taking my hand, led me out of that + parlour into my own; which, you know, is next to it—Is not this + behaviour very bold, very provoking, think you, Clary? + </p> + <p> + I beg your pardon, Madam, if it has that appearance to you. But indeed, my + dear Mamma, there seem to be snares laying in wait for me. Too well I know + my brother's drift. With a good word he shall have my consent for all he + wishes to worm me out of—neither he, nor my sister, shall need to + take half this pains— + </p> + <p> + My mother was about to leave me in high displeasure. + </p> + <p> + I besought her to stay: One favour, but one favour, dearest Madam, said I, + give me leave to beg of you— + </p> + <p> + What would the girl? + </p> + <p> + I see how every thing is working about.—I never, never can think of + Mr. Solmes. My papa will be in tumults when he is told that I cannot. They + will judge of the tenderness of your heart to a poor child who seems + devoted by every one else, from the willingness you have already shewn to + hearken to my prayers. There will be endeavours used to confine me, and + keep me out of your presence, and out of the presence of every one who + used to love me [this, my dear Miss Howe, is threatened]. If this be + effected; if it be put out of my power to plead my own cause, and to + appeal to you, and to my uncle Harlowe, of whom only I have hope; then + will every ear be opened against me, and every tale encouraged—It + is, therefore, my humble request, that, added to the disgraceful + prohibitions I now suffer under, you will not, if you can help it, give + way to my being denied your ear. + </p> + <p> + Your listening Hannah has given you this intelligence, as she does many + others. + </p> + <p> + My Hannah, Madam, listens not—My Hannah— + </p> + <p> + No more in Hannah's behalf—Hannah is known to make mischief—Hannah + is known—But no more of that bold intermeddler—'Tis true your + father threatened to confine you to your chamber, if you complied not, in + order the more assuredly to deprive you of the opportunity of + corresponding with those who harden your heart against his will. He bid me + tell you so, when he went out, if I found you refractory. But I was loth + to deliver so harsh a declaration; being still in hope that you would come + down to us in a compliant temper. Hannah has overheard this, I suppose; + and has told you of it; as also, that he declared he would break your + heart, rather than you should break his. And I now assure you, that you + will be confined, and prohibited making teasing appeals to any of us: and + we shall see who is to submit, you to us, or every body to you. + </p> + <p> + Again I offered to clear Hannah, and to lay the latter part of the + intelligence to my sister's echo, Betty Barnes, who had boasted of it to + another servant: but I was again bid to be silent on that head. I should + soon find, my mother was pleased to say, that others could be as + determined as I was obstinate: and once for all would add, that since she + saw that I built upon her indulgence, and was indifferent about involving + her in contentions with my father, she would now assure me, that she was + as much determined against Mr. Lovelace, and for Mr. Solmes and the family + schemes, as any body; and would not refuse her consent to any measures + that should be thought necessary to reduce a stubborn child to her duty. + </p> + <p> + I was ready to sink. She was so good as to lend me her arm to support me. + </p> + <p> + And this, said I, is all I have to hope for from my Mamma? + </p> + <p> + It is. But, Clary, this one further opportunity I give you—Go in + again to Mr. Solmes, and behave discreetly to him; and let your father + find you together, upon civil terms at least. + </p> + <p> + My feet moved [of themselves, I think] farther from the parlour where he + was, and towards the stairs; and there I stopped and paused. + </p> + <p> + If, proceeded she, you are determined to stand in defiance of us all—then + indeed you may go up to your chamber (as you are ready to do)—And + God help you! + </p> + <p> + God help me, indeed! for I cannot give hope of what I cannot intend—But + let me have your prayers, my dear Mamma!—Those shall have mine, who + have brought me into all this distress. + </p> + <p> + I was moving to go up— + </p> + <p> + And will you go up, Clary? + </p> + <p> + I turned my face to her: my officious tears would needs plead for me: I + could not just then speak, and stood still. + </p> + <p> + Good girl, distress me not thus!—Dear, good girl, do not thus + distress me! holding out her hand; but standing still likewise. + </p> + <p> + What can I do, Madam?—What can I do? + </p> + <p> + Go in again, my child—Go in again, my dear child!—repeated + she; and let your father find you together. + </p> + <p> + What, Madam, to give him hope?—To give hope to Mr. Solmes? + </p> + <p> + Obstinate, perverse, undutiful Clarissa! with a rejecting hand, and angry + aspect; then take your own way, and go up!—But stir not down again, + I charge you, without leave, or till your father's pleasure be known + concerning you. + </p> + <p> + She flung away from me with high indignation: and I went up with a very + heavy heart; and feet as slow as my heart was heavy. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + My father is come home, and my brother with him. Late as it is, they are + all shut up together. Not a door opens; not a soul stirs. Hannah, as she + moves up and down, is shunned as a person infected. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + The angry assembly is broken up. My two uncles and my aunt Hervey are sent + for, it seems, to be here in the morning to breakfast. I shall then, I + suppose, know my doom. 'Tis past eleven, and I am ordered not to go to + bed. + </p> + <p> + TWELVE O'CLOCK. + </p> + <p> + This moment the keys of every thing are taken from me. It was proposed to + send for me down: but my father said, he could not bear to look upon me.—Strange + alteration in a few weeks!—Shorey was the messenger. The tears stood + in her eyes when she delivered her message. + </p> + <p> + You, my dear, are happy—May you always be so—and then I can + never be wholly miserable. Adieu, my beloved friend! + </p> + <p> + CL. HARLOWE. <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 5. + </h3> + <p> + Hannah has just brought me from the private place in the garden-wall, a + letter from Mr. Lovelace, deposited last night, signed also by Lord M. + </p> + <p> + He tells me in it, 'That Mr. Solmes makes it his boast, that he is to be + married in a few days to one of the shyest women in England: that my + brother explains his meaning: This shy creature, he says, is me; and he + assures every one, that his younger sister is very soon to be Mr. Solmes's + wife. He tells me of the patterns bespoken which my mother mentioned to + me.' + </p> + <p> + Not one thing escapes him that is done or said in this house. + </p> + <p> + 'My sister, he says, reports the same things; and that with such + particular aggravations of insult upon him, that he cannot but be + extremely piqued, as well at the manner, as from the occasion; and + expresses himself with great violence upon it. + </p> + <p> + 'He knows not, he says, what my relations' inducements can be to prefer + such a man as Solmes to him. If advantageous settlements be the motive, + Solmes shall not offer what he will refuse to comply with. + </p> + <p> + 'As to his estate and family; the first cannot be excepted against: and + for the second, he will not disgrace himself by a comparison so odious. He + appeals to Lord M. for the regularity of his life and manners ever since + he has made his addresses to me, or had hope of my favour.' + </p> + <p> + I suppose he would have his Lordship's signing to this letter to be taken + as a voucher for him. + </p> + <p> + 'He desires my leave (in company with my Lord), in a pacific manner, to + attend my father and uncles, in order to make proposals that must be + accepted, if they will see him, and hear what they are: and tells me, that + he will submit to any measures that I shall prescribe, in order to bring + about a reconciliation.' + </p> + <p> + He presumes to be very earnest with me, 'to give him a private meeting + some night, in my father's garden, attended by whom I please.' + </p> + <p> + Really, my dear, were you to see his letter, you would think I had given + him great encouragement, and that I am in direct treaty with him; or that + he is sure that my friends will drive me into a foreign protection; for he + has the boldness to offer, in my Lord's name, an asylum to me, should I be + tyrannically treated in Solmes's behalf. + </p> + <p> + I suppose it is the way of this sex to endeavour to entangle the + thoughtless of ours by bold supposals and offers, in hopes that we shall + be too complaisant or bashful to quarrel with them; and, if not checked, + to reckon upon our silence, as assents voluntarily given, or concessions + made in their favour. + </p> + <p> + There are other particulars in this letter which I ought to mention to + you: but I will take an opportunity to send you the letter itself, or a + copy of it. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I am very uneasy to think how I have been drawn on one + hand, and driven on the other, into a clandestine, in short, into a mere + loverlike correspondence, which my heart condemns. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to see, if I do not break it off, that Mr. Lovelace's + advantages, by reason of my unhappy situation, will every day increase, + and I shall be more and more entangled. Yet if I do put an end to it, + without making it a condition of being freed from Mr. Solmes's address—May + I, my dear, is it best to continue it a little longer, in order to + extricate myself out of the other difficulty, by giving up all thoughts of + Mr. Lovelace?—Whose advice can I now ask but yours. + </p> + <p> + All my relations are met. They are at breakfast together. Mr. Solmes is + expected. I am excessively uneasy. I must lay down my pen. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + They are all going to church together. Grievously disordered they appear + to be, as Hannah tells me. She believes something is resolved upon. + </p> + <p> + SUNDAY NOON. + </p> + <p> + What a cruel thing is suspense!—I will ask leave to go to church + this afternoon. I expect to be denied. But, if I do not ask, they may + allege, that my not going is owing to myself. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + I desired to speak with Shorey. Shorey came. I directed her to carry to my + mother my request for permission to go to church this afternoon. What + think you was the return? Tell her, that she must direct herself to her + brother for any favour she has to ask.—So, my dear, I am to be + delivered up to my brother! + </p> + <p> + I was resolved, however, to ask of him this favour. Accordingly, when they + sent me up my solitary dinner, I gave the messenger a billet, in which I + made it my humble request through him to my father, to be permitted to go + to church this afternoon. + </p> + <p> + This was the contemptuous answer: 'Tell her, that her request will be + taken into consideration to-morrow.' + </p> + <p> + Patience will be the fittest return I can make to such an insult. But this + method will not do with me; indeed it will not! And yet it is but the + beginning, I suppose, of what I am to expect from my brother, now I am + delivered up to him. + </p> + <p> + On recollection, I thought it best to renew my request. I did. The + following is a copy of what I wrote, and what follows that, of the answer + sent me. + </p> + <p> + SIR, + </p> + <p> + I know not what to make of the answer brought to my request of being + permitted to go to church this afternoon. If you designed to shew your + pleasantry by it, I hope that will continue; and then my request will be + granted. + </p> + <p> + You know, that I never absented myself, when well, and at home, till the + two last Sundays; when I was advised not to go. My present situation is + such, that I never more wanted the benefit of the public prayers. + </p> + <p> + I will solemnly engage only to go thither, and back again. + </p> + <p> + I hope it cannot be thought that I would do otherwise. + </p> + <p> + My dejection of spirits will give a too just excuse on the score of + indisposition for avoiding visits. Nor will I, but by distant civilities, + return the compliments of any of my acquaintances. My disgraces, if they + are to have an end, need not be proclaimed to the whole world. I ask this + favour, therefore, for my reputation's sake, that I may be able to hold up + my head in the neighbourhood, if I live to see an end of the unmerited + severities which seem to be designed for + </p> + <p> + Your unhappy sister, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE + </p> + <p> + For a girl to lay so much stress upon going to church, and yet resolve to + defy her parents, in an article of the greatest consequence to them, and + to the whole family, is an absurdity. You are recommended, Miss, to the + practice of your private devotions. May they be efficacious upon the mind + of one of the most pervicacious young creatures that ever was heard of! + The intention is, I tell you plainly, to mortify you into a sense of your + duty. The neighbours you are so solicitous to appear well with, already + know, that you defy that. So, Miss, if you have a real value for your + reputation, shew it as you ought. It is yet in your own power to establish + or impair it. + </p> + <p> + JA. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + Thus, my dear Miss Howe, has my brother got me into his snares; and I, + like a poor silly bird, the more I struggle, am the more entangled. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE MONDAY MORNING, MARCH 6. + </h3> + <p> + They are resolved to break my heart. My poor Hannah is discharged—disgracefully + discharged!—Thus it was. + </p> + <p> + Within half an hour after I had sent the poor girl down for my breakfast, + that bold creature Betty Barnes, my sister's confidant and servant, (if a + favourite maid and confidant can be deemed a servant,) came up. + </p> + <p> + What, Miss, will you please to have for breakfast? + </p> + <p> + I was surprised. What will I have for breakfast, Betty!—How!—What!—How + comes it!—Then I named Hannah. I could not tell what to say. + </p> + <p> + Don't be surprised, Miss:—but you'll see Hannah no more in this + house. + </p> + <p> + God forbid!—Is any harm come to Hannah?—What! What is the + matter with Hannah? + </p> + <p> + Why, Miss, the short and the long is this: Your papa and mamma think + Hannah has staid long enough in the house to do mischief; and so she is + ordered to troop [that was the confident creature's word]; and I am + directed to wait upon you in her stead. + </p> + <p> + I burst into tears. I have no service for you, Betty Barnes; none at all. + But where is Hannah? Cannot I speak with the poor girl? I owe her half a + year's wages. May I not see the honest creature, and pay her her wages? I + may never see her again perhaps; for they are resolved to break my heart. + </p> + <p> + And they think you are resolved to break theirs: so tit for tat, Miss. + </p> + <p> + Impertinent I called her; and asked her, if it were upon such confident + terms that her service was to begin. + </p> + <p> + I was so very earnest to see the poor maid, that (to oblige me, as she + said) she went down with my request. + </p> + <p> + The worthy creature was as earnest to see me; and the favour was granted + in presence of Shorey and Betty. + </p> + <p> + I thanked her, when she came up, for her past service to me. + </p> + <p> + Her heart was ready to break. And she began to vindicate her fidelity and + love; and disclaimed any mischief she had ever made. + </p> + <p> + I told her, that those who occasioned her being turned out of my service, + made no question of her integrity: that her dismission was intended for an + indignity to me: that I was very sorry to be obliged to part with her, and + hoped she would meet with as good a service. + </p> + <p> + Never, never, wringing her hands, should she meet with a mistress she + loved so well. And the poor creature ran on in my praises, and in + professions of love to me. + </p> + <p> + We are all apt, you know, my dear, to praise our benefactors, because they + are our benefactors; as if every body did right or wrong, as they obliged + or disobliged us. But this good creature deserved to be kindly treated; so + I could have no merit in favouring one whom it would have been ungrateful + not to distinguish. + </p> + <p> + I gave her a little linen, some laces, and other odd things; and instead + of four pounds which were due to her, ten guineas: and said, if ever I + were again allowed to be my own mistress, I would think of her in the + first place. + </p> + <p> + Betty enviously whispered Shorey upon it. + </p> + <p> + Hannah told me, before their faces, having no other opportunity, that she + had been examined about letters to me, and from me: and that she had given + her pockets to Miss Harlowe, who looked into them, and put her fingers in + her stays, to satisfy herself that she had not any. + </p> + <p> + She gave me an account of the number of my pheasants and bantams; and I + said, they should be my own care twice or thrice a day. + </p> + <p> + We wept over each other at parting. The girl prayed for all the family. + </p> + <p> + To have so good a servant so disgracefully dismissed, is very cruel: and I + could not help saying that these methods might break my heart, but not any + other way answer the end of the authors of my disgraces. + </p> + <p> + Betty, with a very saucy fleer, said to Shorey, There would be a trial of + skill about that she fancied. But I took no notice of it. If this wench + thinks that I have robbed her young mistress of a lover, as you say she + has given out, she may believe that it is some degree of merit in herself + to be impertinent to me. + </p> + <p> + Thus have I been forced to part with my faithful Hannah. If you can + command the good creature to a place worthy of her, pray do for my sake. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXIV + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE MONDAY, NEAR 12 O'CLOCK. + </h3> + <p> + The enclosed letter was just now delivered to me. My brother has carried + all his points. + </p> + <p> + I send you also the copy of my answer. No more at this time can I write—! + </p> + <p> + MONDAY, MAR. 6. MISS CLARY, + </p> + <p> + By command of your father and mother I write expressly to forbid you to + come into their presence, or into the garden when they are there: nor when + they are not there, but with Betty Banes to attend you; except by + particular license or command. + </p> + <p> + On their blessings, you are forbidden likewise to correspond with the vile + Lovelace; as it is well known you did by means of your sly Hannah. Whence + her sudden discharge. As was fit. + </p> + <p> + Neither are you to correspond with Miss Howe; who has given herself high + airs of late; and might possibly help on your correspondence with that + detested libertine. Nor, in short, with any body without leave. + </p> + <p> + You are not to enter into the presence of either of your uncles, without + their leave first obtained. It is a mercy to you, after such a behaviour + to your mother, that your father refuses to see you. + </p> + <p> + You are not to be seen in any apartment of the house you so lately + governed as you pleased, unless you are commanded down. + </p> + <p> + In short, you are strictly to confine yourself to your chamber, except now + and then, in Betty Barnes's sight (as aforesaid) you take a morning or + evening turn in the garden: and then you are to go directly, and without + stopping at any apartment in the way, up or down the back stairs, that the + sight of so perverse a young creature may not add to the pain you have + given every body. + </p> + <p> + The hourly threatenings of your fine fellow, as well as your own + unheard-of obstinacy, will account to you for all this. What a hand has + the best and most indulgent of mothers had with you, who so long pleaded + for you, and undertook for you; even when others, from the manner of your + setting out, despaired of moving you!—What must your perverseness + have been, that such a mother can give you up! She thinks it right so to + do: nor will take you to favour, unless you make the first steps, by a + compliance with your duty. + </p> + <p> + As for myself, whom perhaps you think hardly of [in very good company, if + you do, that is my sole consolation]; I have advised, that you may be + permitted to pursue your own inclinations, (some people need no greater + punishment than such a permission,) and not to have the house encumbered + by one who must give them the more pain for the necessity she has laid + them under of avoiding the sight of her, although in it. + </p> + <p> + If any thing I have written appear severe or harsh, it is still in your + power (but perhaps will not always be so) to remedy it; and that by a + single word. + </p> + <p> + Betty Barnes has orders to obey you in all points consistent with her duty + to those whom you owe it, as well as she. + </p> + <p> + JA. HARLOWE. TO JAMES HARLOWE, JUNIOR, ESQ. SIR, + </p> + <p> + I will only say, That you may congratulate yourself on having so far + succeeded in all your views, that you may report what you please of me, + and I can no more defend myself, than if I were dead. Yet one favour, + nevertheless, I will beg of you. It is this—That you will not + occasion more severities, more disgraces, that are necessary for carrying + into execution your further designs, whatever they be, against + </p> + <p> + Your unhappy sister, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXV + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE TUESDAY, MARCH 7. + </h3> + <p> + By my last deposit, you will see how I am driven, and what a poor prisoner + I am.—No regard had to my reputation. The whole matter is now before + you. Can such measures be supposed to soften?—But surely they can + only mean to try and frighten me into my brother's views!—All my + hope is, to be able to weather this point till my cousin Morden comes from + Florence; and he is soon expected: yet, if they are determined upon a + short day, I doubt he will not be here in time enough to save me. + </p> + <p> + It is plain by my brother's letter, that my mother has not spared me, in + the report she was pleased to make of the conference between herself and + me: yet she was pleased to hint to me, that my brother had views which she + would have had me try to disappoint. But indeed she had engaged to give a + faithful account of what was to pass between herself and me: and it was, + doubtless, much more eligible to give up a daughter, than to disoblige a + husband, and every other person of the family. + </p> + <p> + They think they have done every thing by turning away my poor Hannah: but + as long as the liberty of the garden, and my poultry-visits, are allowed + me, they will be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + I asked Mrs. Betty, if she had any orders to watch or attend me; or + whether I was to ask her leave whenever I should be disposed to walk in + the garden, or to go feed my bantams?—Lord bless her! what could I + mean by such a question! Yet she owned, that she had heard, that I was not + to go into the garden, when my father, mother, or uncles were there. + </p> + <p> + However, as it behoved me to be assured on this head, I went down + directly, and staid an hour, without question or impediment; and yet a + good part of the time, I walked under and in sight, as I may say, of my + brother's study window, where both he and my sister happened to be. And I + am sure they saw me, by the loud mirth they affected, by way of insult, as + I suppose. + </p> + <p> + So this part of my restraint was doubtless a stretch of the authority + given him. The enforcing of that may perhaps come next. But I hope not. + </p> + <p> + TUESDAY NIGHT. + </p> + <p> + Since I wrote the above, I ventured to send a letter by Shorey to my + mother. I desired her to give it into her own hand, when nobody was by. + </p> + <p> + I shall enclose a copy of it. You will see that I would have it thought, + that now Hannah is gone, I have no way to correspond out of the house. I + am far from thinking all I do right. I am afraid this is a little piece of + art, that is not so. But this is an afterthought. The letter went first. + </p> + <p> + HONOURED MADAM, + </p> + <p> + Having acknowledged to you, that I had received letters from Mr. Lovelace + full of resentment, and that I answered them purely to prevent further + mischief, and having shewn you copies of my answers, which you did not + disapprove of, although you thought fit, after you had read them, to + forbid me any further correspondence with him, I think it my duty to + acquaint you, that another letter from him has since come to my hand, in + which he is very earnest with me to permit him to wait on my papa, or you, + or my two uncles, in a pacific way, accompanied by Lord M.: on which I beg + your commands. + </p> + <p> + I own to you, Madam, that had not the prohibition been renewed, and had + not Hannah been so suddenly dismissed my service, I should have made the + less scruple to have written an answer, and to have commanded her to + convey it to him, with all speed, in order to dissuade him from these + visits, lest any thing should happen on the occasion that my heart aches + but to think of. + </p> + <p> + And here I cannot but express my grief, that I should have all the + punishment and all the blame, who, as I have reason to think, have + prevented great mischief, and have not been the occasion of any. For, + Madam, could I be supposed to govern the passions of either of the + gentlemen?—Over the one indeed I have had some little influence, + without giving him hitherto any reason to think he has fastened an + obligation upon me for it.—Over the other, Who, Madam, has any?—I + am grieved at heart, to be obliged to lay so great a blame at my brother's + door, although my reputation and my liberty are both to be sacrificed to + his resentment and ambition. May not, however, so deep a sufferer be + permitted to speak out? + </p> + <p> + This communication being as voluntarily made, as dutifully intended, I + humbly presume to hope, that I shall not be required to produce the letter + itself. I cannot either in honour or prudence do that, because of the + vehemence of his style; for having heard [not, I assure you, by my means, + or through Hannah's] of some part of the harsh treatment I have met with; + he thinks himself entitled to place it to his own account, by reason of + speeches thrown out by some of my relations, equally vehement. + </p> + <p> + If I do not answer him, he will be made desperate, and think himself + justified (thought I shall not think him so) in resenting the treatment he + complains of: if I do, and if, in compliment to me, he forbears to resent + what he thinks himself entitled to resent; be pleased, Madam, to consider + the obligation he will suppose he lays me under. + </p> + <p> + If I were as strongly prepossessed in his favour as is supposed, I should + not have wished this to be considered by you. And permit me, as a still + further proof that I am not prepossessed, to beg of you to consider, + Whether, upon the whole, the proposal I made, of declaring for the single + life (which I will religiously adhere to) is not the best way to get rid + of his pretensions with honour. To renounce him, and not be allowed to + aver, that I will never be the other man's, will make him conclude (driven + as I am driven) that I am determined in that other man's favour. + </p> + <p> + If this has not its due weight, my brother's strange schemes must be + tried, and I will resign myself to my destiny with all the acquiescence + that shall be granted to my prayers. And so leaving the whole to your own + wisdom, and whether you choose to consult my papa and uncles upon this + humble application, or not; or whether I shall be allowed to write an + answer to Mr. Lovelace, or not [and if allowed to do so, I beg your + direction by whom to send it]; I remain, + </p> + <p> + Honoured Madam, Your unhappy, but ever dutiful daughter, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + WEDNESDAY MORNING. + </p> + <p> + I have just received an answer to the enclosed letter. My mother, you will + observe, has ordered me to burn it: but, as you will have it in your + safekeeping, and nobody else will see it, her end will be equally + answered, as if it were burnt. It has neither date nor superscription. + </p> + <p> + CLARISSA, + </p> + <p> + Say not all the blame and all the punishment is yours. I am as much + blamed, and as much punished, as you are; yet am more innocent. When your + obstinacy is equal to any other person's passion, blame not your brother. + We judged right, that Hannah carried on your correspondencies. Now she is + gone, and you cannot write [we think you cannot] to Miss Howe, nor she to + you, without our knowledge, one cause of uneasiness and jealousy is over. + </p> + <p> + I had no dislike of Hannah. I did not tell her so; because somebody was + within hearing when she desired to pay her duty to me at going. I gave her + a caution, in a raised voice, To take care, wherever she went to live + next, if there were any young ladies, how she made parties, and assisted + in clandestine correspondencies. But I slid two guineas into her hand: nor + was I angry to hear that you were still more bountiful to her. So much for + Hannah. + </p> + <p> + I don't know what to write, about your answering that man of violence. + What can you think of it, that such a family as ours, should have such a + rod held over it?—For my part, I have not owned that I know you have + corresponded. By your last boldness to me [an astonishing one it was, to + pursue before Mr. Solmes the subject I was forced to break from + above-stairs!] you may, as far as I know, plead, that you had my + countenance for your correspondence with him; and so add to the uneasiness + between your father and me. You were once my comfort, Clarissa; you made + all my hardships tolerable:—But now!—However, nothing, it is + plain, can move you; and I will say no more on that head: for you are + under your father's discipline now; and he will neither be prescribed to, + nor entreated. + </p> + <p> + I should have been glad to see the letter you tell me of, as I saw the + rest. You say, both honour and prudence forbid you to shew it to me.—O + Clarissa! what think you of receiving letters that honour and prudence + forbid you to shew to a mother!—But it is not for me to see it, if + you would choose to shew it me. I will not be in your secret. I will not + know that you did correspond. And, as to an answer, take your own methods. + But let him know it will be the last you will write. And, if you do write, + I won't see it: so seal it up (if you do) and give it to Shorey; and she—Yet + do not think I give you license to write. + </p> + <p> + We will be upon no conditions with him, nor will you be allowed to be upon + any. Your father and uncles would have no patience were he to come. What + have you to do to oblige him with your refusal of Mr. Solmes?—Will + not that refusal be to give him hope? And while he has any, can we be easy + or free from his insults? Were even your brother in fault, as that fault + cannot be conquered, is a sister to carry on a correspondence that shall + endanger her brother? But your father has given his sanction to your + brother's dislikes, your uncles', and every body's!—No matter to + whom owing. + </p> + <p> + As to the rest, you have by your obstinacy put it out of my power to do + any thing for you. Your father takes it upon himself to be answerable for + all consequences. You must not therefore apply to me for favour. I shall + endeavour to be only an observer: Happy, if I could be an unconcerned one!—While + I had power, you would not let me use it as I would have used it. Your + aunt has been forced to engage not to interfere but by your father's + direction. You'll have severe trials. If you have any favour to hope for, + it must be from the mediation of your uncles. And yet, I believe, they are + equally determined: for they make it a principle, [alas! they never had + children!] that that child, who in marriage is not governed by her + parents, is to be given up as a lost creature! + </p> + <p> + I charge you, let not this letter be found. Burn it. There is too much of + the mother in it, to a daughter so unaccountably obstinate. + </p> + <p> + Write not another letter to me. I can do nothing for you. But you can do + every thing for yourself. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + Now, my dear, to proceed with my melancholy narrative. + </p> + <p> + After this letter, you will believe, that I could have very little hopes, + that an application directly to my father would stand me in any stead: but + I thought it became me to write, were it but to acquit myself to myself, + that I have left nothing unattempted that has the least likelihood to + restore me to his favour. Accordingly I wrote to the following effect: + </p> + <p> + I presume not, I say, to argue with my Papa; I only beg his mercy and + indulgence in this one point, on which depends my present, and perhaps my + future, happiness; and beseech him not to reprobate his child for an + aversion which it is not in her power to conquer. I beg, that I may not be + sacrificed to projects, and remote contingencies. I complain of the + disgraces I suffer in this banishment from his presence, and in being + confined to my chamber. In every thing but this one point, I promise + implicit duty and resignation to his will. I repeat my offers of a single + life; and appeal to him, whether I have ever given him cause to doubt my + word. I beg to be admitted to his, and to my mamma's, presence, and that + my conduct may be under their own eye: and this with the more earnestness, + as I have too much reason to believe that snares are laid for me; and + tauntings and revilings used on purpose to make a handle of my words + against me, when I am not permitted to speak in my own defence. I conclude + with hoping, that my brother's instigations may not rob an unhappy child + of her father. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + This is the answer, sent without superscription, and unsealed, although by + Betty Barnes, who delivered it with an air, as if she knew the contents. + </p> + <p> + WEDNESDAY. + </p> + <p> + I write, perverse girl; but with all the indignation that your + disobedience deserves. To desire to be forgiven a fault you own, and yet + resolve to persevere in, is a boldness, no more to be equaled, than passed + over. It is my authority you defy. Your reflections upon a brother, that + is an honour to us all, deserve my utmost resentment. I see how light all + relationship sits upon you. The cause I guess at, too. I cannot bear the + reflections that naturally arise from this consideration. Your behaviour + to your too-indulgent and too-fond mother——But, I have no + patience—Continue banished from my presence, undutiful as you are, + till you know how to conform to my will. Ingrateful creature! Your letter + but upbraid me for my past indulgence. Write no more to me, till you can + distinguish better; and till you are convinced of your duty to + </p> + <p> + A JUSTLY INCENSED FATHER. *** + </p> + <p> + This angry letter was accompanied by one from my mother, unsealed, and + unsuperscribed also. Those who take so much pains to confederate every one + against me, I make no doubt, obliged her to bear her testimony against the + poor girl. + </p> + <p> + My mother's letter being a repetition of some of the severe things that + passed between herself and me, of which I have already informed you, I + shall not need to give you the contents—only thus far, that she also + praises my brother, and blames me for my freedoms with him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE THURSDAY MORN., MARCH 9. + </h3> + <p> + I have another letter from Mr. Lovelace, although I had not answered his + former. + </p> + <p> + This man, somehow or other, knows every thing that passes in our family. + My confinement; Hanna's dismission; and more of the resentments and + resolutions of my father, uncles, and brother, than I can possibly know, + and almost as soon as the things happen, which he tells me of. He cannot + come at these intelligencies fairly. + </p> + <p> + He is excessively uneasy upon what he hears; and his expressions, both of + love to me, and resentment to them, are very fervent. He solicits me, 'To + engage my honour to him never to have Mr. Solmes.' + </p> + <p> + I think I may fairly promise him that I will not. + </p> + <p> + He begs, 'That I will not think he is endeavouring to make to himself a + merit at any man's expense, since he hopes to obtain my favour on the foot + of his own; nor that he seeks to intimidate me into a consideration for + him. But declares, that the treatment he meets with from my family is of + such a nature, that he is perpetually reproached for not resenting it; and + that as well by Lord M. and Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, as by all his + other friends: and if he must have no hope from me, he cannot answer for + what his despair will make him do.' + </p> + <p> + Indeed, he says, 'his relations, the ladies particularly, advise him to + have recourse to a legal remedy: But how, he asks, can a man of honour go + to law for verbal abuses given by people entitled to wear swords?' + </p> + <p> + You see, my dear, that my mother seems as apprehensive of mischief as + myself; and has indirectly offered to let Shorey carry my answer to the + letter he sent me before. + </p> + <p> + He is full of the favours of the ladies of his family to me: to whom, + nevertheless, I am personally a stranger; except, that I once saw Miss + Patty Montague at Mrs. Knolly's. + </p> + <p> + It is natural, I believe, for a person to be the more desirous of making + new friends, in proportion as she loses the favour of old ones. Yet had I + rather appear amiable in the eyes of my own relations, and in your eyes, + than in those of all the world besides—but these four ladies of his + family have such excellent characters, that one cannot but wish to be + thought well of by them. Cannot there be a way to find out, by Mrs. + Fortescue's means, or by Mr. Hickman, who has some knowledge of Lord M. + [covertly, however,] what their opinions are of the present situation of + things in our family; and of the little likelihood there is, that ever the + alliance once approved of by them, can take effect? + </p> + <p> + I cannot, for my own part, think so well of myself, as to imagine, that + they can wish their kinsman to persevere in his views with regard to me, + through such contempts and discouragements.—Not that it would + concern me, should they advise him to the contrary. By my Lord's signing + Mr. Lovelace's former letter; by Mr. Lovelace's assurances of the + continued favour of all his relations; and by the report of others; I seem + still to stand high in their favour. But, methinks, I should be glad to + have this confirmed to me, as from themselves, by the lips of an + indifferent person; and the rather, because of their fortunes and family; + and take it amiss (as they have reason) to be included by ours in the + contempt thrown upon their kinsman. + </p> + <p> + Curiosity at present is all my motive: nor will there ever, I hope, be a + stronger, notwithstanding your questionable throbs—even were the + merits of Mr. Lovelace much greater than they are. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + I have answered his letters. If he takes me at my word, I shall need to be + less solicitous for the opinions of his relations in my favour: and yet + one would be glad to be well thought of by the worthy. + </p> + <p> + This is the substance of my letter: + </p> + <p> + 'I express my surprise at his knowing (and so early) all that passes + here.' + </p> + <p> + I assure him, 'That were there not such a man in the world as himself, I + would not have Mr. Solmes.' + </p> + <p> + I tell him, 'That to return, as I understand he does, defiances for + defiances, to my relations, is far from being a proof with me, either of + his politeness, or of the consideration he pretends to have for me. + </p> + <p> + 'That the moment I hear he visits any of my friends without their consent, + I will make a resolution never to see him more, if I can help it.' + </p> + <p> + I apprize him, 'That I am connived at in sending this letter (although no + one has seen the contents) provided it shall be the last I will ever write + to him: that I had more than once told him, that the single life was my + choice; and this before Mr. Solmes was introduced as a visitor in our + family: that Mr. Wyerley, and other gentlemen, knew it to be my choice, + before himself was acquainted with any of us: that I had never been + induced to receive a line from him on the subject, but that I thought he + had not acted ungenerously by my brother; and yet had not been so + handsomely treated by my friends, as he might have expected: but that had + he even my friends on his side, I should have very great objections to + him, were I to get over my choice of a single life, so really preferable + to me as it is; and that I should have declared as much to him, had I not + regarded him as more than a common visiter. On all these accounts, I + desire, that the one more letter, which I will allow him to deposit in the + usual place, may be the very last; and that only, to acquaint me with his + acquiescence that it shall be so; at least till happier times.' + </p> + <p> + This last I put in that he may not be quite desperate. But, if he take me + at my word, I shall be rid of one of my tormentors. + </p> + <p> + I have promised to lay before you all his letters, and my answers: I + repeat that promise: and am the less solicitous, for that reason, to + amplify upon the contents of either. But I cannot too often express my + vexation, to be driven to such streights and difficulties, here at home, + as oblige me to answer letters, (from a man I had not absolutely intended + to encourage, and to whom I had really great objections,) filled as his + are with such warm protestations, and written to me with a spirit of + expectation. + </p> + <p> + For, my dear, you never knew so bold a supposer. As commentators find + beauties in an author, to which the author perhaps was a stranger; so he + sometimes compliments me in high strains of gratitude for favours, and for + a consideration, which I never designed him; insomuch that I am frequently + under a necessity of explaining away the attributed goodness to him, + which, if I shewed, I should have the less opinion of myself. + </p> + <p> + In short, my dear, like a restiff horse, (as I have heard described by + sportsmen,) he pains one's hands, and half disjoints one's arms, to rein + him in. And, when you see his letters, you must form no judgment upon + them, till you have read my answers. If you do, you will indeed think you + have cause to attribute self-deceit, and throbs, and glows, to your + friend: and yet, at other times, the contradictory nature complains, that + I shew him as little favour, and my friends as much inveteracy, as if, in + the rencontre betwixt my brother and him, he had been the aggressor; and + as if the catastrophe had been as fatal, as it might have been. + </p> + <p> + If he has a design by this conduct (sometimes complaining of my shyness, + at others exalting in my imaginary favours) to induce me at one time to + acquiesce with his compliments; at another to be more complaisant for his + complaints; and if the contradiction be not the effect of his inattention + and giddiness; I shall think him as deep and as artful (too probably, as + practised) a creature, as ever lived; and were I to be sure of it, should + hate him, if possible, worse than I do Solmes. + </p> + <p> + But enough for the present of a creature so very various. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXVII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE THURSDAY NIGHT, MARCH 9. + </h3> + <p> + I have not patience with any of the people you are with. I know not what + to advise you to do. How do you know that you are not punishable for being + the cause, though to your own loss, that the will of your grandfather is + not complied with?—Wills are sacred things, child. You see, that + they, even they, think so, who imagine they suffer by a will, through the + distinction paid you in it. + </p> + <p> + I allow of all your noble reasonings for what you did at the time: But, + since such a charming, such a generous instance of filial duty is to go + thus unrewarded, why should you not resume? + </p> + <p> + Your grandfather knew the family-failing. He knew what a noble spirit you + had to do good. He himself, perhaps, [excuse me, my dear,] had done too + little in his life-time; and therefore he put it in your power to make up + for the defects of the whole family. Were it to me, I would resume it. + Indeed I would. + </p> + <p> + You will say, you cannot do it, while you are with them. I don't know + that. Do you think they can use you worse than they do? And is it not your + right? And do they not make use of your own generosity to oppress you? + Your uncle Harlowe is one trustee; your cousin Morden is the other: insist + upon your right to your uncle; and write to your cousin Morden about it. + This, I dare say, will make them alter their behaviour to you. + </p> + <p> + Your insolent brother—what has he to do to controul you?—Were + it me [I wish it were for one month, and no more] I'd shew him the + difference. I would be in my own mansion, pursuing my charming schemes, + and making all around me happy. I would set up my own chariot. I would + visit them when they deserved it. But when my brother and sister gave + themselves airs, I would let them know, that I was their sister, and not + their servant: and, if that did not do, I would shut my gates against + them; and bid them go and be company for each other. + </p> + <p> + It must be confessed, however, that this brother and sister of yours, + judging as such narrow spirits will ever judge, have some reason for + treating you as they do. It must have long been a mortification to them + (set disappointed love on her side, and avarice on his, out of the + question) to be so much eclipsed by a younger sister. Such a sun in a + family, where there are none but faint twinklers, how could they bear it! + Why, my dear, they must look upon you as a prodigy among them: and + prodigies, you know, though they obtain our admiration, never attract our + love. The distance between you and them is immense. Their eyes ache to + look up at you. What shades does your full day of merit cast upon them! + Can you wonder, then, that they should embrace the first opportunity that + offered, to endeavour to bring you down to their level? + </p> + <p> + Depend upon it, my dear, you will have more of it, and more still, as you + bear it. + </p> + <p> + As to this odious Solmes, I wonder not at your aversion to him. It is + needless to say any thing to you, who have so sincere any antipathy to + him, to strengthen your dislike: Yet, who can resist her own talents? One + of mine, as I have heretofore said, is to give an ugly likeness. Shall I + indulge it?—I will. And the rather, as, in doing so, you will have + my opinion in justification of your aversion to him, and in approbation of + a steadiness that I ever admired, and must for ever approve of, in your + temper. + </p> + <p> + 'I was twice in this wretch's company. At one of the times your Lovelace + was there. I need not mention to you, who have such a pretty curiosity, + (though at present, only a curiosity, you know,) the unspeakable + difference. + </p> + <p> + 'Lovelace entertained the company in his lively gay way, and made every + body laugh at one of his stories. It was before this creature was thought + of for you. Solmes laughed too. It was, however, his laugh: for his first + three years, at least, I imagine, must have been one continual fit of + crying; and his muscles have never yet been able to recover a risible + tone. His very smile [you never saw him smile, I believe; never at least + gave him cause to smile] is so little natural to his features, that it + appears to him as hideous as the grin of a man in malice. + </p> + <p> + 'I took great notice of him, as I do of all the noble lords of the + creation, in their peculiarities; and was disgusted, nay, shocked at him, + even then. I was glad, I remember, on that particular occasion, to see his + strange features recovering their natural gloominess; though they did this + but slowly, as if the muscles which contributed to his distortions, had + turned upon rusty springs. + </p> + <p> + 'What a dreadful thing must even the love of such a husband be! For my + part, were I his wife! (But what have I done to myself, to make such a + supposition?) I should never have comfort but in his absence, or when I + was quarreling with him. A splenetic woman, who must have somebody to find + fault with, might indeed be brought to endure such a wretch: the sight of + him would always furnish out the occasion, and all her servants, for that + reason, and for that only, would have cause to blame their master. But how + grievous and apprehensive a thing it must be for his wife, had she the + least degree of delicacy, to catch herself in having done something to + oblige him? + </p> + <p> + 'So much for his person. As to the other half of him, he is said to be an + insinuating, creeping mortal to any body he hopes to be a gainer by: an + insolent, overbearing one, where he has no such views: And is not this the + genuine spirit of meanness? He is reported to be spiteful and malicious, + even to the whole family of any single person who has once disobliged him; + and to his own relations most of all. I am told, that they are none of + them such wretches as himself. This may be one reason why he is for + disinheriting them. + </p> + <p> + 'My Kitty, from one of his domestics, tells me, that his tenants hate him: + and that he never had a servant who spoke well of him. Vilely suspicious + of their wronging him (probably from the badness of his own heart) he is + always changing. + </p> + <p> + 'His pockets, they say, are continually crammed with keys: so that, when + he would treat a guest, (a friend he has not out of your family), he is + half as long puzzling which is which, as his niggardly treat might be + concluded in. And if it be wine, he always fetches it himself. Nor has he + much trouble in doing so; for he has very few visiters—only those, + whom business or necessity brings: for a gentleman who can help it, would + rather be benighted, than put up at his house.' + </p> + <p> + Yet this is the man they have found out (for considerations as sordid as + those he is governed by) for a husband, that is to say, for a lord and + master, for Miss Clarissa Harlowe! + </p> + <p> + But, perhaps, he may not be quite so miserable as he is represented. + Characters extremely good, or extremely bad, are seldom justly given. + Favour for a person will exalt the one, as disfavour will sink the other. + But your uncle Antony has told my mother, who objected to his + covetousness, that it was intended to tie him up, as he called it, to your + own terms; which would be with a hempen, rather than a matrimonial, cord, + I dare say. But, is not this a plain indication, that even his own + recommenders think him a mean creature; and that he must be articled with—perhaps + for necessaries? But enough, and too much, of such a wretch as this!—You + must not have him, my dear,—that I am clear in—though not so + clear, how you will be able to avoid it, except you assert the + independence to which your estate gives you a title. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + Here my mother broke in upon me. She wanted to see what I had written. I + was silly enough to read Solmes's character to her. + </p> + <p> + She owned, that the man was not the most desirable of men; and that he had + not the happiest appearance: But what, said she, is person in a man? And I + was chidden for setting you against complying with your father's will. + Then followed a lecture on the preference to be given in favour of a man + who took care to discharge all his obligations to the world, and to keep + all together, in opposition to a spendthrift or profligate. A fruitful + subject you know, whether any particular person be meant by it, or not. + </p> + <p> + Why will these wise parents, by saying too much against the persons they + dislike, put one upon defending them? Lovelace is not a spendthrift; owes + not obligations to the world; though, I doubt not, profligate enough. + Then, putting one upon doing such but common justice, we must needs be + prepossessed, truly!—And so perhaps we are put upon curiosities + first, that is to say, how such a one or his friends may think of one: and + then, but too probably, comes in a distinguishing preference, or something + that looks exceedingly like it. + </p> + <p> + My mother charged me at last, to write that side over again.—But + excuse me, my good Mamma! I would not have the character lost upon any + consideration; since my vein ran freely into it: and I never wrote to + please myself, but I pleased you. A very good reason why—we have but + one mind between us—only, that sometimes you are a little too grave, + methinks; I, no doubt, a little too flippant in your opinion. + </p> + <p> + This difference in our tempers, however, is probably the reason that we + love one another so well, that in the words of Norris, no third love can + come in betwixt. Since each, in the other's eye, having something amiss, + and each loving the other well enough to bear being told of it (and the + rather perhaps as neither wishes to mend it); this takes off a good deal + from that rivalry which might encourage a little (if not a great deal) of + that latent spleen, which in time might rise into envy, and that into + ill-will. So, my dear, if this be the case, let each keep her fault, and + much good may do her with it: and what an hero or heroine must he or she + be, who can conquer a constitutional fault? Let it be avarice, as in some + I dare not name: let it be gravity, as in my best friend: or let it be + flippancy, as in—I need not say whom. + </p> + <p> + It is proper to acquaint you, that I was obliged to comply with my + mother's curiosity, [my mother has her share, her full share, of + curiosity, my dear,] and to let her see here-and-there some passages in + your letters— + </p> + <p> + I am broken in upon—but I will tell you by-and-by what passed + between my mother and me on this occasion—and the rather, as she had + her GIRL, her favourite HICKMAN, and your LOVELACE, all at once in her + eye, in her part of the conversation. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was. + </p> + <p> + 'I cannot but think, Nancy, said she, after all, that there is a little + hardship in Miss Harlowe's case: and yet (as her mother says) it is a + grating thing to have a child, who was always noted for her duty in + smaller points, to stand in opposition to her parents' will in the + greater; yea, in the greatest of all. And now, to middle the matter + between both, it is pity, that the man they favour has not that sort of + merit which a person of a mind so delicate as that of Miss Harlowe might + reasonably expect in a husband.—But then, this man is surely + preferable to a libertine: to a libertine too, who has had a duel with her + own brother; fathers and mothers must think so, were it not for that + circumstance—and it is strange if they do not know best.' + </p> + <p> + And so they must, thought I, from their experience, if no little dirty + views give them also that prepossession in one man's favour, which they + are so apt to censure their daughters for having in another's—and + if, as I may add in your case, they have no creeping, old, musty uncle + Antonys to strengthen their prepossessions, as he does my mother's. Poor, + creeping, positive soul, what has such an old bachelor as he to do, to + prate about the duties of children to parents; unless he had a notion that + parents owe some to their children? But your mother, by her indolent + meekness, let me call it, has spoiled all the three brothers. + </p> + <p> + 'But you see, child, proceeded my mother, what a different behaviour MINE + is to YOU. I recommend to you one of the soberest, yet politest, men in + England—' + </p> + <p> + I think little of my mother's politest, my dear. She judges of honest + Hickman for her daughter, as she would have done, I suppose, twenty years + ago, for herself. + </p> + <p> + 'Of a good family, continued my mother; a fine, clear, and improving + estate [a prime consideration with my mother, as well as with some other + folks, whom you know]: and I beg and I pray you to encourage him: at least + not to use him the worse, for his being so obsequious to you.' + </p> + <p> + Yes, indeed! To use him kindly, that he may treat me familiarly—but + distance to the men-wretches is best—I say. + </p> + <p> + 'Yet all will hardly prevail upon you to do as I would have you. What + would you say, were I to treat you as Miss Harlowe's father and mother + treat her? + </p> + <p> + 'What would I say, Madam!—That's easily answered. I would say + nothing. Can you think such usage, and to such a young lady, is to be + borne? + </p> + <p> + 'Come, come, Nancy, be not so hasty: you have heard but one side; and that + there is more to be said is plain, by your reading to me but parts of her + letters. They are her parents. They must know best. Miss Harlowe, as fine + a child as she is, must have done something, must have said something, + (you know how they loved her,) to make them treat her thus. + </p> + <p> + 'But if she should be blameless, Madam, how does your own supposition + condemn them?' + </p> + <p> + Then came up Solmes's great estate; his good management of it—'A + little too NEAR indeed,' was the word!—[O how money-lovers, thought + I, will palliate! Yet my mother is a princess in spirit to this Solmes!] + 'What strange effects, added she, have prepossession and love upon young + ladies!' + </p> + <p> + I don't know how it is, my dear; but people take high delight in finding + out folks in love. Curiosity begets curiosity. I believe that's the thing. + </p> + <p> + She proceeded to praise Mr. Lovelace's person, and his qualifications + natural and acquired. But then she would judge as mothers will judge, and + as daughters are very loth to judge: but could say nothing in answer to + your offer of living single; and breaking with him—if—if—[three + or four if's she made of one good one, if] that could be depended on. + </p> + <p> + But still obedience without reserve, reason what I will, is the burden of + my mother's song: and this, for my sake, as well as for yours. + </p> + <p> + I must needs say, that I think duty to parents is a very meritorious + excellence. But I bless God I have not your trials. We can all be good + when we have no temptation nor provocation to the contrary: but few young + persons (who can help themselves too as you can) would bear what you bear. + </p> + <p> + I will now mention all that is upon my mind, in relation to the behaviour + of your father and uncles, and the rest of them, because I would not + offend you: but I have now a higher opinion of my own sagacity, than ever + I had, in that I could never cordially love any one of your family but + yourself. I am not born to like them. But it is my duty to be sincere to + my friend: and this will excuse her Anna Howe to Miss Clarissa Harlowe. + </p> + <p> + I ought indeed to have excepted your mother; a lady to be reverenced: and + now to be pitied. What must have been her treatment, to be thus + subjugated, as I may call it? Little did the good old viscount think, when + he married his darling, his only daughter, to so well-appearing a + gentleman, and to her own liking too, that she would have been so much + kept down. Another would call your father a tyrant, if I must not: all the + world that know him, do call him so; and if you love your mother, you + should not be very angry at the world for taking that liberty. + </p> + <p> + Yet, after all, I cannot help thinking, that she is the less to be pitied, + as she may be said (be the gout, or what will, the occasion of his + moroseness) to have long behaved unworthy of her birth and fine qualities, + in yielding so much as she yields to encroaching spirits [you may confine + the reflection to your brother, if it will pain you to extend it]; and + this for the sake of preserving a temporary peace to herself; which was + the less worth endeavouring to preserve, as it always produced a strength + in the will of others, which subjected her to an arbitrariness that of + course grew, and became established, upon her patience.—And now to + give up the most deserving of her children (against her judgment) a + sacrifice to the ambition and selfishness of the least deserving!—But + I fly from this subject—having I fear, said too much to be forgiven—and + yet much less than is in my heart to say upon the over-meek subject. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hickman is expected from London this evening. I have desired him to + inquire after Lovelace's life and conversation in town. If he has not + inquired, I shall be very angry with him. Don't expect a very good account + of either. He is certainly an intriguing wretch, and full of inventions. + </p> + <p> + Upon my word, I most heartily despise that sex! I wish they would let our + fathers and mothers alone; teasing them to tease us with their golden + promises, and protestations and settlements, and the rest of their + ostentatious nonsense. How charmingly might you and I live together, and + despise them all!—But to be cajoled, wire-drawn, and ensnared, like + silly birds, into a state of bondage, or vile subordination; to be courted + as princesses for a few weeks, in order to be treated as slaves for the + rest of our lives. Indeed, my dear, as you say of Solmes, I cannot endure + them!—But for your relations [friends no more will I call them, + unworthy as they are even of the other name!] to take such a wretch's + price as that; and to the cutting off of all reversions from his own + family:—How must a mind but commonly just resist such a measure! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hickman shall sound Lord M. upon the subject you recommend. But + beforehand, I can tell you what he and what his sisters will say, when + they are sounded. Who would not be proud of such a relation as Miss + Clarissa Harlowe?—Mrs. Fortescue told me, that they are all your + very great admirers. + </p> + <p> + If I have not been clear enough in my advice about what you shall do, let + me say, that I can give it in one word: it is only by re-urging you to + RESUME. If you do, all the rest will follow. + </p> + <p> + We are told here, that Mrs. Norton, as well as your aunt Hervey, has given + her opinion on the implicit side of the question. If she can think, that + the part she has had in your education, and your own admirable talents and + acquirements, are to be thrown away upon such a worthless creature as + Solmes, I could heartily quarrel with her. You may think I say this to + lessen your regard for the good woman. And perhaps not wholly without + cause, if you do. For, to own the truth, methinks, I don't love her so + well as I should do, did you love her so apparently less, that I could be + out of doubt, that you love me better. + </p> + <p> + Your mother tells you, 'That you will have great trials: that you are + under your father's discipline.'—The word is enough for me to + despise them who give occasion for its use.—'That it is out of her + power to help you!' And again: 'That if you have any favour to hope for, + it must be by the mediation of your uncles.' I suppose you will write to + the oddities, since you are forbid to see them. But can it be, that such a + lady, such a sister, such a wife, such a mother, has no influence in her + own family? Who, indeed, as you say, if this be so, would marry, that can + live single? My choler is again beginning to rise. RESUME, my dear: and + that is all I will give myself time to say further, lest I offend you when + I cannot serve you—only this, that I am + </p> + <p> + Your truly affectionate friend and servant, ANNA HOWE. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE FRIDAY, MARCH 10. + </h3> + <p> + You will permit me, my dear, to touch upon a few passages in your last + letter, that affect me sensibly. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, you must allow me to say, low as I am in spirits, that + I am very angry with you, for your reflections on my relations, + particularly on my father and mother, and on the memory of my grandfather. + Nor, my dear, does your own mother always escape the keen edge of your + vivacity. One cannot one's self forbear to write or speak freely of those + we love and honour, when grief from imagined hard treatment wrings the + heart: but it goes against one to hear any body else take the same + liberties. Then you have so very strong a manner of expression where you + take a distaste, that when passion has subdued, and I come (upon + reflection) to see by your severity what I have given occasion for, I + cannot help condemning myself. + </p> + <p> + But least of all can I bear that you should reflect upon my mother. What, + my dear, if her meekness should not be rewarded? Is the want of reward, or + the want even of a grateful acknowledgement, a reason for us to dispense + with what we think our duty? They were my father's lively spirits that + first made him an interest in her gentle bosom. They were the same spirits + turned inward, as I have heretofore observed,* that made him so impatient + when the cruel malady seized him. He always loved my mother: And would not + LOVE and PITY excusably, nay laudably, make a good wife (who was an hourly + witness of his pangs, when labouring under a paroxysm, and his paroxysms + becoming more and more frequent, as well as more and more severe) give up + her own will, her own likings, to oblige a husband, thus afflicted, whose + love for her was unquestionable?—And if so, was it not too natural + [human nature is not perfect, my dear] that the husband thus humoured by + the wife, should be unable to bear controul from any body else, much less + contradiction from his children? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Letter V. +</pre> + <p> + If then you would avoid my highest displeasure, you must spare my mother: + and, surely, you will allow me, with her, to pity, as well as to love and + honour my father. + </p> + <p> + I have no friend but you to whom I can appeal, to whom I dare complain. + Unhappily circumstanced as I am, it is but too probable that I shall + complain, because it is but too probably that I shall have more and more + cause given me for complaint. But be it your part, if I do, to sooth my + angry passions, and to soften my resentments; and this the rather, as you + know what an influence your advice has upon me; and as you must also know, + that the freedoms you take with my friends, can have no other tendency, + but to weaken the sense of my duty to them, without answering any good end + to myself. + </p> + <p> + I cannot help owning, however, that I am pleased to have you join with me + in opinion of the contempt which Mr. Solmes deserves from me. But yet, + permit me to say, that he is not quite so horrible a creature as you make + him: as to his person, I mean; for with regard to his mind, by all I have + heard, you have done him but justice: but you have such a talent at an + ugly likeness, and such a vivacity, that they sometimes carry you out of + verisimilitude. In short, my dear, I have known you, in more instances + than one, sit down resolved to write all that wit, rather than strict + justice, could suggest upon the given occasion. Perhaps it may be thought, + that I should say the less on this particular subject, because your + dislike of him arises from love to me: But should it not be our aim to + judge of ourselves, and of every thing that affects us, as we may + reasonably imagine other people would judge of us and of our actions? + </p> + <p> + As to the advice you give, to resume my estate, I am determined not to + litigate with my father, let what will be the consequence to myself. I may + give you, at another time, a more particular answer to your reasonings on + this subject: but, at present, will only observe, that it is in my + opinion, that Lovelace himself would hardly think me worth addressing, + were he to know this would be my resolution. These men, my dear, with all + their flatteries, look forward to the PERMANENT. Indeed, it is fit they + should. For love must be a very foolish thing to look back upon, when it + has brought persons born to affluence into indigence, and laid a generous + mind under obligation and dependence. + </p> + <p> + You very ingeniously account for the love we bear to one another, from the + difference in our tempers. I own, I should not have thought of that. There + may possibly be something in it: but whether there be or not, whenever I + am cool, and give myself time to reflect, I will love you the better for + the correction you give, be as severe as you will upon me. Spare me not, + therefore, my dear friend, whenever you think me in the least faulty. I + love your agreeable raillery: you know I always did: nor, however + over-serious you think me, did I ever think you flippant, as you harshly + call it. One of the first conditions of our mutual friendship was, each + should say or write to the other whatever was upon her mind, without any + offence to be taken: a condition, that is indeed indispensable in + friendship. + </p> + <p> + I knew your mother would be for implicit obedience in a child. I am sorry + my case is so circumstanced, that I cannot comply. It would be my duty to + do so, if I could. You are indeed very happy, that you have nothing but + your own agreeable, yet whimsical, humours to contend with, in the choice + she invites you to make of Mr. Hickman. How happy I should be, to be + treated with so much lenity!—I should blush to have my mother say, + that she begged and prayed me, and all in vain, to encourage a man so + unexceptionable as Mr. Hickman. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, my beloved Miss Howe, I am ashamed to have your mother say, with + ME in her view, 'What strange effects have prepossession and love upon + young creatures of our sex!' This touches me the more sensibly, because + you yourself, my dear, are so ready to persuade me into it. + </p> + <p> + I should be very blamable to endeavour to hide any the least bias upon my + mind, from you: and I cannot but say—that this man—this + Lovelace—is a man that might be liked well enough, if he bore such a + character as Mr. Hickman bears; and even if there were hopes of reclaiming + him. And further still I will acknowledge, that I believe it possible that + one might be driven, by violent measures, step by step, as it were, into + something that might be called—I don't know what to call it—a + conditional kind of liking, or so. But as to the word LOVE—justifiable + and charming as it is in some cases, (that is to say, in all the relative, + in all the social, and, what is still beyond both, in all our superior + duties, in which it may be properly called divine;) it has, methinks, in + the narrow, circumscribed, selfish, peculiar sense, in which you apply it + to me, (the man too so little to be approved of for his morals, if all + that report says of him be true,) no pretty sound with it. Treat me as + freely as you will in all other respects, I will love you, as I have said, + the better for your friendly freedom. But, methinks, I could be glad that + you would not let this imputation pass so glibly from your pen, or your + lips, as attributable to one of your own sex, whether I be the person or + not: since the other must have a double triumph, when a person of your + delicacy (armed with such contempts of them all, as you would have one + think) can give up a friend, with an exultation over her weakness, as a + silly, love-sick creature. + </p> + <p> + I could make some other observations upon the contents of your last two + letters; but my mind is not free enough at present. The occasion for the + above stuck with me; and I could not help taking the earliest notice of + them. + </p> + <p> + Having written to the end of my second sheet, I will close this letter, + and in my next, acquaint you with all that has happened here since my + last. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXIX + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SATURDAY, MARCH 11. + </h3> + <p> + I have had such taunting messages, and such repeated avowals of ill + offices, brought me from my brother and sister, if I do no comply with + their wills, (delivered, too, with provoking sauciness by Betty Barnes,) + that I have thought it proper, before I entered upon my intended address + to my uncles, in pursuance of the hint given me in my mother's letter, to + expostulate a little with them. But I have done it in such a manner, as + will give you (if you please to take it as you have done some parts of my + former letters) great advantage over me. In short, you will have more + cause than ever, to declare me far gone in love, if my reasons for the + change of my style in these letters, with regard to Mr. Lovelace, do not + engage your more favourable opinion.—For I have thought proper to + give them their own way: and, since they will have it, that I have a + preferable regard for Mr. Lovelace, I give them cause rather to confirm + their opinion than doubt it. + </p> + <p> + These are my reasons in brief, for the alteration of my style. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, they have grounded their principal argument for my + compliance with their will, upon my acknowledgement that my heart is free; + and so, supposing I give up no preferable person, my opposition has the + look of downright obstinacy in their eyes; and they argue, that at worst, + my aversion to Solmes is an aversion that may be easily surmounted, and + ought to be surmounted in duty to my father, and for the promotion of + family views. + </p> + <p> + Next, although they build upon this argument in order to silence me, they + seem not to believe me, but treat me as disgracefully, as if I were in + love with one of my father's footmen: so that my conditional willingness + to give up Mr. Lovelace has procured me no favour. + </p> + <p> + In the next place, I cannot but think, that my brother's antipathy to Mr. + Lovelace is far from being well grounded: the man's inordinate passion for + the sex is the crime that is always rung in my ears: and a very great one + it is: But, does my brother recriminate upon him thus in love to me?—No—his + whole behaviour shews me, that that is not his principal motive, and that + he thinks me rather in his way than otherwise. + </p> + <p> + It is then the call of justice, as I may say, to speak a little in favour + of a man, who, although provoked by my brother, did not do him all the + mischief he could have done him, and which my brother had endeavoured to + do him. It might not be amiss therefore, I thought, to alarm them a little + with apprehension, that the methods they are taking with me are the very + reverse of those they should take to answer the end they design by them. + And after all, what is the compliment I make Mr. Lovelace, if I allow it + to be thought that I do really prefer him to such a man as him they + terrify me with? Then, my Miss Howe [concluded I] accuses me of a tameness + which subject me to insults from my brother: I will keep that dear friend + in my eye; and for all these considerations, try what a little of her + spirit will do—sit it ever so awkwardly upon me. + </p> + <p> + In this way of thinking, I wrote to my brother and sister. This is my + letter to him. + </p> + <p> + TREATED as I am, and, in a great measure, if not wholly, by your + instigations, Brother, you must permit me to expostulate with you upon the + occasion. It is not my intention to displease you in what I am going to + write: and yet I must deal freely with you: the occasion calls for it. + </p> + <p> + And permit me, in the first place, to remind you, that I am your sister; + and not your servant; and that, therefore, the bitter revilings and + passionate language brought me from you, upon an occasion in which you + have no reason to prescribe to me, are neither worthy of my character to + bear, nor of yours to offer. + </p> + <p> + Put the case, that I were to marry the man you dislike: and that he were + not to make a polite or tender husband, Is that a reason for you to be an + unpolite and disobliging brother?—Why must you, Sir, anticipate my + misfortunes, were such a case to happen?—Let me tell you plainly, + that the man who could treat me as a wife, worse than you of late have + treated me as a sister, must be a barbarous man indeed. + </p> + <p> + Ask yourself, I pray you, Sir, if you would thus have treated your sister + Bella, had she thought fit to receive the addresses of the man so much + hated by you?—If not, let me caution you, my Brother, not to take + your measures by what you think will be borne, but rather by what ought to + be offered. + </p> + <p> + How would you take it, if you had a brother, who, in a like case, were to + act by you, as you do by me?—You cannot but remember what a laconic + answer you gave even to my father, who recommended to you Miss Nelly + D'Oily—You did not like her, were your words: and that was thought + sufficient. + </p> + <p> + You must needs think, that I cannot but know to whom to attribute my + disgraces, when I recollect my father's indulgence to me, permitting me to + decline several offers; and to whom, that a common cause is endeavoured to + be made, in favour of a man whose person and manners are more exceptional + than those of any of the gentlemen I have been permitted to refuse. + </p> + <p> + I offer not to compare the two men together: nor is there indeed the least + comparison to be made between them. All the difference to the one's + disadvantage, if I did, is but one point—of the greatest importance, + indeed—But to whom of most importance?—To myself, surely, were + I to encourage his application: of the least to you. Nevertheless, if you + do not, by your strange politics, unite that man and me as joint sufferers + in one cause, you shall find me as much resolved to renounce him, as I am + to refuse the other. I have made an overture to this purpose: I hope you + will not give me reason to confirm my apprehensions, that it will be owing + to you if it be not accepted. + </p> + <p> + It is a sad thing to have it to say, without being conscious of ever + having given you cause of offence, that I have in you a brother, but not a + friend. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps you will not condescend to enter into the reasons of your late and + present conduct with a foolish sister. But if politeness, if civility, be + not due to that character, and to my sex, justice is. + </p> + <p> + Let me take the liberty further to observe, that the principal end of a + young man's education at the university, is, to learn him to reason + justly, and to subdue the violence of his passions. I hope, Brother, that + you will not give room for any body who knows us both, to conclude, that + the toilette has taught the one more of the latter doctrine, than the + university has taught the other. I am truly sorry to have cause to say, + that I have heard it often remarked, that your uncontrouled passions are + not a credit to your liberal education. + </p> + <p> + I hope, Sir, that you will excuse the freedom I have taken with you: you + have given me too much reason for it, and you have taken much greater with + me, without reason:—so, if you are offended, ought to look at the + cause, and not at the effect:—then examining yourself, that cause + will cease, and there will not be any where a more accomplished gentleman + than my brother. + </p> + <p> + Sisterly affection, I do assure you, Sir, (unkindly as you have used me,) + and not the pertness which of late you have been so apt to impute to me, + is my motive in this hint. Let me invoke your returning kindness, my only + brother! And give me cause, I beseech you, to call you my compassionating + friend. For I am, and ever will be, + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate sister, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + This is my brother's answer. + </p> + <p> + TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE + </p> + <p> + I KNOW there will be no end of your impertinent scribble, if I don't write + to you. I write therefore: but, without entering into argument with such a + conceited and pert preacher and questioner, it is, to forbid you to plague + me with your quaint nonsense. I know not what wit in a woman is good for, + but to make her overvalue herself, and despise every other person. Yours, + Miss Pert, has set you above your duty, and above being taught or + prescribed to, either by parents, or any body else. But go on, Miss: your + mortification will be the greater; that's all, child. It shall, I assure + you, if I can make it so, so long as you prefer that villainous Lovelace, + (who is justly hated by all your family) to every body. We see by your + letter now (what we too justly suspected before), most evidently we see, + the hold he has got of your forward heart. But the stronger the hold, the + greater must be the force (and you shall have enough of that) to tear such + a miscreant from it. In me, notwithstanding your saucy lecturing, and your + saucy reflections before, you are sure of a friend, as well as of a + brother, if it be not your own fault. But if you will still think of such + a wretch as that Lovelace, never expect either friend or brother in + </p> + <p> + JA. HARLOWE. *** + </p> + <p> + I will now give you a copy of my letter to my sister; with her answer. + </p> + <p> + IN what, my dear Sister, have I offended you, that instead of endeavouring + to soften my father's anger against me, (as I am sure I should have done + for you, had my unhappy case been yours,) you should, in so hard-hearted a + manner, join to aggravate not only his displeasure, but my mother's + against me. Make but my case your own, my dear Bella; and suppose you were + commanded to marry Mr. Lovelace, (to whom you are believed to have such an + antipathy,) would you not think it a very grievous injunction?—Yet + cannot your dislike to Mr. Lovelace be greater than mine is to Mr. Solmes. + Nor are love and hatred voluntary passions. + </p> + <p> + My brother may perhaps think it a proof of a manly spirit, to shew himself + an utter stranger to the gentle passions. We have both heard him boast, + that he never loved with distinction: and, having predominating passions, + and checked in his first attempt, perhaps he never will. It is the less + wonder, then, raw from the college, so lately himself the tutored, that he + should set up for a tutor, a prescriber to our gentler sex, whose tastes + and manners are differently formed: for what, according to his account, + are colleges, but classes of tyrants, from the upper students over the + lower, and from them to the tutor?—That he, with such masculine + passions should endeavour to controul and bear down an unhappy sister, in + a case where his antipathy, and, give me leave to say, his ambition [once + you would have allowed the latter to be his fault] can be gratified by so + doing, may not be quite so much to be wondered at—but that a sister + should give up the cause of a sister, and join with him to set her father + and mother against her, in a case that might have been her own—indeed, + my Bella, this is not pretty in you. + </p> + <p> + There was a time that Mr. Lovelace was thought reclaimable, and when it + was far from being deemed a censurable view to hope to bring back to the + paths of virtue and honour, a man of his sense and understanding. I am far + from wishing to make the experiment: but nevertheless will say, that if I + have not a regard for him, the disgraceful methods taken to compel me to + receive the addresses of such a man as Mr. Solmes are enough to induce it. + </p> + <p> + Do you, my Sister, for one moment, lay aside all prejudice, and compare + the two men in their births, their educations, their persons, their + understandings, their manners, their air, and their whole deportments; and + in their fortunes too, taking in reversions; and then judge of both; yet, + as I have frequently offered, I will live single with all my heart, if + that will do. + </p> + <p> + I cannot thus live in displeasure and disgrace. I would, if I could, + oblige all my friends. But will it be just, will it be honest, to marry a + man I cannot endure? If I have not been used to oppose the will of my + father, but have always delighted to oblige and obey, judge of the + strength of my antipathy, by the painful opposition I am obliged to make, + and cannot help it. + </p> + <p> + Pity then, my dearest Bella, my sister, my friend, my companion, my + adviser, as you used to be when I was happy, and plead for + </p> + <p> + Your ever-affectionate, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + *** TO MISS CLARY HARLOWE + </p> + <p> + Let it be pretty or not pretty, in your wise opinion, I shall speak my + mind, I will assure you, both of you and your conduct in relation to this + detested Lovelace. You are a fond foolish girl with all your wisdom. Your + letter shews that enough in twenty places. And as to your cant of living + single, nobody will believe you. This is one of your fetches to avoid + complying with your duty, and the will of the most indulgent parents in + the world, as yours have been to you, I am sure—though now they see + themselves finely requited for it. + </p> + <p> + We all, indeed, once thought your temper soft and amiable: but why was it? + You never were contradicted before: you had always your own way. But no + sooner do you meet with opposition in your wishes to throw yourself away + upon a vile rake, but you shew what you are. You cannot love Mr. Solmes! + that's the pretence; but Sister, Sister, let me tell you, that is because + Lovelace has got into your fond heart:—a wretch hated, justly hated, + by us all; and who has dipped his hands in the blood of your brother: yet + him you would make our relation, would you? + </p> + <p> + I have no patience with you, but for putting the case of my liking such a + vile wretch as him. As to the encouragement you pretend he received + formerly from all our family, it was before we knew him to be so vile: and + the proofs that had such force upon us, ought to have had some upon you:—and + would, had you not been a foolish forward girl; as on this occasion every + body sees you are. + </p> + <p> + O how you run out in favour of the wretch!—His birth, his education, + his person, his understanding, his manners, his air, his fortune—reversions + too taken in to augment the surfeiting catalogue! What a fond string of + lovesick praises is here! And yet you would live single—Yes, I + warrant!—when so many imaginary perfections dance before your + dazzled eye!—But no more—I only desire, that you will not, + while you seem to have such an opinion of your wit, think every one else a + fool; and that you can at pleasure, by your whining flourishes, make us + all dance after your lead. + </p> + <p> + Write as often as you will, this shall be the last answer or notice you + shall have upon this subject from + </p> + <p> + ARABELLA HARLOWE. *** + </p> + <p> + I had in readiness a letter for each of my uncles; and meeting in the + garden a servant of my uncle Harlowe, I gave him to deliver according to + their respective directions. If I am to form a judgment by the answers I + have received from my brother and sister, as above, I must not, I doubt, + expect any good from those letters. But when I have tried every expedient, + I shall have the less to blame myself for, if any thing unhappy should + fall out. I will send you copies of both, when I shall see what notice + they will be thought worthy of, if of any. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXX + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SUNDAY NIGHT, MARCH 12. + </h3> + <p> + This man, this Lovelace, gives me great uneasiness. He is extremely bold + and rash. He was this afternoon at our church—in hopes to see me, I + suppose: and yet, if he had such hopes, his usual intelligence must have + failed him. + </p> + <p> + Shorey was at church; and a principal part of her observation was upon his + haughty and proud behaviour when he turned round in the pew where he sat + to our family-pew. My father and both my uncles were there; so were my + mother and sister. My brother happily was not.—They all came home in + disorder. Nor did the congregation mind any body but him; it being his + first appearance there since the unhappy rencounter. + </p> + <p> + What did the man come for, if he intended to look challenge and defiance, + as Shorey says he did, and as others, it seems, thought he did, as well as + she? Did he come for my sake; and, by behaving in such a manner to those + present of my family, imagine he was doing me either service or pleasure?—He + knows how they hate him: nor will he take pains, would pains do, to + obviate their hatred. + </p> + <p> + You and I, my dear, have often taken notice of his pride; and you have + rallied him upon it; and instead of exculpating himself, he has owned it: + and by owning it he has thought he has done enough. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I thought pride in his case an improper subject for + raillery.—People of birth and fortune to be proud, is so needless, + so mean a vice!—If they deserve respect, they will have it, without + requiring it. In other words, for persons to endeavour to gain respect by + a haughty behaviour, is to give a proof that they mistrust their own + merit: To make confession that they know that their actions will not + attract it.—Distinction or quality may be prided in by those to whom + distinction or quality is a new thing. And then the reflection and + contempt which such bring upon themselves by it, is a counter-balance. + </p> + <p> + Such added advantages, too, as this man has in his person and mien: + learned also, as they say he is: Such a man to be haughty, to be + imperious!—The lines of his own face at the same time condemning him—how + wholly inexcusable!—Proud of what? Not of doing well: the only + justifiable pride.—Proud of exterior advantages!—Must not one + be led by such a stop-short pride, as I may call it, in him or her who has + it, to mistrust the interior? Some people may indeed be afraid, that if + they did not assume, they would be trampled upon. A very narrow fear, + however, since they trample upon themselves, who can fear this. But this + man must be secure that humility would be an ornament to him. + </p> + <p> + He has talents indeed: but those talents and his personal advantages have + been snares to him. It is plain they have. And this shews, that, weighed + in an equal balance, he would be found greatly wanting. + </p> + <p> + Had my friends confided as they did at first, in that discretion which + they do not accuse me of being defective in, I dare say I should have + found him out: and then should have been as resolute to dismiss him, as I + was to dismiss others, and as I am never to have Mr. Solmes. O that they + did but know my heart!—It shall sooner burst, than voluntarily, + uncompelled, undriven, dictate a measure that shall cast a slur either + upon them, or upon my sex. + </p> + <p> + Excuse me, my dear friend, for these grave soliloquies, as I may call + them. How have I run from reflection to reflection!—But the occasion + is recent—They are all in commotion below upon it. + </p> + <p> + Shorey says, that Mr. Lovelace watched my mother's eye, and bowed to her: + and she returned the compliment. He always admired my mother. She would + not, I believe, have hated him, had she not been bid to hate him: and had + it not been for the rencounter between him and her only son. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Lewen was at church; and observing, as every one else did, the + disorder into which Mr. Lovelace's appearance* had put all our family, was + so good as to engage him in conversation, when the service was over, till + they were all gone to their coaches. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Letter XXXI, for Mr. Lovelace's account of his + behaviour and intentions in his appearance at church. +</pre> + <p> + My uncles had my letters in the morning. They, as well as my father, are + more and more incensed against me, it seems. Their answers, if they + vouchsafe to answer me, will demonstrate, I doubt not, the + unseasonableness of this rash man's presence at our church. + </p> + <p> + They are angry also, as I understand, with my mother, for returning his + compliment. What an enemy is hatred, even to the common forms of civility! + which, however, more distinguish the payer of a compliment, than the + receiver. But they all see, they say, that there is but one way to put an + end to his insults. So I shall suffer: And in what will the rash man have + benefited himself, or mended his prospects? + </p> + <p> + I am extremely apprehensive that this worse than ghost-like appearance of + his, bodes some still bolder step. If he come hither (and very desirous he + is of my leave to come) I am afraid there will be murder. To avoid that, + if there were no other way, I would most willingly be buried alive. + </p> + <p> + They are all in consultation—upon my letters, I suppose—so + they were in the morning; which occasioned my uncles to be at our church. + I will send you the copies of those letters, as I promised in my last, + when I see whether I can give you their answers with them. This letter is + all—I cannot tell what—the effect of apprehension and + displeasure at the man who has occasioned my apprehensions. Six lines + would have contained all that is in it to the purpose of my story. + </p> + <p> + CL. H. <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXI + </h2> + <h3> + MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ. MONDAY, MARCH 13. + </h3> + <p> + In vain dost thou* and thy compeers press me to go to town, while I am in + such an uncertainty as I am in at present with this proud beauty. All the + ground I have hitherto gained with her is entirely owing to her concern + for the safety of people whom I have reason to hate. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *These gentlemen affected what they called the Roman style + (to wit, the thee and the thou) in their letters: and it was + an agreed rule with them, to take in good part whatever + freedoms they treated each other with, if the passages were + written in that style. +</pre> + <p> + Write then, thou biddest me, if I will not come. That, indeed, I can do; + and as well without a subject, as with one. And what follows shall be a + proof of it. + </p> + <p> + The lady's malevolent brother has now, as I told thee at M. Hall, + introduced another man; the most unpromising in his person and qualities, + the most formidable in his offers, that has yet appeared. + </p> + <p> + This man has by his proposals captivated every soul of the Harlowes—Soul! + did I say—There is not a soul among them but my charmer's: and she, + withstanding them all, is actually confined, and otherwise maltreated by a + father the most gloomy and positive; at the instigation of a brother the + most arrogant and selfish. But thou knowest their characters; and I will + not therefore sully my paper with them. + </p> + <p> + But is it not a confounded thing to be in love with one, who is the + daughter, the sister, the niece, of a family, I must eternally despise? + And, the devil of it, that love increasing with her—what shall I + call it?—'Tis not scorn:—'Tis not pride:—'Tis not the + insolence of an adored beauty:—But 'tis to virtue, it seems, that my + difficulties are owin; and I pay for not being a sly sinner, an hypocrite; + for being regardless of my reputation; for permittin slander to open its + mouth against me. But is it necessary for such a one as I, who have been + used to carry all before me, upon my own terms—I, who never inspired + a fear, that had not a discernibly-predominant mixture of love in it, to + be a hypocrite?—Well says the poet: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He who seems virtuous does but act a part; + And shews not his own nature, but his art. +</pre> + <p> + Well, but it seems I must practise for this art, if it would succeed with + this truly-admirable creature; but why practise for it?—Cannot I + indeed reform?—I have but one vice;—Have I, Jack?—Thou + knowest my heart, if any man living does. As far as I know it myself, thou + knowest it. But 'tis a cursed deceiver; for it has many a time imposed + upon its master—Master, did I say? That I am not now; nor have I + been from the moment I beheld this angel of a woman. Prepared indeed as I + was by her character before I saw her: For what a mind must that be, + which, though not virtuous itself, admires not virtue in another?—My + visit to Arabella, owing to a mistake of the sister, into which, as thou + hast heard me say, I was led by the blundering uncle; who was to introduce + me (but lately come from abroad) to the divinity, as I thought; but, + instead of her, carried me to a mere mortal. And much difficulty had I, so + fond and forward my lady! to get off without forfeiting all with a family + I intended should give me a goddess. + </p> + <p> + I have boasted that I was once in love before:—and indeed I thought + I was. It was in my early manhood—with that quality jilt, whose + infidelity I have vowed to revenge upon as many of the sex as shall come + into my power. I believe, in different climes, I have already sacrificed + an hecatomb to my Nemesis, in pursuance of this vow. But upon recollecting + what I was then, and comparing it with what I find myself now, I cannot + say that I was ever in love before. + </p> + <p> + What was it then, dost thou ask me, since the disappointment had such + effects upon me, when I found myself jilted, that I was hardly kept in my + senses?—Why, I'll grant thee what, as near as I can remember; for it + was a great while ago:—It was—Egad, Jack, I can hardly tell + what it was—but a vehement aspiration after a novelty, I think. + Those confounded poets, with their terrenely-celestial descriptions, did + as much with me as the lady: they fired my imagination, and set me upon a + desire to become a goddess-maker. I must needs try my new-fledged pinions + in sonnet, elogy, and madrigal. I must have a Cynthia, a Stella, a + Sacharissa, as well as the best of them: darts and flames, and the devil + knows what, must I give to my cupid. I must create beauty, and place it + where nobody else could find it: and many a time have I been at a loss for + a subject, when my new-created goddess has been kinder than it was proper + for my plaintive sonnet that she should be. + </p> + <p> + Then I found I had a vanity of another sort in my passion: I found myself + well received among the women in general; and I thought it a pretty + lady-like tyranny [I was then very young, and very vain!] to single out + some one of the sex, to make half a score jealous. And I can tell thee, it + had its effect: for many an eye have I made to sparkle with rival + indignation: many a cheek glow; and even many a fan have I caused to be + snapped at a sister-beauty; accompanied with a reflection perhaps at being + seen alone with a wild young fellow who could not be in private with both + at once. + </p> + <p> + In short, Jack, it was more pride than love, as I now find it, that put me + upon making such a confounded rout about losing that noble varletess. I + thought she loved me at least as well as I believed I loved her: nay, I + had the vanity to suppose she could not help it. My friends were pleased + with my choice. They wanted me to be shackled: for early did they doubt my + morals, as to the sex. They saw, that the dancing, the singing, the + musical ladies were all fond of my company: For who [I am in a humour to + be vain, I think!]—for who danced, who sung, who touched the string, + whatever the instrument, with a better grace than thy friend? + </p> + <p> + I have no notion of playing the hypocrite so egregiously, as to pretend to + be blind to qualifications which every one sees and acknowledges. Such + praise-begetting hypocrisy! Such affectedly disclaimed attributes! Such + contemptible praise-traps!—But yet, shall my vanity extend only to + personals, such as the gracefulness of dress, my debonnaire, and my + assurance?—Self-taught, self-acquired, these!—For my parts, I + value not myself upon them. Thou wilt say, I have no cause.—Perhaps + not. But if I had any thing valuable as to intellectuals, those are not my + own; and to be proud of what a man is answerable for the abuse of, and has + no merit in the right use of, is to strut, like the jay, in borrowed + plumage. + </p> + <p> + But to return to my fair jilt. I could not bear, that a woman, who was the + first that had bound me in silken fetters [they were not iron ones, like + those I now wear] should prefer a coronet to me: and when the bird was + flown, I set more value upon it, that when I had it safe in my cage, and + could visit in when I pleased. + </p> + <p> + But now am I indeed in love. I can think of nothing, of nobody, but the + divine Clarissa Harlowe—Harlowe!—How that hated word sticks in + my throat—But I shall give her for it the name of Love.* + </p> + <p> + * Lovelace. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CLARISSA! O there's music in the name, + That, soft'ning me to infant tenderness, + Makes my heart spring like the first leaps of life! +</pre> + <p> + But couldst thou have believed that I, who think it possible for me to + favour as much as I can be favoured; that I, who for this charming + creature think of foregoing the life of honour for the life of shackles; + could adopt these over-tender lines of Otway? + </p> + <p> + I checked myself, and leaving the first three lines of the following of + Dryden to the family of whiners, find the workings of the passion in my + stormy soul better expressed by the three last: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Love various minds does variously inspire: + He stirs in gentle natures gentle fires; + Like that of incense on the alter laid. + + But raging flames tempestuous souls invade: + A fire which ev'ry windy passion blows; + With pride it mounts, and with revenge it glows. +</pre> + <p> + And with REVENGE it shall glow!—For, dost thou think, that if it + were not from the hope, that this stupid family are all combined to do my + work for me, I would bear their insults?—Is it possible to imagine, + that I would be braved as I am braved, threatened as I am threatened, by + those who are afraid to see me; and by this brutal brother, too, to whom I + gave a life; [a life, indeed, not worth my taking!] had I not a greater + pride in knowing that by means of his very spy upon me, I am playing him + off as I please; cooling or inflaming his violent passions as may best + suit my purposes; permitting so much to be revealed of my life and + actions, and intentions, as may give him such a confidence in his + double-faced agent, as shall enable me to dance his employer upon my own + wires? + </p> + <p> + This it is that makes my pride mount above my resentment. By this engine, + whose springs I am continually oiling, I play them all off. The busy old + tarpaulin uncle I make but my ambassador to Queen Anabella Howe, to engage + her (for example-sake to her princessly daughter) to join in their cause, + and to assert an authority they are resolved, right or wrong, (or I could + do nothing,) to maintain. + </p> + <p> + And what my motive, dost thou ask? No less than this, That my beloved + shall find no protection out of my family; for, if I know hers, fly she + must, or have the man she hates. This, therefore, if I take my measures + right, and my familiar fail me not, will secure her mine, in spite of them + all; in spite of her own inflexible heart: mine, without condition; + without reformation-promises; without the necessity of a siege of years, + perhaps; and to be even then, after wearing the guise of merit-doubting + hypocrisy, at an uncertainty, upon a probation unapproved of. Then shall I + have all the rascals and rascalesses of the family come creeping to me: I + prescribing to them; and bringing that sordidly imperious brother to kneel + at the footstool of my throne. + </p> + <p> + All my fear arises from the little hold I have in the heart of this + charming frost-piece: such a constant glow upon her lovely features: eyes + so sparkling: limbs so divinely turned: health so florid: youth so + blooming: air so animated—to have an heart so impenetrable: and I, + the hitherto successful Lovelace, the addresser—How can it be? Yet + there are people, and I have talked with some of them, who remember that + she was born. Her nurse Norton boasts of her maternal offices in her + earliest infancy; and in her education gradatim. So there is full proof, + that she came not from above all at once an angel! How then can she be so + impenetrable? + </p> + <p> + But here's her mistake; nor will she be cured of it—She takes the + man she calls her father [her mother had been faultless, had she not been + her father's wife]; she takes the men she calls her uncles; the fellow she + calls her brother; and the poor contemptible she calls her sister; to be + her father, to be her uncles, her brother, her sister; and that, as such, + she owes to some of them reverence, to others respect, let them treat her + ever so cruelly!—Sordid ties!—Mere cradle prejudices!—For + had they not been imposed upon her by Nature, when she was in a perverse + humour, or could she have chosen her relations, would any of these have + been among them? + </p> + <p> + How my heart rises at her preference of them to me, when she is convinced + of their injustice to me! Convinced, that the alliance would do honour to + them all—herself excepted; to whom every one owes honour; and from + whom the most princely family might receive it. But how much more will my + heart rise with indignation against her, if I find she hesitates but one + moment (however persecuted) about preferring me to the man she avowedly + hates! But she cannot surely be so mean as to purchase her peace with them + at so dear a rate. She cannot give a sanction to projects formed in + malice, and founded in a selfishness (and that at her own expense) which + she has spirit enough to despise in others; and ought to disavow, that we + may not think her a Harlowe. + </p> + <p> + By this incoherent ramble thou wilt gather, that I am not likely to come + up in haste; since I must endeavour first to obtain some assurance from + the beloved of my soul, that I shall not be sacrificed to such a wretch as + Solmes! Woe be to the fair one, if ever she be driven into my power (for I + despair of a voluntary impulse in my favour) and I find a difficulty in + obtaining this security. + </p> + <p> + That her indifference to me is not owing to the superior liking she has + for any other, is what rivets my chains. But take care, fair one; take + care, O thou most exalted of female minds, and loveliest of persons, how + thou debasest thyself by encouraging such a competition as thy sordid + relations have set on foot in mere malice to me!—Thou wilt say I + rave. And so I do: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Perdition catch my soul, but I do love her. +</pre> + <p> + Else, could I hear the perpetual revilings of her implacable family?—Else, + could I basely creep about—not her proud father's house—but + his paddock and garden walls?—Yet (a quarter of a mile distance + between us) not hoping to behold the least glimpse of her shadow?—Else, + should I think myself repaid, amply repaid, if the fourth, fifth, or sixth + midnight stroll, through unfrequented paths, and over briery enclosures, + affords me a few cold lines; the even expected purport only to let me + know, that she values the most worthless person of her very worthless + family, more than she values me; and that she would not write at all, but + to induce me to bear insults, which unman me to bear?—My lodging in + the intermediate way at a wretched alehouse; disguised like an inmate of + it: accommodations equally vile, as those I met with in my Westphalian + journey. 'Tis well, that the necessity for all this arise not from scorn + and tyranny! but is first imposed upon herself! + </p> + <p> + But was ever hero in romance (fighting with giants and dragons excepted) + called upon to harder trials?—Fortune and family, and reversionary + grandeur on my side! Such a wretched fellow my competitor!—Must I + not be deplorably in love, that can go through these difficulties, + encounter these contempts?—By my soul, I am half ashamed of myself: + I, who am perjured too, by priority of obligation, if I am faithful to any + woman in the world? + </p> + <p> + And yet, why say I, I am half ashamed?—Is it not a glory to love her + whom every one who sees her either loves, or reveres, or both? Dryden + says, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The cause of love can never be assign'd: + 'Tis in no face;—but in the lover's mind. +—And Cowley thus addresses beauty as a mere imaginary: + + Beauty! thou wild fantastic ape, + Who dost in ev'ry country change thy shape: + Here black; there brown; here tawny; and there white! + Thou flatt'rer, who comply'st with ev'ry sight! + Who hast no certain what, nor where. +</pre> + <p> + But both these, had they been her contemporaries, and known her, would + have confessed themselves mistaken: and, taking together person, mind, and + behaviour, would have acknowledged the justice of the universal voice in + her favour. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Full many a lady + I've ey'd with best regard; and many a time + Th' harmony of their tongues hath into bondage + Brought my too-diligent ear. For sev'ral virtues + Have I liked several women. Never any + With so full a soul, but some defect in her + Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ow'd, + And put it to the foil. But SHE!—O SHE! + So perfect and so peerless is created, + Of ev'ry creature's best. + + SHAKESP. +</pre> + <p> + Thou art curious to know, if I have not started a new game? If it be + possible for so universal a lover to be confined so long to one object?—Thou + knowest nothing of this charming creature, that thou canst put such + questions to me; or thinkest thou knowest me better than thou dost. All + that's excellent in her sex is this lady!—Until by MATRIMONIAL or + EQUAL intimacies, I have found her less than angel, it is impossible to + think of any other. Then there are so many stimulatives to such a spirit + as mine in this affair, besides love: such a field of stratagem and + contrivance, which thou knowest to be the delight of my heart. Then the + rewarding end of all!—To carry off such a girl as this, in spite of + all her watchful and implacable friends; and in spite of a prudence and + reserve that I never met with in any of the sex;—what a triumph!—What + a triumph over the whole sex!—And then such a revenge to gratify; + which is only at present politically reined in, eventually to break forth + with greater fury—Is it possible, thinkest thou, that there can be + room for a thought that is not of her, and devoted to her? + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + By the devices I have this moment received, I have reason to think, that I + shall have occasion for thee here. Hold thyself in readiness to come down + upon the first summons. + </p> + <p> + Let Belton, and Mowbray, and Tourville, likewise prepare themselves. I + have a great mind to contrive a method to send James Harlowe to travel for + improvement. Never was there a booby 'squire that more wanted it. Contrive + it, did I say? I have already contrived it; could I but put it in + execution without being suspected to have a hand in it. This I am resolved + upon; if I have not his sister, I will have him. + </p> + <p> + But be this as it may, there is a present likelihood of room for glorious + mischief. A confederacy had been for some time formed against me; but the + uncles and the nephew are now to be double-servanted [single-servanted + they were before]; and those servants are to be double armed when they + attend their masters abroad. This indicates their resolute enmity to me, + and as resolute favour to Solmes. + </p> + <p> + The reinforced orders for this hostile apparatus are owing it seems to a + visit I made yesterday to their church.—A good place I thought to + begin a reconciliation in; supposing the heads of the family to be + christians, and that they meant something by their prayers. My hopes were + to have an invitation (or, at least, to gain a pretence) to accompany home + the gloomy sire; and so get an opportunity to see my goddess: for I + believed they durst not but be civil to me, at least. But they were filled + with terror it seems at my entrance; a terror they could not get over. I + saw it indeed in their countenances; and that they all expected something + extraordinary to follow.—And so it should have done, had I been more + sure than I am of their daughter's favour. Yet not a hair of any of their + stupid heads do I intend to hurt. + </p> + <p> + You shall all have your directions in writing, if there be occasion. But + after all, I dare say there will be no need but to shew your faces in my + company. + </p> + <p> + Such faces never could four men shew—Mowbray's so fierce and so + fighting: Belton's so pert and so pimply: Tourville's so fair and so + foppish: thine so rough and so resolute: and I your leader!—What + hearts, although meditating hostility, must those be which we shall not + appall?—Each man occasionally attended by a servant or two, long ago + chosen for qualities resembling those of his master. + </p> + <p> + Thus, Jack, as thou desirest, have I written.—Written upon + something; upon nothing; upon REVENGE, which I love; upon LOVE, which I + hate, heartily hate, because 'tis my master: and upon the devil knows what + besides: for looking back, I am amazed at the length of it. Thou mayest + read it: I would not for a king's ransom. But so as I do but write, thou + sayest thou wilt be pleased. + </p> + <p> + Be pleased then. I command thee to be pleased: if not for the writer's or + written sake, for thy word's sake. And so in the royal style (for am I not + likely to be thy king and thy emperor in the great affair before us?) I + bid thee very heartily + </p> + <p> + Farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE TUESDAY, MARCH 14. + </h3> + <p> + I now send you copies of my letters to my uncles: with their answers. Be + pleased to return the latter by the first deposit. I leave them for you to + make remarks upon. I shall make none. + </p> + <p> + TO JOHN HARLOWE, ESQ. SAT. MARCH 11. + </p> + <p> + Allow me, my honoured second Papa, as in my happy days you taught me to + call you, to implore your interest with my Papa, to engage him to dispense + with a command, which, if insisted upon, will deprive me of my free-will, + and make me miserable for my whole life. + </p> + <p> + For my whole life! let me repeat: Is that a small point, my dear Uncle, to + give up? Am not I to live with the man? Is any body else? Shall I not + therefore be allowed to judge for myself, whether I can, or cannot, live + happily with him? + </p> + <p> + Should it be ever so unhappily, will it be prudence to complain or appeal? + If it were, to whom could I appeal with effect against a husband? And + would not the invincible and avowed dislike I have for him at setting out, + seem to justify any ill usage from him, in that state, were I to be ever + so observant of him? And if I were to be at all observant of him, it must + be from fear, not love. + </p> + <p> + Once more, let me repeat, That this is not a small point to give up: and + that it is for life. Why, I pray you, good Sir, should I be made miserable + for life? Why should I be deprived of all comfort, but that which the hope + that it would be a very short one, would afford me? + </p> + <p> + Marriage is a very solemn engagement, enough to make a young creature's + heart ache, with the best prospects, when she thinks seriously of it!—To + be given up to a strange man; to be engrafted into a strange family; to + give up her very name, as a mark of her becoming his absolute and + dependent property; to be obliged to prefer this strange man to father, + mother—to every body:—and his humours to all her own—or + to contend, perhaps, in breach of avowed duty, for every innocent instance + of free-will. To go no where; to make acquaintance; to give up + acquaintance; to renounce even the strictest friendships, perhaps; all at + his pleasure, whether she thinks it reasonable to do so or not. Surely, + Sir, a young creature ought not to be obliged to make all these sacrifices + but for such a man as she can love. If she be, how sad must be the case! + How miserable the life, if it can be called life! + </p> + <p> + I wish I could obey you all. What a pleasure would it be to me, if I + could!—Marry first, and love will come after, was said by one of my + dearest friends! But this is a shocking assertion. A thousand thing may + happen to make that state but barely tolerable, where it is entered into + with mutual affections: What must it then be, where the husband can have + no confidence in the love of his wife: but has reason rather to question + it, from the preference he himself believes she would have given to + somebody else, had she had her own option? What doubts, what jealousies, + what want of tenderness, what unfavourable prepossessions, will there be, + in a matrimony thus circumstanced! How will every look, every action, even + the most innocent, be liable to misconstruction!—While, on the other + hand, an indifference, a carelessness to oblige, may take place; and fear + only can constrain even an appearance of what ought to be the effect of + undisguised love! + </p> + <p> + Think seriously of these things, dear, good Sir, and represent them to my + father in that strong light which the subject will bear; but in which my + sex, and my tender years and inexperience, will not permit me to paint it; + and use your powerful interest, that your poor niece may not be consigned + to a misery so durable. + </p> + <p> + I offered to engage not to marry at all, if that condition may be + accepted. What a disgrace is it to me to be thus sequestered from company, + thus banished my papa's and mamma's presence; thus slighted and deserted + by you, Sir, and my other kind uncle! And to be hindered from attending at + that public worship, which, were I out of the way of my duty, would be + most likely to reduce me into the right path again!—Is this the way, + Sir; can this be thought to be the way to be taken with a free and open + spirit? May not this strange method rather harden than convince? I cannot + bear to live in disgrace thus. The very servants so lately permitted to be + under my own direction, hardly daring to speak to me; my own servant + discarded with high marks of undeserved suspicion and displeasure, and my + sister's maid set over me. + </p> + <p> + The matter may be too far pushed.—Indeed it may.—And then, + perhaps, every one will be sorry for their parts in it. + </p> + <p> + May I be permitted to mention an expedient?—'If I am to be watched, + banished, and confined; suppose, Sir, it were to be at your house?'—Then + the neighbouring gentry will the less wonder, that the person of whom they + used to think so favourably, appear not at church here; and that she + received not their visits. + </p> + <p> + I hope there can be no objection to this. You used to love to have me with + you, Sir, when all went happily with me: And will you not now permit me, + in my troubles, the favour of your house, till all this displeasure is + overblown?—Upon my word, Sir, I will not stir out of doors, if you + require the contrary of me: nor will I see any body, but whom you will + allow me to see; provided Mr. Solmes be not brought to persecute me there. + </p> + <p> + Procure, then, this favour for me; if you cannot procure the still + greater, that of a happy reconciliation (which nevertheless I presume to + hope for, if you will be so good as to plead for me); and you will then + add to those favours and to that indulgence, which have bound me, and will + for ever bind me to be + </p> + <p> + Your dutiful and obliged niece, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + THE ANSWER SUNDAY NIGHT. MY DEAR NIECE, + </p> + <p> + It grieves me to be forced to deny you any thing you ask. Yet it must be + so; for unless you can bring your mind to oblige us in this one point, in + which our promises and honour were engaged before we believed there could + be so sturdy an opposition, you must never expect to be what you have been + to us all. + </p> + <p> + In short, Niece, we are in an embattled phalanx. Your reading makes you a + stranger to nothing but what you should be most acquainted with. So you + will see by that expression, that we are not to be pierced by your + persuasions, and invincible persistence. We have agreed all to be moved, + or none; and not to comply without one another. So you know your destiny; + and have nothing to do but to yield to it. + </p> + <p> + Let me tell you, the virtue of obedience lies not in obliging when you can + be obliged again. But give up an inclination, and there is some merit in + that. + </p> + <p> + As to your expedient; you shall not come to my house, Miss Clary; though + this is a prayer I little thought I ever should have denied you: for were + you to keep your word as to seeing nobody but whom we please, yet can you + write to somebody else, and receive letters from him. This we too well + know you can, and have done—more is the shame and the pity! + </p> + <p> + You offer to live single, Miss—we wished you married: but because + you may not have the man your heart is set upon, why, truly, you will have + nobody we shall recommend: and as we know, that somehow or other you + correspond with him, or at least did as long as you could; and as he + defies us all, and would not dare to do so, if he were not sure of you in + spite of us all, (which is not a little vexatious to us, you must think,) + we are resolved to frustrate him, and triumph over him, rather than that + he should triumph over us: that's one word for all. So expect not any + advocateship from me: I will not plead for you; and that's enough. From + </p> + <p> + Your displeased uncle, JOHN HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + P.S. For the rest I refer to my brother Antony. + </p> + <p> + *** TO ANTONY HARLOWE, ESQ. SATURDAY, MARCH 11. HONOURED SIR, + </p> + <p> + As you have thought fit to favour Mr. Solmes with your particular + recommendation, and was very earnest in his behalf, ranking him (as you + told me, upon introducing him to me) among your select friends; and + expecting my regards to him accordingly; I beg your patience, while I + offer a few things, out of many that I could offer, to your serious + consideration, on occasion of his address to me, if I am to use that word. + </p> + <p> + I am charged with prepossession in another person's favour. You will be + pleased, Sir, to remember, that till my brother returned from Scotland, + that other person was not absolutely discouraged, nor was I forbid to + receive his visits. I believe it will not be pretended, that in birth, + education, or personal endowments, a comparison can be made between the + two. And only let me ask you, Sir, if the one would have been thought of + for me, had he not made such offers, as, upon my word, I think, I ought + not in justice to accept of, nor he to propose: offers, which if he had + not made, I dare say, my papa would not have required them of him. + </p> + <p> + But the one, it seems, has many faults:—Is the other faultless?—The + principal thing objected to Mr. Lovelace (and a very inexcusable one) is + that he is immoral in his loves—Is not the other in his hatreds?—Nay, + as I may say, in his loves too (the object only differing) if the love of + money be the root of all evil. + </p> + <p> + But, Sir, if I am prepossessed, what has Mr. Solmes to hope for?—Why + should he persevere? What must I think of the man who would wish me to be + his wife against my inclination?—And is it not a very harsh thing + for my friends to desire to see me married to one I cannot love, when they + will not be persuaded but that there is one whom I do love? + </p> + <p> + Treated as I am, now is the time for me to speak out or never.—Let + me review what it is Mr. Solmes depends upon on this occasion. Does he + believe, that the disgrace which I supper on his account, will give him a + merit with me? Does he think to win my esteem, through my uncles' + sternness to me; by my brother's contemptuous usage; by my sister's + unkindness; by being denied to visit, or be visited; and to correspond + with my chosen friend, although a person of unexceptionable honour and + prudence, and of my own sex; my servant to be torn from me, and another + servant set over me; to be confined, like a prisoner, to narrow and + disgraceful limits, in order avowedly to mortify me, and to break my + spirit; to be turned out of that family-management which I loved, and had + the greater pleasure in it, because it was an ease, as I thought, to my + mamma, and what my sister chose not; and yet, though time hangs heavy upon + my hands, to be so put out of my course, that I have as little inclination + as liberty to pursue any of my choice delights?—Are these steps + necessary to reduce me to a level so low, as to make me a fit wife for + this man?—Yet these are all he can have to trust to. And if his + reliance is on these measures, I would have him to know, that he mistakes + meekness and gentleness of disposition for servility and baseness of + heart. + </p> + <p> + I beseech you, Sir, to let the natural turn and bent of his mind and my + mind be considered: What are his qualities, by which he would hope to win + my esteem?—Dear, dear Sir, if I am to be compelled, let it be in + favour of a man that can read and write—that can teach me something: + For what a husband must that man make, who can do nothing but command; and + needs himself the instruction he should be qualified to give? + </p> + <p> + I may be conceited, Sir; I may be vain of my little reading; of my + writing; as of late I have more than once been told I am. But, Sir, the + more unequal the proposed match, if so: the better opinion I have of + myself, the worse I must have of him; and the more unfit are we for each + other. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Sir, I must say, I thought my friends had put a higher value upon + me. My brother pretended once, that it was owing to such value, that Mr. + Lovelace's address was prohibited.—Can this be; and such a man as + Mr. Solmes be intended for me? + </p> + <p> + As to his proposed settlements, I hope I shall not incur your great + displeasure, if I say, what all who know me have reason to think (and some + have upbraided me for), that I despise those motives. Dear, dear Sir, what + are settlements to one who has as much of her own as she wishes for?—Who + has more in her own power, as a single person, than it is probable she + would be permitted to have at her disposal, as a wife?—Whose + expenses and ambition are moderate; and who, if she had superfluities, + would rather dispense them to the necessitous, than lay them by her + useless? If then such narrow motives have so little weight with me for my + own benefit, shall the remote and uncertain view of + family-aggrandizements, and that in the person of my brother and his + descendents, be thought sufficient to influence me? + </p> + <p> + Has the behaviour of that brother to me of late, or his consideration for + the family (which had so little weight with him, that he could choose to + hazard a life so justly precious as an only son's, rather than not ratify + passions which he is above attempting to subdue, and, give me leave to + say, has been too much indulged in, either with regard to his own good, or + the peace of any body related to him;) Has his behaviour, I say, deserved + of me in particular, that I should make a sacrifice of my temporal (and, + who knows? of my eternal) happiness, to promote a plan formed upon + chimerical, at least upon unlikely, contingencies; as I will undertake to + demonstrate, if I may be permitted to examine it? + </p> + <p> + I am afraid you will condemn my warmth: But does not the occasion require + it? To the want of a greater degree of earnestness in my opposition, it + seems, it is owing, that such advances have been made, as have been made. + Then, dear Sir, allow something, I beseech you, for a spirit raised and + embittered by disgraces, which (knowing my own heart) I am confident to + say, are unmerited. + </p> + <p> + But why have I said so much, in answer to the supposed charge of + prepossession, when I have declared to my mamma, as now, Sir, I do to you, + that if it be not insisted upon that I shall marry any other person, + particularly this Mr. Solmes, I will enter into any engagements never to + have the other, nor any man else, without their consents; that is to say, + without the consents of my father and my mother, and of you my uncle, and + my elder uncle, and my cousin Morden, as he is one of the trustees for my + grandfather's bounty to me?—As to my brother indeed, I cannot say, + that his treatment of me has been of late so brotherly, as to entitle him + to more than civility from me: and for this, give me leave to add, he + would be very much my debtor. + </p> + <p> + If I have not been explicit enough in declaring my dislike to Mr. Solmes + (that the prepossession which is charged upon me may not be supposed to + influence me against him) I do absolutely declare, That were there no such + man as Mr. Lovelace in the world, I would not have Mr. Solmes. It is + necessary, in some one of my letters to my dear friends, that I should + write so clearly as to put this matter out of all doubt: and to whom can I + better address myself with an explicitness that can admit of no mistake, + than to that uncle who professes the highest regard for plain-dealing and + sincerity? + </p> + <p> + Let me, for these reasons, be still more particular in some of my + exceptions to him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Solmes appears to me (to all the world, indeed) to have a very narrow + mind, and no great capacity: he is coarse and indelicate; as rough in his + manners as in his person: he is not only narrow, but covetous: being + possessed of great wealth, he enjoys it not; nor has the spirit to + communicate to a distress of any kind. Does not his own sister live + unhappily, for want of a little of his superfluities? And suffers not he + his aged uncle, the brother of his own mother, to owe to the generosity of + strangers the poor subsistence he picks up from half-a-dozen families?—You + know, Sir, my open, free, communicative temper: how unhappy must I be, + circumscribed in his narrow, selfish circle! out of which being with-held + by this diabolical parsimony, he dare no more stir, than a conjurer out of + his; nor would let me. + </p> + <p> + Such a man, as this, love!—Yes, perhaps he may, my grandfather's + estate; which he has told several persons (and could not resist hinting + the same thing tome, with that sort of pleasure which a low mind takes, + when it intimates its own interest as a sufficient motive for it to expect + another's favour) lies so extremely convenient for him, that it would + double the value of a considerable part of his own. That estate, and an + alliance which would do credit to his obscurity and narrowness, they make + him think he can love, and induce him to believe he does: but at most, he + is but a second-place love. Riches were, are, and always will be, his + predominant passion. His were left him by a miser, on this very account: + and I must be obliged to forego all the choice delights of my life, and be + as mean as he, or else be quite unhappy. Pardon, Sir, this severity of + expression—one is apt to say more than one would of a person one + dislikes, when more is said in his favour than he can possibly deserve; + and when he is urged to my acceptance with so much vehemence, that there + is no choice left me. + </p> + <p> + Whether these things be perfectly so, or not, while I think they are, it + is impossible I should ever look upon Mr. Solmes in the light he is + offered to me. Nay, were he to be proved ten times better than I have + represented him, and sincerely think him; yet would he be still ten times + more disagreeable to me than any other man I know in the world. Let me + therefore beseech you, Sir, to become an advocate for your niece, that she + may not be made a victim to a man so highly disgustful to her. + </p> + <p> + You and my other uncle can do a great deal for me, if you please, with my + papa. Be persuaded, Sir, that I am not governed by obstinacy in this case; + but by aversion; an aversion I cannot overcome: for, if I have but + endeavoured to reason with myself, (out of regard to the duty I owe to my + father's will,) my heart has recoiled, and I have been averse to myself, + for offering but to argue with myself, in behalf of a man who, in the + light he appears to me, has no one merit; and who, knowing this aversion, + could not persevere as he does, if he had the spirit of a man. + </p> + <p> + If, Sir, you can think of the contents of this letter reasonable, I + beseech you to support them with your interest. If not—I shall be + most unhappy!—Nevertheless, it is but just in me so to write, as + that Mr. Solmes may know what he has to trust to. + </p> + <p> + Forgive, dear Sir, this tedious letter; and suffer it to have weight with + you; and you will for ever oblige + </p> + <p> + Your dutiful and affectionate niece, + </p> + <p> + CL. HARLOWE. *** MR. ANTONY HARLOWE, TO MISS CL. HARLOWE NIECE CLARY, + </p> + <p> + You had better not write to us, or to any of us. To me, particularly, you + had better never to have set pen to paper, on the subject whereon you have + written. He that is first in his own cause, saith the wise man, seemeth + just: but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. And so, in this respect, + I will be your neighbour: for I will search your heart to the bottom; that + is to say, if your letter be written from your heart. Yet do I know what a + task I have undertaken, because of the knack you are noted for at writing. + But in defence of a father's authority, in behalf of the good, and honour, + and prosperity of the family one comes of, what a hard thing it would be, + if one could not beat down all the arguments a rebel child (how loth I am + to write down that word of Miss Clary Harlowe!) can bring, in behalf of + her obstinacy! + </p> + <p> + In the first place, don't you declare (and that contrary to your + declarations to your mother, remember that, girl!) that you prefer the man + we all hate, and who hates us as bad!—Then what a character have you + given of a worthy man! I wonder you dare write so freely of one we all + respect—but possibly it may be for that very reason. + </p> + <p> + How you begin your letter!—Because I value Mr. Solmes as my friend, + you treat him the worse—That's the plain dunstable of the matter, + Miss!—I am not such a fool but I can see that.—And so a noted + whoremonger is to be chosen before a man who is a money-lover!—Let + me tell you, Niece, this little becomes so nice a one as you have been + always reckoned. Who, think you, does more injustice, a prodigal man or a + saving man?—The one saves his own money; the other spends other + people's. But your favourite is a sinner in grain, and upon record. + </p> + <p> + The devil's in your sex! God forgive me for saying so—the nicest of + them will prefer a vile rake and wh—— I suppose I must not + repeat the word:—the word will offend, when the vicious denominated + by that word will be chosen!—I had not been a bachelor to this time, + if I had not seen such a mass of contradictions in you all.—Such + gnat-strainers and camel-swallowers, as venerable Holy Writ has it. + </p> + <p> + What names will perverseness call things by!—A prudent man, who + intends to be just to every body, is a covetous man!—While a vile, + profligate rake is christened with the appellation of a gallant man; and a + polite man, I'll warrant you! + </p> + <p> + It is my firm opinion, Lovelace would not have so much regard for you as + he professes, but for two reasons. And what are these?—Why, out of + spite to all of us—one of them. The other, because of your + independent fortune. I wish your good grandfather had not left what he did + so much in your own power, as I may say. But little did he imagine his + beloved grand-daughter would have turned upon all her friends as she has + done! + </p> + <p> + What has Mr. Solmes to hope for, if you are prepossessed! Hey-day! Is this + you, cousin Clary!—Has he then nothing to hope for from your + father's, and mother's, and our recommendations?—No, nothing at all, + it seems!—O brave!—I should think that this, with a dutiful + child, as we took you to be, was enough. Depending on this your duty, we + proceeded: and now there is no help for it: for we will not be balked: + neither shall our friend Mr. Solmes, I can tell you that. + </p> + <p> + If your estate is convenient for him, what then? Does that (pert cousin) + make it out that he does not love you? He had need to expect some good + with you, that has so little good to hope for from you; mind that. But + pray, is not this estate our estate, as we may say? Have we not all an + interest in it, and a prior right, if right were to have taken place? And + was it not more than a good old man's dotage, God rest his soul! that gave + it you before us all?—Well then, ought we not to have a choice who + shall have it in marriage with you? and would you have the conscience to + wish us to let a vile fellow, who hates us all, run away with it?—You + bid me weigh what you write: do you weigh this, Girl: and it will appear + we have more to say for ourselves than you was aware of. + </p> + <p> + As to your hard treatment, as you call it, thank yourself for that. It may + be over when you will: so I reckon nothing upon that. You was not banished + and confined till all entreaty and fair speeches were tried with you: mind + that. And Mr. Solmes can't help your obstinacy: let that be observed too. + </p> + <p> + As to being visited, and visiting; you never was fond of either: so that's + a grievance put into the scale to make weight.—As to disgrace, + that's as bad to us as to you: so fine a young creature! So much as we + used to brag of you too!—And besides, this is all in your power, as + the rest. + </p> + <p> + But your heart recoils, when you would persuade yourself to obey your + parent—Finely described, is it not!—Too truly described, I + own, as you go on. I know that you may love him if you will. I had a good + mind to bid you hate him; then, perhaps, you would like him the better: + for I have always found a most horrid romantic perverseness in your sex.—To + do and to love what you should not, is meat, drink, and vesture, to you + all. + </p> + <p> + I am absolutely of your brother's mind, That reading and writing, though + not too much for the wits of you young girls, are too much for your + judgments.—You say, you may be conceited, Cousin; you may be vain!—And + so you are, to despise this gentleman as you do. He can read and write as + well as most gentlemen, I can tell you that. Who told you Mr. Solmes + cannot read and write? But you must have a husband who can learn you + something!—I wish you knew but your duty as well as you do your + talents—that, Niece, you have of late days to learn; and Mr. Solmes + will therefore find something to instruct you in. I will not shew him this + letter of yours, though you seem to desire it, lest it should provoke him + to be too severe a schoolmaster, when you are his'n. + </p> + <p> + But now I think of it, suppose you are the reader at your pen than he—You + will make the more useful wife to him; won't you? For who so good an + economist as you?—And you may keep all of his accounts, and save + yourselves a steward.—And, let me tell you, this is a fine advantage + in a family: for those stewards are often sad dogs, and creep into a man's + estate before he knows where he is; and not seldom is he forced to pay + them interest for his own money. + </p> + <p> + I know not why a good wife should be above these things. It is better than + lying a-bed half the day, and junketing and card-playing all the night, + and making yourselves wholly useless to every good purpose in your own + families, as is now the fashion among ye. The duce take you all that do + so, say I!—Only that, thank my stars, I am a bachelor. + </p> + <p> + Then this is a province you are admirably versed in: you grieve that it is + taken from you here, you know. So here, Miss, with Mr. Solmes you will + have something to keep account of, for the sake of you and your children: + with the other, perhaps you will have an account to keep, too—but an + account of what will go over the left shoulder; only of what he squanders, + what he borrows, and what he owes, and never will pay. Come, come, Cousin, + you know nothing of the world; a man's a man; and you may have many + partners in a handsome man, and costly ones too, who may lavish away all + you save. Mr. Solmes therefore for my money, and I hope for yours. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Solmes is a coarse man. He is not delicate enough for your + niceness; because I suppose he dresses not like a fop and a coxcomb, and + because he lays not himself out in complimental nonsense, the poison of + female minds. He is a man of sense, that I can tell you. No man talks more + to the purpose to us: but you fly him so, that he has no opportunity given + him, to express it to you: and a man who loves, if he have ever so much + sense, looks a fool; especially when he is despised, and treated as you + treated him the last time he was in your company. + </p> + <p> + As to his sister; she threw herself away (as you want to do) against his + full warning: for he told her what she had to trust to, if she married + where she did marry. And he was as good as his word; and so an honest man + ought: offences against warning ought to be smarted for. Take care this be + not your case: mind that. + </p> + <p> + His uncle deserves no favour from him; for he would have circumvented Mr. + Solmes, and got Sir Oliver to leave to himself the estate he had always + designed for him his nephew, and brought him up in the hope of it. Too + ready forgiveness does but encourage offences: that's your good father's + maxim: and there would not be so many headstrong daughters as there are, + if this maxim were kept in mind.—Punishments are of service to + offenders; rewards should be only to the meriting: and I think the former + are to be dealt out rigourously, in willful cases. + </p> + <p> + As to his love; he shews it but too much for your deservings, as they have + been of late; let me tell you that: and this is his misfortune; and may in + time perhaps be yours. + </p> + <p> + As to his parsimony, which you wickedly call diabolical, [a very free word + in your mouth, let me tell ye], little reason have you of all people for + this, on whom he proposes, of his own accord, to settle all he has in the + world: a proof, let him love riches as he will, that he loves you better. + But that you may be without excuse on this score, we will tie him up to + your own terms, and oblige him by the marriage-articles to allow you a + very handsome quarterly sum to do what you please with. And this has been + told you before; and I have said it to Mrs. Howe (that good and worthy + lady) before her proud daughter, that you might hear of it again. + </p> + <p> + To contradict the charge of prepossession to Lovelace, you offer never to + have him without our consents: and what is this saying, but that you will + hope on for our consents, and to wheedle and tire us out? Then he will + always be in expectation while you are single: and we are to live on at + this rate (are we?) vexed by you, and continually watchful about you; and + as continually exposed to his insolence and threats. Remember last Sunday, + Girl!—What might have happened, had your brother and he met?—Moreover, + you cannot do with such a spirit as his, as you can with worthy Mr. + Solmes: the one you make tremble; the other will make you quake: mind that—and + you will not be able to help yourself. And remember, that if there should + be any misunderstanding between one of them and you, we should all + interpose; and with effect, no doubt: but with the other, it would be + self-do, self-have; and who would either care or dare to put in a word for + you? Nor let the supposition of matrimonial differences frighten you: + honey-moon lasts not now-a-days above a fortnight; and Dunmow flitch, as I + have been informed, was never claimed; though some say once it was. + Marriage is a queer state, Child, whether paired by the parties or by + their friends. Out of three brothers of us, you know, there was but one + had courage to marry. And why was it, do you think? We were wise by other + people's experience. + </p> + <p> + Don't despise money so much: you may come to know the value of it: that is + a piece of instruction that you are to learn; and which, according to your + own notions, Mr. Solmes will be able to teach you. + </p> + <p> + I do indeed condemn your warmth. I will not allow for disgraces you bring + upon yourself. If I thought them unmerited, I would be your advocate. But + it was always my notion, that children should not dispute their parents' + authority. When your grandfather left his estate to you, though his three + sons, and a grandson, and your elder sister, were in being, we all + acquiesced: and why? Because it was our father's doing. Do you imitate + that example: if you will not, those who set it you have the more reason + to hold you inexcusable: mind that, Cousin. + </p> + <p> + You mention your brother too scornfully: and, in your letter to him, are + very disrespectful; and so indeed you are to your sister, in the letter + you wrote to her. Your brother, Madam, is your brother; and third older + than yourself, and a man: and pray be so good as not to forget what is due + to a brother, who (next to us three brothers) is the head of the family, + and on whom the name depends—as upon your dutiful compliance laid + down for the honour of the family you are come of. And pray now let me ask + you, If the honour of that will not be an honour to you?—If you + don't think so, the more unworthy you. You shall see the plan, if you + promise not to be prejudiced against it right or wrong. If you are not + besotted to that man, I am sure you will like it. If you are, were Mr. + Solmes an angel, it would signify nothing: for the devil is love, and love + is the devil, when it gets into any of your heads. Many examples have I + seen of that. + </p> + <p> + If there were no such man as Lovelace in the world, you would not have Mr. + Solmes.—You would not, Miss!—Very pretty, truly!—We see + how your spirit is embittered indeed.—Wonder not, since it is come + to your will not's, that those who have authority over you, say, You shall + have the other. And I am one: mind that. And if it behoves YOU to speak + out, Miss, it behoves US not to speak in. What's sauce for the goose is + sauce for the gander: take that in your thought too. + </p> + <p> + I humbly apprehend, that Mr. Solmes has the spirit of a man, and a + gentleman. I would admonish you therefore not to provoke it. He pities you + as much as he loves you. He says, he will convince you of his love by + deeds, since he is not permitted by you to express it by words. And all + his dependence is upon your generosity hereafter. We hope he may depend + upon that: we encourage him to think he may. And this heartens him up. So + that you may lay his constancy at your parents' and your uncles' doors; + and this will be another mark of your duty, you know. + </p> + <p> + You must be sensible, that you reflect upon your parents, and all of us, + when you tell me you cannot in justice accept of the settlements proposed + to you. This reflection we should have wondered at from you once; but now + we don't. + </p> + <p> + There are many other very censurable passages in this free letter of + yours; but we must place them to the account of your embittered spirit. I + am glad you mentioned that word, because we should have been at a loss + what to have called it.—I should much rather nevertheless have had + reason to give it a better name. + </p> + <p> + I love you dearly still, Miss. I think you, though my niece, one of the + finest young gentlewomen I ever saw. But, upon my conscience, I think you + ought to obey your parents, and oblige me and my brother John: for you + know very well, that we have nothing but your good at heart: consistently + indeed with the good and honour of all of us. What must we think of any + one of it, who would not promote the good of the whole? and who would set + one part of it against another?—Which God forbid, say I!—You + see I am for the good of all. What shall I get by it, let things go as + they will? Do I want any thing of any body for my own sake?—Does my + brother John?—Well, then, Cousin Clary, what would you be at, as I + may say? + </p> + <p> + O but you can't love Mr. Solmes!—But, I say, you know not what you + can do. You encourage yourself in your dislike. You permit your heart + (little did I think it was such a froward one) to recoil. Take it to task, + Niece; drive it on as fast as it recoils, [we do so in all our sea-fights, + and land-fights too, by our sailors and soldiers, or we should not + conquer]; and we are all sure you will overcome it. And why? Because you + ought. So we think, whatever you think: and whose thoughts are to be + preferred? You may be wittier than we; but, if you were wiser, we have + lived some of us, let me tell you, to very little purpose, thirty or forty + years longer than you. + </p> + <p> + I have written as long a letter as yours. I may not write in so lively, or + so polite a style as my Niece: but I think I have all the argument on my + side: and you will vastly oblige me, if you will shew me, by your + compliance with all our desires, that you think so too. If you do not, you + must not expect an advocate, or even a friend, in me, dearly as I love + you. For then I shall be sorry to be called + </p> + <p> + Your uncle, ANT. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + TUESDAY, TWO IN THE MORNING. POSTSCRIPT. + </p> + <p> + You must send me no more letters: but a compliable one you may send. But I + need not have forbid you; for I am sure this, by fair argument, is + unanswerable—I know it is. I have written day and night, I may say, + ever since Sunday morning, only church-time, or the like of that: but this + is the last, I can tell you, from + </p> + <p> + ANT. H. <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE THURSDAY, MARCH 16. + </h3> + <p> + Having met with such bad success in my application to my relations, I have + taken a step that will surprise you. It is no other than writing a letter + to Mr. Solmes himself. I sent it, and have his answer. He had certainly + help in it. For I have seen a letter of his, and indifferently worded, as + poorly spelt. Yet the superscription is of his dictating, I dare say, for + he is a formal wretch. With these, I shall enclose one from my brother to + me, on occasion of mine to Mr. Solmes. I did think that it was possible to + discourage the man from proceeding; and if I could have done that, it + would have answered all my wishes. It was worth the trial. But you'll see + nothing will do. My brother has taken his measures too securely. + </p> + <p> + TO ROGER SOLMES, ESQ. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15. SIR, + </p> + <p> + You will wonder to receive a letter from me; and more still at the + uncommon subject of it. But the necessity of the case will justify me, at + least in my own apprehension; and I shall therefore make no other apology + for it. + </p> + <p> + When you first came acquainted with our family, you found the writer of + this one of the happiest creatures in the world; beloved by the best and + most indulgent of parents; and rejoicing in the kind favour of two + affectionate uncles, and in the esteem of every one. + </p> + <p> + But how is this scene now changed!—You was pleased to cast a + favourable eye upon me. You addressed yourself to my friends: your + proposals were approved of by them—approved of without consulting + me; as if my choice and happiness were of the least signification. Those + who had a right to all reasonable obedience from me, insisted upon it + without reserve. I had not the felicity to think as they did; almost the + first time my sentiments differed from theirs. I besought them to indulge + me in a point so important to my future happiness: but, alas, in vain! And + then (for I thought it was but honest) I told you my mind; and even that + my affections were engaged. But, to my mortification and surprise, you + persisted, and still persist. + </p> + <p> + The consequence of all is too grievous for me to repeat: you, who have + such free access to the rest of the family, know it too well—too + well you know it, either for the credit of your own generosity, or for my + reputation. I am used, on your account, as I never before was used, and + never before was thought to deserve to be used; and this was the hard, the + impossible, condition of their returning favour, that I must prefer a man + to all others, that of all others I cannot prefer. + </p> + <p> + Thus distressed, and made unhappy, and all to your sake, and through your + cruel perseverance, I write, Sir, to demand of you the peace of mind you + have robbed me of: to demand of you the love of so many dear friends, of + which you have deprived me; and, if you have the generosity that should + distinguish a man, and a gentleman, to adjure you not to continue an + address that has been attended with such cruel effects to the creature you + profess to esteem. + </p> + <p> + If you really value me, as my friends would make me believe, and as you + have declared you do, must it not be a mean and selfish value? A value + that can have no merit with the unhappy object of it, because it is + attended with effects so grievous to her? It must be for your own sake + only, not for mine. And even in this point you must be mistaken: For, + would a prudent man wish to marry one who has not a heart to give? Who + cannot esteem him? Who therefore must prove a bad wife!—And how + cruel would it be to make a poor creature a bad wife, whose pride it would + be to make a good one! + </p> + <p> + If I am capable of judging, our tempers and inclinations are vastly + different. Any other of my sex will make you happier than I can. The + treatment I meet with, and the obstinacy, as it is called, with which I + support myself under it, ought to convince you of this; were I not able to + give so good a reason for this my supposed perverseness, as that I cannot + consent to marry a man whom I cannot value. + </p> + <p> + But if, Sir, you have not so much generosity in your value for me, as to + desist for my own sake, let me conjure you, by the regard due to yourself, + and to your own future happiness, to discontinue your suit, and place your + affections on a worthier object: for why should you make me miserable, and + yourself not happy? By this means you will do all that is now in your + power to restore to me the affection of my friends; and, if that can be, + it will leave me in as happy a state as you found me in. You need only to + say, that you see there are no HOPES, as you will perhaps complaisantly + call it, of succeeding with me [and indeed, Sir, there cannot be a greater + truth]; and that you will therefore no more think of me, but turn your + thoughts another way. + </p> + <p> + Your compliance with this request will lay me under the highest obligation + to your generosity, and make me ever + </p> + <p> + Your well-wisher, and humble servant, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE These most humbly present. + </p> + <p> + DEAREST MISS, + </p> + <p> + Your letter has had a very contrary effect upon me, to what you seem to + have expected from it. It has doubly convinced me of the excellency of + your mind, and of the honour of your disposition. Call it selfish, or what + you please, I must persist in my suit; and happy shall I be, if by + patience and perseverance, and a steady and unalterable devoir, I may at + last overcome the difficulty laid in my way. + </p> + <p> + As your good parents, your uncles, and other friends, are absolutely + determined you shall never have Mr. Lovelace, if they can help it; and as + I presume no other person is in the way, I will contentedly wait the issue + of this matter. And forgive me, dearest Miss, but a person should sooner + persuade me to give up to him my estate, as an instance of my generosity, + because he could not be happy without it, than I would a much more + valuable treasure, to promote the felicity of another, and make his way + easier to circumvent myself. + </p> + <p> + Pardon me, dear Miss; but I must persevere, though I am sorry you suffer + on my account, as you are pleased to think; for I never before saw the + woman I could love: and while there is any hope, and that you remain + undisposed of to some happier man, I must and will be + </p> + <p> + Your faithful and obsequious admirer, ROGER SOLMES. + </p> + <p> + MARCH 16. *** MR. JAMES HARLOWE, TO MISS CL. HARLOWE MARCH 16. + </p> + <p> + What a fine whim you took into your head, to write a letter to Mr. Solmes, + to persuade him to give up his pretensions to you!—Of all the pretty + romantic flights you have delighted in, this was certainly one of the most + extraordinary. But to say nothing of what fires us all with indignation + against you (your owning your prepossession in a villain's favour, and + your impertinence to me, and your sister, and your uncles; one of which + has given it you home, child), how can you lay at Mr. Solmes's door the + usage you so bitterly complain of?—You know, little fool as you are, + that it is your fondness for Lovelace that has brought upon you all these + things; and which would have happened, whether Mr. Solmes had honoured you + with his addresses or not. + </p> + <p> + As you must needs know this to be true, consider, pretty witty Miss, if + your fond, love-sick heart can let you consider, what a fine figure all + your expostulations with us, and charges upon Mr. Solmes, make!—With + what propriety do you demand of him to restore to you your former + happiness (as you call it, and merely call it; for if you thought our + favour so, you would restore it to yourself), since it is yet in your own + power to do so? Therefore, Miss Pert, none of your pathetics, except in + the right place. Depend upon it, whether you have Mr. Solmes, or not, you + shall never have your heart's delight, the vile rake Lovelace, if our + parents, if our uncles, if I, can hinder it. No! you fallen angel, you + shall not give your father and mother such a son, nor me such a brother, + in giving yourself that profligate wretch for a husband. And so set your + heart at rest, and lay aside all thoughts of him, if ever you expect + forgiveness, reconciliation, or a kind opinion, from any of your family; + but especially from him, who, at present, styles himself + </p> + <p> + Your brother, JAMES HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + P.S. I know your knack at letter-writing. If you send me an answer for + this, I will return it unopened; for I will not argue with your + perverseness in so plain a case—Only once for all, I was willing to + put you right as to Mr. Solmes; whom I think to blame to trouble his head + about you. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ. FRIDAY, MARCH 17. + </h3> + <p> + I receive, with great pleasure, the early and cheerful assurances of your + loyalty and love. And let our principal and most trusty friends named in + my last know that I do. + </p> + <p> + I would have thee, Jack, come down, as soon as thou canst. I believe I + shall not want the others so soon. Yet they may come down to Lord M.'s. I + will be there, if not to receive them, to satisfy my lord, that there is + no new mischief in hand, which will require his second intervention. + </p> + <p> + For thyself, thou must be constantly with me: not for my security: the + family dare do nothing but bully: they bark only at a distance: but for my + entertainment: that thou mayest, from the Latin and the English classics, + keep my lovesick soul from drooping. + </p> + <p> + Thou hadst best come to me here, in thy old corporal's coat: thy servant + out of livery; and to be upon a familiar footing with me, as a distant + relation, to be provided for by thy interest above—I mean not in + Heaven, thou mayest be sure. Thou wilt find me at a little alehouse, they + call it an inn; the White Hart, most terribly wounded, (but by the weather + only,) the sign: in a sorry village, within five miles from Harlowe-place. + Every body knows Harlowe-place, for, like Versailles, it is sprung up from + a dunghill, within every elderly person's remembrance. Every poor body, + particularly, knows it: but that only for a few years past, since a + certain angel has appeared there among the sons and daughters of men. + </p> + <p> + The people here at the Hart are poor, but honest; and have gotten it into + their heads, that I am a man of quality in disguise; and there is no + reining-in their officious respect. Here is a pretty little smirking + daughter, seventeen six days ago. I call her my Rose-bud. Her grandmother + (for there is no mother), a good neat old woman, as ever filled a wicker + chair in a chimney-corner, has besought me to be merciful to her. + </p> + <p> + This is the right way with me. Many and many a pretty rogue had I spared, + whom I did not spare, had my power been acknowledged, and my mercy in time + implored. But the debellare superbos should be my motto, were I to have a + new one. + </p> + <p> + This simple chit (for there is a simplicity in her thou wouldst be highly + pleased with: all humble; all officious; all innocent—I love her for + her humility, her officiousness, and even for her innocence) will be + pretty amusement to thee; while I combat with the weather, and dodge and + creep about the walls and purlieus of Harlowe-place. Thou wilt see in her + mind, all that her superiors have been taught to conceal, in order to + render themselves less natural, and of consequence less pleasing. + </p> + <p> + But I charge thee, that thou do not (what I would not permit myself to do + for the world—I charge thee, that thou do not) crop my Rose-bud. She + is the only flower of fragrance, that has blown in this vicinage for ten + years past, or will for ten years to come: for I have looked backward to + the have-been's, and forward to the will-be's; having but too much leisure + upon my hands in my present waiting. + </p> + <p> + I never was so honest for so long together since my matriculation. It + behoves me so to be—some way or other, my recess at this little inn + may be found out; and it will then be thought that my Rose-bud has + attracted me. A report in my favour, from simplicities so amiable, may + establish me; for the grandmother's relation to my Rose-bud may be sworn + to: and the father is an honest, poor man; has no joy, but in his + Rose-bud.—O Jack! spare thou, therefore, (for I shall leave thee + often alone with her, spare thou) my Rose-bud!—Let the rule I never + departed from, but it cost me a long regret, be observed to my Rose-bud!—never + to ruin a poor girl, whose simplicity and innocence were all she had to + trust to; and whose fortunes were too low to save her from the rude + contempts of worse minds than her own, and from an indigence extreme: such + a one will only pine in secret; and at last, perhaps, in order to refuge + herself from slanderous tongues and virulence, be induced to tempt some + guilty stream, or seek her end in the knee-encircling garter, that + peradventure, was the first attempt of abandoned love.—No defiances + will my Rose-bud breathe; no self-dependent, thee-doubting watchfulness + (indirectly challenging thy inventive machinations to do their worst) will + she assume. Unsuspicious of her danger, the lamb's throat will hardly shun + thy knife!—O be not thou the butcher of my lambkin! + </p> + <p> + The less thou be so, for the reason I am going to give thee—The + gentle heart is touched by love: her soft bosom heaves with a passion she + has not yet found a name for. I once caught her eye following a young + carpenter, a widow neighbour's son, living [to speak in her dialect] at + the little white house over the way. A gentle youth he also seems to be, + about three years older than herself: playmates from infancy, till his + eighteenth and her fifteenth year furnished a reason for a greater + distance in shew, while their hearts gave a better for their being nearer + than ever—for I soon perceived the love reciprocal. A scrape and a + bow at first seeing his pretty mistress; turning often to salute her + following eye; and, when a winding lane was to deprive him of her sight, + his whole body turned round, his hat more reverently doffed than before. + This answered (for, unseen, I was behind her) by a low courtesy, and a + sigh, that Johnny was too far off to hear!—Happy whelp! said I to + myself.—I withdrew; and in tript my Rose-bud, as if satisfied with + the dumb shew, and wishing nothing beyond it. + </p> + <p> + I have examined the little heart. She has made me her confidant. She owns, + she could love Johnny Barton very well: and Johnny Barton has told her, he + could love her better than any maiden he ever saw—but, alas! it must + not be thought of. Why not be thought of!—She don't know!—And + then she sighed: But Johnny has an aunt, who will give him an hundred + pounds, when his time is out; and her father cannot give her but a few + things, or so, to set her out with: and though Johnny's mother says, she + knows not where Johnny would have a prettier, or notabler wife, yet—And + then she sighed again—What signifies talking?—I would not have + Johnny be unhappy and poor for me!—For what good would that do me, + you know, Sir! + </p> + <p> + What would I give [by my soul, my angel will indeed reform me, if her + friends' implacable folly ruin us not both!—What would I give] to + have so innocent and so good a heart, as either my Rose-bud's, or + Johnny's! + </p> + <p> + I have a confounded mischievous one—by nature too, I think!—A + good motion now-and-then rises from it: but it dies away presently—a + love of intrigue—an invention for mischief—a triumph in + subduing—fortune encouraging and supporting—and a constitution—What + signifies palliating? But I believe I had been a rogue, had I been a + plough-boy. + </p> + <p> + But the devil's in this sex! Eternal misguiders. Who, that has once + trespassed with them, ever recovered his virtue? And yet where there is + not virtue, which nevertheless we freelivers are continually plotting to + destroy, what is there even in the ultimate of our wishes with them?—Preparation + and expectation are in a manner every thing: reflection indeed may be + something, if the mind be hardened above feeling the guilt of a past + trespass: but the fruition, what is there in that? And yet that being the + end, nature will not be satisfied without it. + </p> + <p> + See what grave reflections an innocent subject will produce! It gives me + some pleasure to think, that it is not out of my power to reform: but + then, Jack, I am afraid I must keep better company than I do at present—for + we certainly harden one another. But be not cast down, my boy; there will + be time enough to give the whole fraternity warning to choose another + leader: and I fancy thou wilt be the man. + </p> + <p> + Mean time, as I make it my rule, whenever I have committed a very capital + enormity, to do some good by way of atonement; and as I believe I am a + pretty deal indebted on that score, I intend, before I leave these parts + (successfully shall I leave them I hope, or I shall be tempted to double + the mischief by way of revenge, though not to my Rose-bud any) to join an + hundred pounds to Johnny's aunt's hundred pounds, to make one innocent + couple happy.—I repeat therefore, and for half a dozen more + therefores, spare thou my Rose-bud. + </p> + <p> + An interruption—another letter anon; and both shall go together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXV + </h2> + <h3> + MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ. + </h3> + <p> + I have found out by my watchful spy almost as many of my charmer's + motions, as those of the rest of her relations. It delights me to think + how the rascal is caressed by the uncles and nephew; and let into their + secrets; yet it proceeds all the time by my line of direction. I have + charged him, however, on forfeiture of his present weekly stipend, and my + future favour, to take care, that neither my beloved, nor any of the + family suspect him: I have told him that he may indeed watch her egresses + and regresses; but that only keep off other servants from her paths; yet + not to be seen by her himself. + </p> + <p> + The dear creature has tempted him, he told them, with a bribe [which she + never offered] to convey a letter [which she never wrote] to Miss Howe; he + believes, with one enclosed (perhaps to me): but he declined it: and he + begged they would take notice of it to her. This brought him a stingy + shilling; great applause; and an injunction followed it to all the + servants, for the strictest look-out, lest she should contrive some way to + send it—and, above an hour after, an order was given him to throw + himself in her way; and (expressing his concern for denying her request) + to tender his service to her, and to bring them her letter: which it will + be proper for him to report that she has refused to give him. + </p> + <p> + Now seest thou not, how many good ends this contrivance answers? + </p> + <p> + In the first place, the lady is secured by it, against her own knowledge, + in the liberty allowed her of taking her private walks in the garden: for + this attempt has confirmed them in their belief, that now they have turned + off her maid, she has no way to send a letter out of the house: if she + had, she would not have run the risque of tempting a fellow who had not + been in her secret—so that she can prosecute unsuspectedly her + correspondence with me and Miss Howe. + </p> + <p> + In the next place, it will perhaps afford me an opportunity of a private + interview with her, which I am meditating, let her take it as she will; + having found out by my spy (who can keep off every body else) that she + goes every morning and evening to a wood-house remote from the + dwelling-house, under pretence of visiting and feeding a set of + bantam-poultry, which were produced from a breed that was her + grandfather's, and of which for that reason she is very fond; as also of + some other curious fowls brought from the same place. I have an account of + all her motions here. And as she has owned to me in one of her letters + that she corresponds privately with Miss Howe, I presume it is by this + way. + </p> + <p> + The interview I am meditating, will produce her consent, I hope, to other + favours of the like kind: for, should she not choose the place in which I + am expecting to see her, I can attend her any where in the rambling + Dutch-taste garden, whenever she will permit me that honour: for my + implement, high Joseph Leman, has procured me the opportunity of getting + two keys made to the garden-door (one of which I have given him for + reasons good); which door opens to the haunted coppice, as tradition has + made the servants think it; a man having been found hanging in it about + twenty years ago: and Joseph, upon proper notice, will leave it unbolted. + </p> + <p> + But I was obliged previously to give him my honour, that no mischief + should happen to any of my adversaries, from this liberty: for the fellow + tells me, that he loves all his masters: and, only that he knows I am a + man of honour; and that my alliance will do credit to the family; and + after prejudices are overcome, every body will think so; or he would not + for the world act the part he does. + </p> + <p> + There never was a rogue, who had not a salvo to himself for being so.—What + a praise to honesty, that every man pretends to it, even at the instant + that he knows he is pursuing the methods that will perhaps prove him a + knave to the whole world, as well as to his own conscience! + </p> + <p> + But what this stupid family can mean, to make all this necessary, I cannot + imagine. My REVENGE and my LOVE are uppermost by turns. If the latter + succeed not, the gratifying of the former will be my only consolation: + and, by all that's good, they shall feel it; although for it I become an + exile from my native country for ever. + </p> + <p> + I will throw myself into my charmer's presence. I have twice already + attempted it in vain. I shall then see what I may depend upon from her + favour. If I thought I had no prospect of that, I should be tempted to + carry her off. That would be a rape worthy of Jupiter! + </p> + <p> + But all gentle shall be my movements: all respectful, even to reverence, + my address to her—her hand shall be the only witness to the pressure + of my lip—my trembling lip: I know it will tremble, if I do not bid + it tremble. As soft my sighs, as the sighs of my gentle Rose-bud. By my + humility will I invite her confidence: the loneliness of the place shall + give me no advantage: to dissipate her fears, and engage her reliance upon + my honour for the future, shall be my whole endeavour: but little will I + complain of, not at all will I threaten, those who are continually + threatening me: but yet with a view to act the part of Dryden's lion; to + secure my love, or to let loose my vengeance upon my hunters. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + What tho' his mighty soul his grief contains? + He meditates revenge who least complains: + And like a lion slumb'ring in his way, + Or sleep dissembling, while he waits his prey, + His fearless foes within his distance draws, + Constrains his roaring, and contracts his paws: + Till at the last, his time for fury found, + He shoots with sudden vengeance from the ground: + The prostrate vulgar passes o'er, and spares, + But, with a lordly rage, his hunter tears. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE SATURDAY, MARCH 18. + </h3> + <p> + I have been frighted out of my wits—still am in a manner out of + breath—thus occasioned—I went down, under the usual pretence, + in hopes to find something from you. Concerned at my disappointment, I was + returning from the wood-house, when I heard a rustling as of somebody + behind a stack of wood. I was extremely surprised: but still more, to + behold a man coming from behind the furthermost stack. Oh! thought I, at + that moment, the sin of a prohibited correspondence! + </p> + <p> + In the same point of time that I saw him, he besought me not to be + frighted: and, still nearer approaching me, threw open a horseman's coat: + And who should it be but Mr. Lovelace!—I could not scream out (yet + attempted to scream, the moment I saw a man; and again, when I saw who it + was); for I had no voice: and had I not caught hold of a prop which + supported the old roof, I should have sunk. + </p> + <p> + I had hitherto, as you know, kept him at a distance: And now, as I + recovered myself, judge of my first emotions, when I recollected his + character from every mouth of my family; his enterprising temper; and + found myself alone with him, in a place so near a bye-lane, and so remote + from the house. + </p> + <p> + But his respectful behaviour soon dissipated these fears, and gave me + others; lest we should be seen together, and information of it given to my + brother: the consequences of which, I could readily think, would be, if + not further mischief, an imputed assignation, a stricter confinement, a + forfeited correspondence with you, my beloved friend, and a pretence for + the most violent compulsion: and neither the one set of reflections, nor + the other, acquitted him to me for his bold intrusion. + </p> + <p> + As soon therefore as I could speak, I expressed with the greatest warmth + my displeasure; and told him, that he cared not how much he exposed me to + the resentment of all my friends, provided he could gratify his own + impetuous humour. I then commanded him to leave the place that moment; and + was hurrying from him, when he threw himself in the way at my feet, + beseeching my stay for one moment; declaring, that he suffered himself to + be guilty of this rashness, as I thought it, to avoid one much greater:—for, + in short, he could not bear the hourly insults he received from my family, + with the thoughts of having so little interest in my favour, that he could + not promise himself that his patience and forbearance would be attended + with any other issue than to lose me for ever, and be triumphed over and + insulted upon it. + </p> + <p> + This man, you know, has very ready knees. You have said, that he ought, in + small points, frequently to offend, on purpose to shew what an address he + is master of. + </p> + <p> + He ran on, expressing his apprehensions that a temper so gentle and + obliging, as he said mine was, to every body but him, (and a dutifulness + so exemplary inclined me to do my part to others, whether they did theirs + or not by me,) would be wrought upon in favour of a man set up in part to + be revenged upon myself, for my grandfather's envied distinction of me; + and in part to be revenged upon him, for having given life to one, who + would have taken his; and now sought to deprive him of hopes dearer to him + than life. + </p> + <p> + I told him, he might be assured, that the severity and ill-usage I met + with would be far from effecting the proposed end: that although I could, + with great sincerity, declare for a single life (which had always been my + choice); and particularly, that if ever I married, if they would not + insist upon the man I had an aversion to, it should not be with the man + they disliked— + </p> + <p> + He interrupted me here: He hoped I would forgive him for it; but he could + not help expressing his great concern, that, after so many instances of + his passionate and obsequious devotion— + </p> + <p> + And pray, Sir, said I, let me interrupt you in my turn;—Why don't + you assert, in still plainer words, the obligation you have laid me under + by this your boasted devotion? Why don't you let me know, in terms as high + as your implication, that a perseverance I have not wished for, which has + set all my relations at variance with me, is a merit that throws upon me + the guilt of ingratitude for not having answered it as you seem to expect? + </p> + <p> + I must forgive him, he said, if he, who pretended only to a comparative + merit, (and otherwise thought no man living could deserve me,) had + presumed to hope for a greater share in my favour, than he had hitherto + met with, when such men as Mr. Symmes, Mr. Wyerley, and now, lastly, so + vile a reptile as this Solmes, however discouraged by myself, were made + his competitors. As to the perseverance I mentioned, it was impossible for + him not to persevere: but I must needs know, that were he not in being, + the terms Solmes had proposed were such, as would have involved me in the + same difficulties with my relations that I now laboured under. He + therefore took the liberty to say, that my favour to him, far from + increasing those difficulties, would be the readiest way to extricate me + from them. They had made it impossible [he told me, with too much truth] + to oblige them any way, but by sacrificing myself to Solmes. They were + well apprized besides of the difference between the two; one, whom they + hoped to manage as they pleased; the other, who could and would protect me + from every insult; and who had natural prospects much superior to my + brother's foolish views of a title. + </p> + <p> + How comes this man to know so well all our foibles? But I more wonder, how + he came to have a notion of meeting me in this place? + </p> + <p> + I was very uneasy to be gone; and the more as the night came on apace. But + there was no getting from him, till I had heard a great deal more of what + he had to say. + </p> + <p> + As he hoped, that I would one day make him the happiest man in the world, + he assured me, that he had so much regard for my fame, that he would be as + far from advising any step that was likely to cast a shade upon my + reputation, (although that step was to be ever so much in his own favour,) + as I would be to follow such advice. But since I was not to be permitted + to live single, he would submit it to my consideration, whether I had any + way but one to avoid the intended violence to my inclinations—my + father so jealous of his authority: both my uncles in my father's way of + thinking: my cousin Morden at a distance: my uncle and aunt Hervey awed + into insignificance, was his word: my brother and sister inflaming every + one: Solmes's offers captivating: Miss Howe's mother rather of a party + with them, for motives respecting example to her own daughter. + </p> + <p> + And then he asked me, if I would receive a letter from Lady Betty + Lawrance, on this occasion: for Lady Sarah Sadleir, he said, having lately + lost her only child, hardly looked into the world, or thought of it + farther than to wish him married, and, preferably to all the women in the + world, with me. + </p> + <p> + To be sure, my dear, there is a great deal in what the man said—I + may be allowed to say this, without an imputed glow or throb. But I told + him nevertheless, that although I had great honour for the ladies he was + related to, yet I should not choose to receive a letter on a subject that + had a tendency to promote an end I was far from intending to promote: that + it became me, ill as I was treated at present, to hope every thing, to + bear every thing, and to try ever thing: when my father saw my + steadfastness, and that I would die rather than have Mr. Solmes, he would + perhaps recede— + </p> + <p> + Interrupting me, he represented the unlikelihood there was of that, from + the courses they had entered upon; which he thus enumerated:—Their + engaging Mrs. Howe against me, in the first place, as a person I might + have thought to fly to, if pushed to desperation—my brother + continually buzzing in my father's ears, that my cousin Morden would soon + arrive, and then would insist upon giving me possession of my + grandfather's estate, in pursuance of the will; which would render me + independent of my father—their disgraceful confinement of me—their + dismissing so suddenly my servant, and setting my sister's over me—their + engaging my mother, contrary to her own judgment, against me: these, he + said, were all so many flagrant proofs that they would stick at nothing to + carry their point; and were what made him inexpressibly uneasy. + </p> + <p> + He appealed to me, whether ever I knew my father recede from any + resolution he had once fixed; especially, if he thought either his + prerogative, or his authority concerned in the question. His acquaintance + with our family, he said, enabled him to give several instances (but they + would be too grating to me) of an arbitrariness that had few examples even + in the families of princes: an arbitrariness, which the most excellent of + women, my mother, too severely experienced. He was proceeding, as I + thought, with reflections of this sort; and I angrily told him, I would + not permit my father to be reflected upon; adding, that his severity to + me, however unmerited, was not a warrant for me to dispense with my duty + to him. + </p> + <p> + He had no pleasure, he said, in urging any thing that could be so + construed; for, however well warranted he was to make such reflections + from the provocations they were continually giving him, he knew how + offensive to me any liberties of this sort would be. And yet he must own, + that it was painful to him, who had youth and passions to be allowed for, + as well as others, and who had always valued himself under speaking his + mind, to curb himself, under such treatment. Nevertheless, his + consideration for me would make him confine himself, in his observations, + to facts that were too flagrant, and too openly avowed, to be disputed. It + could not therefore justly displease, he would venture to say, if he made + this natural inference from the premises, That if such were my father's + behaviour to a wife, who disputed not the imaginary prerogatives he was so + unprecedently fond of asserting, what room had a daughter to hope, that he + would depart from an authority he was so earnest, and so much more + concerned, to maintain?—Family-interests at the same time engaging; + an aversion, however causelessly conceived, stimulating my brother's and + sister's resentments and selfish views cooperating; and my banishment from + their presence depriving me of all personal plea or entreaty in my own + favour. + </p> + <p> + How unhappy, my dear, that there is but too much reason for these + observations, and for this inference; made, likewise, with more coolness + and respect to my family than one would have apprehended from a man so + much provoked, and of passions so high, and generally thought + uncontroulable! + </p> + <p> + Will you not question me about throbs and glows, if from such instances of + a command over his fiery temper, for my sake, I am ready to infer, that + were my friends capable of a reconciliation with him, he might be affected + by arguments apparently calculated for his present and future good! Nor is + it a very bad indication, that he has such moderate notions of that very + high prerogative in husbands, of which we in our family have been + accustomed to hear so much. + </p> + <p> + He represented to me, that my present disgraceful confinement was known to + all the world: that neither my sister nor my brother scrupled to represent + me as an obliged and favoured child in a state of actual rebellion. That, + nevertheless, every body who knew me was ready to justify me for an + aversion to a man whom every body thought utterly unworthy of me, and more + fit for my sister: that unhappy as he was, in not having been able to make + any greater impression upon me in his favour, all the world gave me to + him. Nor was there but one objection made to him by his very enemies (his + birth, his prospects all very unexceptionable, and the latter splendid); + and that objection, he thanked God, and my example, was in a fair way of + being removed for ever: since he had seen his error, and was heartily sick + of the courses he had followed; which, however, were far less enormous + than malice and envy had represented them to be. But of this he should say + the less, as it were much better to justify himself by his actions, than + by the most solemn asseverations and promises. And then, complimenting my + person, he assured me (for that he always loved virtue, although he had + not followed its rules as he ought) that he was still more captivated with + the graces of my mind: and would frankly own, that till he had the honour + to know me, he had never met with an inducement sufficient to enable him + to overcome an unhappy kind of prejudice to matrimony; which had made him + before impenetrable to the wishes and recommendations of all his + relations. + </p> + <p> + You see, my dear, he scruples not to speak of himself, as his enemies + speak of him. I can't say, but his openness in these particulars gives a + credit to his other professions. I should easily, I think, detect an + hypocrite: and this man particularly, who is said to have allowed himself + in great liberties, were he to pretend to instantaneous lights and + convictions—at this time of life too. Habits, I am sensible, are not + so easily changed. You have always joined with me in remarking, that he + will speak his mind with freedom, even to a degree of unpoliteness + sometimes; and that his very treatment of my family is a proof that he + cannot make a mean court to any body for interest sake—What pity, + where there are such laudable traces, that they should have been so mired, + and choaked up, as I may say!—We have heard, that the man's head is + better than his heart: But do you really think Mr. Lovelace can have a + very bad heart? Why should not there be something in blood in the human + creature, as well as in the ignobler animals? None of his family are + exceptionable—but himself, indeed. The characters of the ladies are + admirable. But I shall incur the imputation I wish to avoid. Yet what a + look of censoriousness does it carry in an unsparing friend, to take one + to task for doing that justice, and making those which one ought without + scruple to do, and to make, in the behalf of any other man living? + </p> + <p> + He then again pressed me to receive a letter of offered protection from + Lady Betty. He said, that people of birth stood a little too much upon + punctilio; as people of value also did (but indeed birth, worthily lived + up to, was virtue: virtue, birth; the inducements to a decent punctilio + the same; the origin of both one): [how came this notion from him!] else, + Lady Betty would write to me: but she would be willing to be first + apprized that her offer will be well received—as it would have the + appearance of being made against the liking of one part of my family; and + which nothing would induce her to make, but the degree of unworthy + persecution which I actually laboured under, and had reason further to + apprehend. + </p> + <p> + I told him, that, however greatly I thought myself obliged to Lady Betty + Lawrance, if this offer came from herself; yet it was easy to see to what + it led. It might look like vanity in me perhaps to say, that this urgency + in him, on this occasion, wore the face of art, in order to engage me into + measures from which I might not easily extricate myself. I said, that I + should not be affected by the splendour of even a royal title. Goodness, I + thought, was greatness. That the excellent characters of the ladies of his + family weighed more with me, than the consideration that they were + half-sisters to Lord M. and daughters of an earl: that he would not have + found encouragement from me, had my friends been consenting to his + address, if he had only a mere relative merit to those ladies: since, in + that case, the very reasons that made me admire them, would have been so + many objections to their kinsman. + </p> + <p> + I then assured him, that it was with infinite concern, that I had found + myself drawn into an epistolary correspondence with him; especially since + that correspondence had been prohibited: and the only agreeable use I + could think of making of this unexpected and undesired interview, was, to + let him know, that I should from henceforth think myself obliged to + discontinue it. And I hoped, that he would not have the thought of + engaging me to carry it on by menacing my relations. + </p> + <p> + There was light enough to distinguish, that he looked very grave upon + this. He so much valued my free choice, he said, and my unbiassed favour, + (scorning to set himself upon a footing with Solmes in the compulsory + methods used in that man's behalf,) that he should hate himself, were he + capable of a view of intimidating me by so very poor a method. But, + nevertheless, there were two things to be considered: First, that the + continual outrages he was treated with; the spies set over him, one of + which he had detected; the indignities all his family were likewise + treated with;—as also, myself; avowedly in malice to him, or he + should not presume to take upon himself to resent for me, without my leave + [the artful wretch saw he would have lain open here, had he not thus + guarded]—all these considerations called upon him to shew a proper + resentment: and he would leave it to me to judge, whether it would be + reasonable for him, as a man of spirit, to bear such insults, if it were + not for my sake. I would be pleased to consider, in the next place, + whether the situation I was in, (a prisoner in my father's house, and my + whole family determined to compel me to marry a man unworthy of me, and + that speedily, and whether I consented or not,) admitted of delay in the + preventive measures he was desirous to put me upon, in the last resort + only. Nor was there a necessity, he said, if I were actually in Lady + Betty's protection, that I should be his, if, afterwards, I should see any + thing objectionable in his conduct. + </p> + <p> + But what would the world conclude would be the end, I demanded, were I, in + the last resort, as he proposed, to throw myself into the protection of + his friends, but that it was with such a view? + </p> + <p> + And what less did the world think of me now, he asked, than that I was + confined that I might not? You are to consider, Madam, you have not now an + option; and to whom is it owing that you have not; and that you are in the + power of those (parents, why should I call them?) who are determined, that + you shall not have an option. All I propose is, that you will embrace such + a protection—but not till you have tried every way, to avoid the + necessity for it. + </p> + <p> + And give me leave to say, proceeded he, that if a correspondence, on which + I have founded all my hopes, is, at this critical conjuncture, to be + broken off; and if you are resolved not to be provided against the worst; + it must be plain to me, that you will at last yield to that worst—worst + to me only—it cannot be to you—and then! [and he put his hand + clenched to his forehead] How shall I bear this supposition?—Then + will you be that Solmes's!—But, by all that's sacred, neither he, + nor your brother, nor your uncles, shall enjoy their triumph—Perdition + seize my soul, if they shall! + </p> + <p> + The man's vehemence frightened me: yet, in resentment, I would have left + him; but, throwing himself at my feet again, Leave me not thus—I + beseech you, dearest Madam, leave me not thus, in despair! I kneel not, + repenting of what I have vowed in such a case as that I have supposed. I + re-vow it, at your feet!—and so he did. But think not it is by way + of menace, or to intimidate you to favour me. If your heart inclines you + [and then he arose] to obey your father (your brother rather) and to have + Solmes; although I shall avenge myself on those who have insulted me, for + their insults to myself and family, yet will I tear out my heart from this + bosom (if possible with my own hands) were it to scruple to give up its + ardours to a woman capable of such a preference. + </p> + <p> + I told him, that he talked to me in very high language; but he might + assure himself that I never would have Mr. Solmes, (yet that this I said + not in favour to him,) and I had declared as much to my relations, were + there not such a man as himself in the world. + </p> + <p> + Would I declare, that I would still honour him with my correspondence?—He + could not bear, that, hoping to obtain greater instances of my favour, he + should forfeit the only one he had to boast of. + </p> + <p> + I bid him forbear rashness or resentment to any of my family, and I would, + for some time at least, till I saw what issue my present trials were + likely to have, proceed with a correspondence, which, nevertheless, my + heart condemned— + </p> + <p> + And his spirit him, the impatient creature said, interrupting me, for + bearing what he did; when he considered, that the necessity of it was + imposed upon him, not by my will, (for then he would bear it cheerfully, + and a thousand times more,) but by creatures—And there he stopt. + </p> + <p> + I told him plainly that he might thank himself (whose indifferent + character, as to morals, had given such a handle against him) for all. It + was but just, that a man should be spoken evil of, who set no value upon + his reputation. + </p> + <p> + He offered to vindicate himself. But I told him, I would judge him by his + own rule—by his actions, not by his professions. + </p> + <p> + Were not his enemies, he said, so powerful, and so determined; and had + they not already shewn their intentions in such high acts of even cruel + compulsion; but would leave me to my choice, or to my desire of living + single; he would have been content to undergo a twelvemonth's probation, + or more: but he was confident, that one month would either complete all + their purposes, or render them abortive: and I best knew what hopes I had + of my father's receding—he did not know him, if I had any. + </p> + <p> + I said, I would try every method, that either my duty or my influence upon + any of them should suggest, before I would put myself into any other + protection: and, if nothing else would do, would resign the envied estate; + and that I dared to say would. + </p> + <p> + He was contented, he said, to abide that issue. He should be far from + wishing me to embrace any other protection, but, as he had frequently + said, in the last necessity. But dearest creature, said he, catching my + hand with ardour, and pressing it to his lips, if the yielding up of that + estate will do—resign it—and be mine—and I will + corroborate, with all my soul, your resignation! + </p> + <p> + This was not ungenerously said: But what will not these men say to obtain + belief, and a power over one? + </p> + <p> + I made many efforts to go; and now it was so dark, that I began to have + great apprehensions. I cannot say from his behaviour: indeed, he has a + good deal raised himself in my opinion by the personal respect, even to + reverence, which he paid me during the whole conference: for, although he + flamed out once, upon a supposition that Solmes might succeed, it was upon + a supposition that would excuse passion, if any thing could, you know, in + a man pretending to love with fervour; although it was so levelled, that I + could not avoid resenting it. + </p> + <p> + He recommended himself to my favour at parting, with great earnestness, + yet with as great submission; not offering to condition any thing with me; + although he hinted his wishes for another meeting: which I forbad him ever + attempting again in the same place. And I will own to you, from whom I + should be really blamable to conceal any thing, that his arguments (drawn + from the disgraceful treatment I meet with) of what I am to expect, make + me begin to apprehend that I shall be under an obligation to be either the + one man's or the other's—and, if so, I fancy I shall not incur your + blame, were I to say which of the two it must be: you have said, which it + must not be. But, O my dear, the single life is by far the most eligible + to me: indeed it is. And I hope yet to be permitted to make that option. + </p> + <p> + I got back without observation; but the apprehension that I should not, + gave me great uneasiness; and made me begin a letter in a greater flutter + than he gave me cause to be in, except at the first seeing him; for then + indeed my spirits failed me; and it was a particular felicity, that, in + such a place, in such a fright, and alone with him, I fainted not away. + </p> + <p> + I should add, that having reproached him with his behaviour the last + Sunday at church, he solemnly assured me, that it was not what had been + represented to me: that he did not expect to see me there: but hoped to + have an opportunity to address himself to my father, and to be permitted + to attend him home. But that the good Dr. Lewen had persuaded him not to + attempt speaking to any of the family, at that time; observing to him the + emotions into which his presence had put every body. He intended no pride, + or haughtiness of behaviour, he assured me; and that the attributing such + to him was the effect of that ill-will which he had the mortification to + find insuperable: adding, that when he bowed to my mother, it was a + compliment he intended generally to every one in the pew, as well as to + her, whom he sincerely venerated. + </p> + <p> + If he may be believed, (and I should think he would not have come + purposely to defy my family, yet expect favour from me,) one may see, my + dear, the force of hatred, which misrepresents all things. Yet why should + Shorey (except officiously to please her principals) make a report in his + disfavour? He told me, that he would appeal to Dr. Lewen for his + justification on this head; adding, that the whole conversation between + the Doctor and him turned upon his desire to attempt to reconcile himself + to us all, in the face of the church; and upon the Doctor's endeavouring + to dissuade him from making such a public overture, till he knew how it + would be accepted. But to what purpose his appeal, when I am debarred from + seeing that good man, or any one who would advise me what to do in my + present difficult situation! + </p> + <p> + I fancy, my dear, however, that there would hardly be a guilty person in + the world, were each suspected or accused person to tell his or her own + story, and be allowed any degree of credit. + </p> + <p> + I have written a very long letter. + </p> + <p> + To be so particular as you require in subjects of conversation, it is + impossible to be short. + </p> + <p> + I will add to it only the assurance, That I am, and ever will be, + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate and faithful friend and servant, CLARISSA HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + You'll be so good, my dear, as to remember, that the date of your last + letter to me was the 9th. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE. SUNDAY, MARCH 19. + </h3> + <p> + I beg your pardon, my dearest friend, for having given you occasion to + remind me of the date of my last. I was willing to have before me as much + of the workings of your wise relations as possible; being verily + persuaded, that one side or the other would have yielded by this time: and + then I should have had some degree of certainty to found my observations + upon. And indeed what can I write that I have not already written?—You + know, that I can do nothing but rave at your stupid persecutors: and that + you don't like. I have advised you to resume your own estate: that you + won't do. You cannot bear the thoughts of having their Solmes: and + Lovelace is resolved you shall be his, let who will say to the contrary. I + think you must be either the one man's or the other's. Let us see what + their next step will be. + </p> + <p> + As to Lovelace, while he tells his own story (having also behaved so + handsomely on his intrusion in the wood-house, and intended so well at + church) who can say, that the man is in the least blameworthy?—Wicked + people! to combine against so innocent a man!—But, as I said, let us + see what their next step will be, and what course you will take upon it; + and then we may be the more enlightened. + </p> + <p> + As to your change of style to your uncles, and brother and sister, since + they were so fond of attributing to you a regard for Lovelace, and would + not be persuaded to the contrary; and since you only strengthened their + arguments against yourself by denying it; you did but just as I would have + done, in giving way to their suspicions, and trying what that would do—But + if—but if—Pray, my dear, indulge me a little—you + yourself think it was necessary to apologize to me for that change of + style to them—and till you will speak out like a friend to her + unquestionable friend, I must tease you a little—let it run + therefore; for it will run— + </p> + <p> + If, then, there be not a reason for this change of style, which you have + not thought fit to give me, be so good as to watch, as I once before + advised you, how the cause for it will come on—Why should it be + permitted to steal upon you, and you know nothing of the matter? + </p> + <p> + When we get a great cold, we are apt to puzzle ourselves to find out when + it began, or how we got it; and when that is accounted for, down we sit + contented, and let it have its course; or, if it be very troublesome, take + a sweat, or use other means to get rid of it. So my dear, before the + malady you wot of, yet wot not of, grows so importunate, as that you must + be obliged to sweat it out, let me advise you to mind how it comes on. For + I am persuaded, as surely as that I am now writing to you, that the + indiscreet violence of your friends on the one hand, and the insinuating + address of Lovelace on the other, (if the man be not a greater fool than + any body thinks him,) will effectually bring it to this, and do all his + work for him. + </p> + <p> + But let it—if it must be Lovelace or Solmes, the choice cannot admit + of debate. Yet if all be true that is reported, I should prefer almost any + of your other lovers to either; unworthy as they also are. But who can be + worthy of a Clarissa? + </p> + <p> + I wish you are not indeed angry with me for harping so much on one string. + I must own, that I should think myself inexcusable so to do, (the rather, + as I am bold enough to imagine it a point out of all doubt from fifty + places in your letters, were I to labour the proof,) if you would + ingenuously own— + </p> + <p> + Own what? you'll say. Why, my Anna Howe, I hope you don't think that I am + already in love—! + </p> + <p> + No, to be sure! How can your Anna Howe have such a thought?—What + then shall we call it? You might have helped me to a phrase—A + conditional kind of liking!—that's it.—O my friend! did I not + know how much you despise prudery; and that you are too young, and too + lovely, to be a prude— + </p> + <p> + But, avoiding such hard names, let me tell you one thing, my dear (which + nevertheless I have told you before); and that is this: that I shall think + I have reason to be highly displeased with you, if, when you write to me, + you endeavour to keep from me any secret of your heart. + </p> + <p> + Let me add, that if you would clearly and explicitly tell me, how far + Lovelace has, or has not, a hold in your affections, I could better advise + you what to do, than at present I can. You, who are so famed for + prescience, as I may call it; and than whom no young lady ever had + stronger pretensions to a share of it; have had, no doubt, reasonings in + your heart about him, supposing you were to be one day his: [no doubt but + you have had the same in Solmes's case: whence the ground for the hatred + of the one; and for the conditional liking of the other.] Will you tell + me, my dear, what you have thought of Lovelace's best and of his worst?—How + far eligible for the first; how far rejectable for the last?—Then + weighing both parts in opposite scales, we shall see which is likely to + preponderate; or rather which does preponderate. Nothing less than the + knowledge of the inmost recesses of your heart, can satisfy my love and my + friendship. Surely, you are not afraid to trust yourself with a secret of + this nature: if you are, then you may the more allowably doubt me. But, I + dare say, you will not own either—nor is there, I hope, cause for + either. + </p> + <p> + Be pleased to observe one thing, my dear, that whenever I have given + myself any of those airs of raillery, which have seemed to make you look + about you, (when, likewise, your case may call for a more serious turn + from a sympathizing friend,) it has not been upon those passages which are + written, though, perhaps not intended, with such explicitness [don't be + alarmed, my dear!] as leaves little cause of doubt: but only when you + affect reserve; when you give new words for common things; when you come + with your curiosities, with your conditional likings, and with your + PRUDE-encies [mind how I spell the word] in a case that with every other + person defies all prudence—over-acts of treason all these, against + the sovereign friendship we have avowed to each other. + </p> + <p> + Remember, that you found me out in a moment. You challenged me. I owned + directly, that there was only my pride between the man and me; for I could + not endure, I told you, to think of any fellow living to give me a + moment's uneasiness. And then my man, as I have elsewhere said, was not + such a one as yours: so I had reason to impute full as much as to my own + inconsideration, as to his power over me: nay, more: but still more to + yours. For you reasoned me out of the curiosity first; and when the liking + was brought to be conditional—why then, you know, I throbbed no more + about him. + </p> + <p> + O! pray now, as you say, now I have mentioned that my fellow was not such + a charming fellow as yours, let Miss Biddulph, Miss Lloyd, Miss Campion, + and me, have your opinion, how far figure ought to engage us: with a view + to your own case, however—mind that—as Mr. Tony says—and + whether at all, if the man be vain of it; since, as you observe in a + former, that vanity is a stop-short pride in such a one, that would make + one justly doubt the worthiness of his interior. You, our pattern, so + lovely in feature, so graceful in person, have none of it; and have + therefore with the best grace always held, that it is not excusable even + in a woman. + </p> + <p> + You must know, that this subject was warmly debated among us in our last + conversation: and Miss Lloyd wished me to write to you upon it for your + opinion; to which, in every debated case, we always paid the greatest + deference. I hope you will not be so much engrossed by your weighty cares, + as not to have freedom of spirits enough to enter upon the task. You know + how much we all admire your opinion on such topics; which ever produces + something new and instructive, as you handle the subjects. And pray tell + us, to what you think it owing, that your man seems so careful to adorn + that self-adorned person of his! yet so manages, that one cannot for one's + heart think him a coxcomb?—Let this question, and the above tasks, + divert, and not displease you, my dear. One subject, though ever so + important, could never yet engross your capacious mind. If they should + displease you, you must recollect the many instances of my impertinence + which you have forgiven, and then say, 'This is a mad girl: but yet I love + her!—And she is my own' + </p> + <p> + ANNA HOWE. <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE MONDAY, MARCH 20. + </h3> + <p> + Your last so sensibly affects me, that I must postpone every other + consideration, however weighty, to reply to it: and this I will do very + distinctly, and with all the openness of heart which our mutual friendship + demands. + </p> + <p> + But let me observe, in the first place, gratefully observe, that if I have + in fifty passages of my letters given you such undoubted proofs of my + value for Mr. Lovelace, that you have spared me for the sake of my + explicitness, it is acting by me with a generosity worthy of yourself. + </p> + <p> + But lives the man, think you, who is so very bad, that he does not give + even a doubting mind reason at one time to be better pleased with him than + at another? And when that reason offers, is it not just to express one's + self accordingly? I would do the man who addresses me as much justice, as + if he did not address me: it has such a look of tyranny, it appears so + ungenerous, methinks, in our sex, to use a man worse for his respect to + us, (no other cause for disrespect occurring,) that I would not by any + means be that person who should do so. + </p> + <p> + But, although I may intend no more than justice, it will perhaps be + difficult to hinder those who know the man's views, from construing it as + a partial favour: and especially if the eager-eyed observer has been + formerly touched herself, and would triumph that her friend had been no + more able to escape than she. Noble minds, emulative of perfection, (and + yet the passion properly directed, I do not take to be an imperfection + neither,) may be allowed a little generous envy, I think. + </p> + <p> + If I meant by this a reflection, by way of revenge, it is but a revenge, + my dear, in the soft sense of the word. I love, as I have told you, your + pleasantry. Although at the time your reproof may pain me a little; yet, + on recollection, when I find it more of the cautioning friend than of the + satirizing observer, I shall be all gratitude upon it. All the business + will be this; I shall be sensible of the pain in the present letter + perhaps; but I shall thank you in the next, and ever after. + </p> + <p> + In this way, I hope, my dear, you will account for a little of that + sensibility which you find above, and perhaps still more, as I proceed.—You + frequently remind me, by an excellent example, your own to me, that I must + not spare you! + </p> + <p> + I am not conscious, that I have written any thing of this man, that has + not been more in his dispraise than in his favour. Such is the man, that I + think I must have been faulty, and ought to take myself to account, if I + had not. But you think otherwise, I will not put you upon labouring the + proof, as you call it. My conduct must then have a faulty appearance at + least, and I will endeavour to rectify it. But of this I assure you, that + whatever interpretation my words were capable of, I intended not any + reserve to you. I wrote my heart at the time: if I had had thought of + disguising it, or been conscious that there was reason for doing so, + perhaps I had not given you the opportunity of remarking upon my curiosity + after his relations' esteem for me; nor upon my conditional liking, and + such-like. All I intended by the first, I believe, I honestly told you at + the time. To that letter I therefore refer, whether it make for me, or + against me: and by the other, that I might bear in mind, what it became a + person of my sex and character to be and to do, in such an unhappy + situation, where the imputed love is thought an undutiful, and therefore a + criminal passion; and where the supported object of it is a man of faulty + morals too. And I am sure you will excuse my desire of appearing at those + times the person I ought to be; had I no other view in it but to merit the + continuance of your good opinion. + </p> + <p> + But that I may acquit myself of having reserves—O, my dear, I must + here break off—! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE MONDAY, MARCH 12. + </h3> + <p> + This letter will account to you, my dear, for my abrupt breaking off in + the answer I was writing to yours of yesterday; and which, possibly, I + shall not be able to finish and send you till to-morrow or next day; + having a great deal to say to the subjects you put to me in it. What I am + now to give you are the particulars of another effort made by my friends, + through the good Mrs. Norton. + </p> + <p> + It seems they had sent to her yesterday, to be here this day, to take + their instructions, and to try what she could do with me. It would, at + least, I suppose they thought, have this effect; to render me inexcusable + with her; or to let her see, that there was no room for the expostulations + she had often wanted to make in my favour to my mother. + </p> + <p> + The declaration, that my heart was free, afforded them an argument to + prove obstinacy and perverseness upon me; since it could be nothing else + that governed me in my opposition to their wills, if I had no particular + esteem for another man. And now, that I have given them reason (in order + to obviate this argument) to suppose that I have a preference to another, + they are resolved to carry their schemes into execution as soon as + possible. And in order to do this, they sent for this good woman, for whom + they know I have even a filial regard. + </p> + <p> + She found assembled my father and mother, my brother and sister, my two + uncles, and my aunt Hervey. + </p> + <p> + My brother acquainted her with all that had passed since she was last + permitted to see me; with the contents of my letters avowing my regard for + Mr. Lovelace (as they all interpreted them); with the substance of their + answers to them; and with their resolutions. + </p> + <p> + My mother spoke next; and delivered herself to this effect, as the good + woman told me. + </p> + <p> + After reciting how many times I had been indulged in my refusals of + different men, and the pains she had taken with me, to induce me to oblige + my whole family in one instance out of five or six, and my obstinacy upon + it; 'O my good Mrs. Norton, said the dear lady, could you have thought, + that my Clarissa and your Clarissa was capable of so determined an + opposition to the will of parents so indulgent to her? But see what you + can do with her. The matter is gone too far to be receded from on our + parts. Her father had concluded every thing with Mr. Solmes, not doubting + her compliance. Such noble settlements, Mrs. Norton, and such advantages + to the whole family!—In short, she has it in her power to lay an + obligation upon us all. Mr. Solmes, knowing she has good principles, and + hoping by his patience now, and good treatment hereafter, to engage her + gratitude, and by degrees her love, is willing to overlook all!—' + </p> + <p> + [Overlook all, my dear! Mr. Solmes to overlook all! There's a word!] + </p> + <p> + 'So, Mrs. Norton, if you are convinced, that it is a child's duty to + submit to her parents' authority, in the most important point as well as + in the least, I beg you will try your influence over her: I have none: her + father has none: her uncles neither: although it is her apparent interest + to oblige us all; for, on that condition, her grandfather's estate is not + half of what, living and dying, is purposed to be done for her. If any + body can prevail with her, it is you; and I hope you will heartily enter + upon this task.' + </p> + <p> + The good woman asked, Whether she was permitted to expostulate with them + upon the occasion, before she came up to me? + </p> + <p> + My arrogant brother told her, she was sent for to expostulate with his + sister, and not with them. And this, Goody Norton [she is always Goody + with him!] you may tell her, that the treaty with Mr. Solmes is concluded: + that nothing but her compliance with her duty is wanting; of consequence, + that there is no room for your expostulation, or hers either. + </p> + <p> + Be assured of this, Mrs. Norton, said my father, in an angry tone, that we + will not be baffled by her. We will not appear like fools in this matter, + and as if we have no authority over our own daughter. We will not, in + short, be bullied out of our child by a cursed rake, who had like to have + killed our only son!—And so she had better make a merit of her + obedience; for comply she shall, if I live; independent as she thinks my + father's indiscreet bounty has made her of me, her father. Indeed, since + that, she has never been like she was before. An unjust bequest!—And + it is likely to prosper accordingly!—But if she marry that vile rake + Lovelace, I will litigate every shilling with her: tell her so; and that + the will may be set aside, and shall. + </p> + <p> + My uncles joined, with equal heat. + </p> + <p> + My brother was violent in his declarations. + </p> + <p> + My sister put in with vehemence, on the same side. + </p> + <p> + My aunt Hervey was pleased to say, there was no article so proper for + parents to govern in, as this of marriage: and it was very fit mine should + be obliged. + </p> + <p> + Thus instructed, the good woman came up to me. She told me all that had + passed, and was very earnest with me to comply; and so much justice did + she to the task imposed upon her, that I more than once thought, that her + own opinion went with theirs. But when she saw what an immovable aversion + I had to the man, she lamented with me their determined resolution: and + then examined into the sincerity of my declaration, that I would gladly + compound with them by living single. Of this being satisfied, she was so + convinced that this offer, which, carried into execution, would exclude + Lovelace effectually, ought to be accepted, that she would go down + (although I told her, it was what I had tendered over-and-over to no + purpose) and undertake to be guaranty for me on that score. + </p> + <p> + She went accordingly; but soon returned in tears; being used harshly for + urging this alternative:—They had a right to my obedience upon their + own terms, they said: my proposal was an artifice, only to gain time: + nothing but marrying Mr. Solmes should do: they had told me so before: + they should not be at rest till it was done; for they knew what an + interest Lovelace had in my heart: I had as good as owned it in my letters + to my uncles, and brother and sister, although I had most disingenuously + declared otherwise to my mother. I depended, they said, upon their + indulgence, and my own power over them: they would not have banished me + from their presence, if they had not known that their consideration for me + was greater than mine for them. And they would be obeyed, or I never + should be restored to their favour, let the consequence be what it would. + </p> + <p> + My brother thought fit to tell the good woman, that her whining nonsense + did but harden me. There was a perverseness, he said, in female minds, a + tragedy-pride, that would make a romantic young creature, such a one as + me, risque any thing to obtain pity. I was of an age, and a turn [the + insolent said] to be fond of a lover-like distress: and my grief (which + she pleaded) would never break my heart: I should sooner break that of the + best and most indulgent of mothers. He added, that she might once more go + up to me: but that, if she prevailed not, he should suspect, that the man + they all hated had found a way to attach her to his interest. + </p> + <p> + Every body blamed him for this unworthy reflection; which greatly affected + the good woman. But nevertheless he said, and nobody contradicted him, + that if she could not prevail upon her sweet child, [as it seems she had + fondly called me,] she had best draw to her own home, and there tarry till + she was sent for; and so leave her sweet child to her father's management. + </p> + <p> + Sure nobody had ever so insolent, so hard-hearted a brother, as I have! So + much resignation to be expected from me! So much arrogance, and to so good + a woman, and of so fine an understanding, to be allowed in him. + </p> + <p> + She nevertheless told him, that however she might be ridiculed for + speaking of the sweetness of my disposition, she must take upon herself to + say, that there never was a sweeter in the sex: and that she had ever + found, that my mild methods, and gentleness, I might at any time be + prevailed upon, even in points against my own judgment and opinion. + </p> + <p> + My aunt Hervey hereupon said, It was worth while to consider what Mrs. + Norton said: and that she had sometimes allowed herself to doubt, whether + I had been begun with by such methods as generous tempers are only to be + influenced by, in cases where their hearts are supposed to be opposite to + the will of their friends. + </p> + <p> + She had both my brother and sister upon her for this: who referred to my + mother, whether she had not treated me with an indulgence that had hardly + any example? + </p> + <p> + My mother said, she must own, that no indulgence had been wanting from + her: but she must needs say, and had often said it, that the reception I + met with on my return from Miss Howe, and the manner in which the proposal + of Mr. Solmes was made to me, (which was such as left nothing to my + choice,) and before I had an opportunity to converse with him, were not + what she had by any means approved of. + </p> + <p> + She was silenced, you will guess by whom,—with, My dear!—my + dear!—You have ever something to say, something to palliate, for + this rebel of a girl!—Remember her treatment of you, of me!—Remember, + that the wretch, whom we so justly hate, would not dare persist in his + purposes, but for her encouragement of him, and obstinacy to us.—Mrs. + Norton, [angrily to her,] go up to her once more—and if you think + gentleness will do, you have a commission to be gentle—if it will + not, never make use of that plea again. + </p> + <p> + Ay, my good woman, said my mother, try your force with her. My sister + Hervey and I will go up to her, and bring her down in our hands, to + receive her father's blessing, and assurances of every body's love, if she + will be prevailed upon: and, in that case, we will all love you the better + for your good offices. + </p> + <p> + She came up to me, and repeated all these passages with tears. But I told + her, that after what had passed between us, she could not hope to prevail + upon me to comply with measures so wholly my brother's, and so much to my + aversion. And then folding me to her maternal bosom, I leave you, my + dearest Miss, said she—I leave you, because I must!—But let me + beseech you to do nothing rashly; nothing unbecoming your character. If + all be true that is said, Mr. Lovelace cannot deserve you. If you can + comply, remember it is your duty to comply. They take not, I own, the + right method with so generous a spirit. But remember, that there would not + be any merit in your compliance, if it were not to be against your own + liking. Remember also, what is expected from a character so extraordinary + as yours: remember, it is in your power to unite or disunite your whole + family for ever. Although it should at present be disagreeable to you to + be thus compelled, your prudence, I dare say, when you consider the matter + seriously, will enable you to get over all prejudices against the one, and + all prepossessions in favour of the other: and then the obligation you + will lay all your family under, will be not only meritorious in you, with + regard to them, but in a few months, very probably, highly satisfactory, + as well as reputable, to yourself. + </p> + <p> + Consider, my dear Mrs. Norton, said I, only consider, that it is not a + small thing that is insisted upon; not for a short duration; it is for my + life: consider too, that all this is owing to an overbearing brother, who + governs every body. Consider how desirous I am to oblige them, if a single + life, and breaking all correspondence with the man they hate, because my + brother hates him, will do it. + </p> + <p> + I consider every thing, my dearest Miss: and, added to what I have said, + do you only consider, that if, by pursuing your own will, and rejecting + theirs, you should be unhappy, you will be deprived of all that + consolation which those have, who have been directed by their parents, + although the event prove not answerable to their wishes. + </p> + <p> + I must go, repeated she: your brother will say [and she wept] that I + harden you by my whining nonsense. 'Tis indeed hard, that so much regard + should be paid to the humours of one child, and so little to the + inclination of another. But let me repeat, that it is your duty to + acquiesce, if you can acquiesce: your father has given your brother's + schemes his sanction, and they are now his. Mr. Lovelace, I doubt, is not + a man that will justify your choice so much as he will their dislike. It + is easy to see that your brother has a view in discrediting you with all + your friends, with your uncles in particular: but for that very reason, + you should comply, if possible, in order to disconcert his ungenerous + measures. I will pray for you; and that is all I can do for you. I must + now go down, and make a report, that you are resolved never to have Mr. + Solmes—Must I?—Consider, my dear Miss Clary—Must I? + </p> + <p> + Indeed you must!—But of this I do assure you, that I will do nothing + to disgrace the part you have had in my education. I will bear every thing + that shall be short of forcing my hand into his who never can have any + share in my heart. I will try by patient duty, by humility, to overcome + them. But death will I choose, in any shape, rather than that man. + </p> + <p> + I dread to go down, said she, with so determined an answer: they will have + no patience with me.—But let me leave you with one observation, + which I beg of you always to bear in mind:— + </p> + <p> + 'That persons of prudence, and distinguished talents, like yours, seem to + be sprinkled through the world, to give credit, by their example, to + religion and virtue. When such persons wilfully err, how great must be the + fault! How ungrateful to that God, who blessed them with such talents! + What a loss likewise to the world! What a wound to virtue!—But this, + I hope, will never be to be said of Miss Clarissa Harlowe!' + </p> + <p> + I could give her no answer, but by my tears. And I thought, when she went + away, the better half of my heart went with her. + </p> + <p> + I listened to hear what reception she would meet with below; and found it + was just such a one as she had apprehended. + </p> + <p> + Will she, or will she not, be Mrs. Solmes? None of your whining + circumlocutions, Mrs. Norton!—[You may guess who said this] Will + she, or will she not, comply with her parents' will? + </p> + <p> + This cut short all she was going to say. + </p> + <p> + If I must speak so briefly, Miss will sooner die, than have— + </p> + <p> + Any body but Lovelace! interrupted my brother.—This, Madam, this, + Sir, is your meek daughter! This is Mrs. Norton's sweet child!—Well, + Goody, you may return to your own habitation. I am empowered to forbid you + to have any correspondence with this perverse girl for a month to come, as + you value the favour of our whole family, or of any individual of it. + </p> + <p> + And saying this, uncontradicted by any body, he himself shewed her to the + door,—no doubt, with all that air of cruel insult, which the haughty + rich can put on to the unhappy low, who have not pleased them. + </p> + <p> + So here, my dear Miss Howe, am I deprived of the advice of one of the most + prudent and conscientious women in the world, were I to have ever so much + occasion for it. + </p> + <p> + I might indeed write (as I presume, under your cover) and receive her + answers to what I should write. But should such a correspondence be + charged upon her, I know she would not be guilty of a falsehood for the + world, nor even of an equivocation: and should she own it after this + prohibition, she would forfeit my mother's favour for ever. And in my + dangerous fever, some time ago, I engaged my mother to promise me, that, + if I died before I could do any thing for the good woman, she would set + her above want for the rest of her life, should her eyes fail her, or + sickness befall her, and she could not provide for herself, as she now so + prettily does by her fine needle-works. + </p> + <p> + What measures will they fall upon next?—Will they not recede when + they find that it must be a rooted antipathy, and nothing else, that could + make a temper, not naturally inflexible, so sturdy? + </p> + <p> + Adieu, my dear. Be you happy!—To know that it is in your power to be + so, is all that seems wanting to make you so. + </p> + <p> + CL. HARLOWE. <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XL + </h2> + <p> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE [In continuation of the subject in + Letter XXXVIII.] + </p> + <p> + I will now, though midnight (for I have no sleep in my eyes) resume the + subject I was forced so abruptly to quit, and will obey yours, Miss + Lloyd's, Miss Campion's, and Miss Biddulph's call, with as much temper as + my divided thought will admit. The dead stillness of this solemn hour + will, I hope, contribute to calm my disturbed mind. + </p> + <p> + In order to acquit myself of so heavy a charge as that of having reserves + to so dear a friend, I will acknowledge (and I thought I had + over-and-over) that it is owing to my particular situation, if Mr. + Lovelace appears to me in a tolerable light: and I take upon me to say, + that had they opposed to him a man of sense, of virtue, of generosity; one + who enjoyed his fortune with credit, who had a tenderness in his nature + for the calamities of others, which would have given a moral assurance, + that he would have been still less wanting in grateful returns to an + obliging spirit:—had they opposed such a man as this to Mr. + Lovelace, and been as earnest to have me married, as now they are, I do + not know myself, if they would have had reason to tax me with that + invincible obstinacy which they lay to my charge: and this whatever had + been the figure of the man; since the heart is what we women should judge + by in the choice we make, as the best security for the party's good + behaviour in every relation of life. + </p> + <p> + But, situated as I am, thus persecuted and driven, I own to you, that I + have now-and-then had a little more difficulty than I wished for, in + passing by Mr. Lovelace's tolerable qualities, to keep up my dislike to + him for his others. + </p> + <p> + You say, I must have argued with myself in his favour, and in his + disfavour, on a supposition, that I might possibly be one day his. I own + that I have: and thus called upon by my dearest friend, I will set before + you both parts of the argument. + </p> + <p> + And first, what occurred to me in his favour. + </p> + <p> + At his introduction into our family, his negative virtues were insisted + upon:—He was no gamester; no horse-racer; no fox-hunter; no drinker: + my poor aunt Hervey had, in confidence, given us to apprehend much + disagreeable evil (especially to a wife of the least delicacy) from a + wine-lover: and common sense instructed us, that sobriety in a man is no + small point to be secured, when so many mischiefs happen daily from + excess. I remember, that my sister made the most of this favourable + circumstance in his character while she had any hopes of him. + </p> + <p> + He was never thought to be a niggard; not even ungenerous: nor when his + conduct came to be inquired into, an extravagant, a squanderer: his pride + [so far was it a laudable pride] secured him from that. Then he was ever + ready to own his errors. He was no jester upon sacred things: poor Mr. + Wyerley's fault; who seemed to think there was wit in saying bold things, + which would shock a serious mind. His conversation with us was always + unexceptionable, even chastely so; which, be his actions what they would, + shewed him capable of being influenced by decent company; and that he + might probably therefore be a led man, rather than a leader, in other + company. And one late instance, so late as last Saturday evening, has + raised him not a little in my opinion, with regard to this point of good + (and at the same time, of manly) behaviour. + </p> + <p> + As to the advantage of birth, that is of his side, above any man who has + been found out for me. If we may judge by that expression of his, which + you were pleased with at the time; 'That upon true quality, and hereditary + distinction, if good sense were not wanting, humour sat as easy as his + glove;' that, with as familiar an air, was his familiar expression; 'while + none but the prosperous upstart, MUSHROOMED into rank, (another of his + peculiars,) was arrogantly proud of it.'—If, I say, we may judge of + him by this, we shall conclude in his favour, that he knows what sort of + behaviour is to be expected from persons of birth, whether he act up to it + or not. Conviction is half way to amendment. + </p> + <p> + His fortunes in possession are handsome; in expectation, splendid: so + nothing need be said on that subject. + </p> + <p> + But it is impossible, say some, that he should make a tender or kind + husband. Those who are for imposing upon me such a man as Mr. Solmes, and + by methods so violent, are not entitled to make this objection. But now, + on this subject, let me tell you how I have argued with myself—for + still you must remember, that I am upon the extenuating part of his + character. + </p> + <p> + A great deal of the treatment a wife may expect from him, will possibly + depend upon herself. Perhaps she must practise as well as promise + obedience, to a man so little used to controul; and must be careful to + oblige. And what husband expects not this?—The more perhaps if he + had not reason to assure himself of the preferable love of his wife before + she became such. And how much easier and pleasanter to obey the man of her + choice, if he should be even more unreasonable sometimes, than one she + would not have had, could she have avoided it? Then, I think, as the men + were the framers of the matrimonial office, and made obedience a part of + the woman's vow, she ought not, even in policy, to shew him, that she can + break through her part of the contract, (however lightly she may think of + the instance,) lest he should take it into his head (himself is judge) to + think as lightly of other points, which she may hold more important—but, + indeed, no point so solemnly vowed can be slight. + </p> + <p> + Thus principled, and acting accordingly, what a wretch must that husband + be, who could treat such a wife brutally!—Will Lovelace's wife be + the only person to whom he will not pay the grateful debt of civility and + good manners? He is allowed to be brave: Who ever knew a brave man, if a + brave man of sense, an universally base man? And how much the gentleness + of our sex, and the manner of our training up and education, make us need + the protection of the brave, and the countenance of the generous, let the + general approbation, which we are all so naturally inclined to give to men + of that character, testify. + </p> + <p> + At worst, will he confine me prisoner to my chamber? Will he deny me the + visits of my dearest friend, and forbid me to correspond with her? Will he + take from me the mistressly management, which I had not faultily + discharged? Will he set a servant over me, with license to insult me? Will + he, as he has not a sister, permit his cousins Montague, or would either + of those ladies accept of a permission, to insult and tyrannize over me?—It + cannot be.—Why then, think I often, do you tempt me, O my cruel + friends, to try the difference? + </p> + <p> + And then has the secret pleasure intruded itself, to be able to reclaim + such a man to the paths of virtue and honour: to be a secondary means, if + I were to be his, of saving him, and preventing the mischiefs so + enterprising a creature might otherwise be guilty of, if he be such a one. + </p> + <p> + When I have thought of him in these lights, (and that as a man of sense he + will sooner see his errors, than another,) I own to you, that I have had + some difficulty to avoid taking the path they so violently endeavour to + make me shun: and all that command of my passions which has been + attributed to me as my greatest praise, and, in so young a creature, as my + distinction, has hardly been sufficient for me. + </p> + <p> + And let me add, that the favour of his relations (all but himself + unexceptionable) has made a good deal of additional weight, thrown in the + same scale. + </p> + <p> + But now, in his disfavour. When I have reflected upon the prohibition of + my parents; the giddy appearance, disgraceful to our sex, that such a + preference would have: that there is no manner of likelihood, enflamed by + the rencounter, and upheld by art and ambition on my brother's side, that + ever the animosity will be got over: that I must therefore be at perpetual + variance with all my own family: that I must go to him, and to his, as an + obliged and half-fortuned person: that his aversion to them all is as + strong as theirs to him: that his whole family are hated for his sake; + they hating ours in return: that he has a very immoral character as to + women: that knowing this, it is a high degree of impurity to think of + joining in wedlock with such a man: that he is young, unbroken, his + passions unsubdued: that he is violent in his temper, yet artful; I am + afraid vindictive too: that such a husband might unsettle me in all my own + principles, and hazard my future hopes: that his own relations, two + excellent aunts, and an uncle, from whom he has such large expectations, + have no influence upon him: that what tolerable qualities he has, are + founded more in pride than in virtue: that allowing, as he does, the + excellency of moral precepts, and believing the doctrine of future rewards + and punishments, he can live as if he despised the one, and defied the + other: the probability that the taint arising from such free principles, + may go down into the manners of posterity: that I knowing these things, + and the importance of them, should be more inexcusable than one who knows + them not; since an error against judgment is worse, infinitely worse, than + an error in judgment. Reflecting upon these things, I cannot help + conjuring you, my dear, to pray with me, and to pray for me, that I may + not be pushed upon such indiscreet measures, as will render me inexcusable + to myself: for that is the test, after all. The world's opinion ought to + be but a secondary consideration. + </p> + <p> + I have said in his praise, that he is extremely ready to own his errors: + but I have sometimes made a great drawback upon this article, in his + disfavour; having been ready to apprehend, that this ingenuousness may + possibly be attributable to two causes, neither of them, by any means, + creditable to him. The one, that his vices are so much his masters, that + he attempts not to conquer them; the other, that he may think it policy, + to give up one half of his character to save the other, when the whole may + be blamable: by this means, silencing by acknowledgment the objections he + cannot answer; which may give him the praise of ingenuousness, when he can + obtain no other, and when the challenged proof might bring out, upon + discussion, other evils. These, you will allow, are severe constructions; + but every thing his enemies say of him cannot be false. + </p> + <p> + I will proceed by-and-by. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + Sometimes we have both thought him one of the most undesigning merely + witty men we ever knew; at other times one of the deepest creatures we + ever conversed with. So that when in one visit we have imagined we + fathomed him, in the next he has made us ready to give him up as + impenetrable. This impenetrableness, my dear, is to be put among the + shades in his character. Yet, upon the whole, you have been so far of his + party, that you have contested that his principal fault is over-frankness, + and too much regardlessness of appearances, and that he is too giddy to be + very artful: you would have it, that at the time he says any thing good, + he means what he speaks; that his variableness and levity are + constitutional, owing to sound health, and to a soul and body [that was + your observation] fitted for and pleased with each other. And hence you + concluded, that could this consentaneousness [as you call it] of corporal + and animal faculties be pointed by discretion; that is to say, could his + vivacity be confined within the pale of but moral obligations, he would be + far from being rejectable as a companion for life. + </p> + <p> + But I used then to say, and I still am of opinion, that he wants a heart: + and if he does, he wants every thing. A wrong head may be convinced, may + have a right turn given it: but who is able to give a heart, if a heart be + wanting? Divine Grace, working a miracle, or next to a miracle, can only + change a bad heart. Should not one fly the man who is but suspected of + such a one? What, O what, do parents do, when they endeavour to force a + child's inclination, but make her think better than otherwise she would + think of a man obnoxious to themselves, and perhaps whose character will + not stand examination? + </p> + <p> + I have said, that I think Mr. Lovelace a vindictive man: upon my word, I + have sometimes doubted, whether his perseverance in his addresses to me + has not been the more obstinate, since he has found himself so + disagreeable to my friends. From that time I verily think he has been the + more fervent in them; yet courts them not, but sets them at defiance. For + this indeed he pleads disinterestedness [I am sure he cannot politeness]; + and the more plausibly, as he is apprized of the ability they have to make + it worth his while to court them. 'Tis true he has declared, and with too + much reason, (or there would be no bearing him,) that the lowest + submissions on his part would not be accepted; and to oblige me, has + offered to seek a reconciliation with them, if I would give him hope of + success. + </p> + <p> + As to his behaviour at church, the Sunday before last, I lay no stress + upon that, because I doubt there was too much outward pride in his + intentional humility, or Shorey, who is not his enemy, could not have + mistaken it. + </p> + <p> + I do not think him so deeply learned in human nature, or in ethics, as + some have thought him. Don't you remember how he stared at the following + trite observations, which every moralist could have furnished him with? + Complaining as he did, in a half-menacing strain, of the obloquies raised + against him—'That if he were innocent, he should despise the + obloquy: if not, revenge would not wipe off his guilt.' 'That nobody ever + thought of turning a sword into a sponge!' 'That it was in his own power + by reformation of an error laid to his charge by an enemy, to make that + enemy one of his best friends; and (which was the noblest revenge in the + world) against his will; since an enemy would not wish him to be without + the faults he taxed him with.' + </p> + <p> + But the intention, he said, was the wound. + </p> + <p> + How so, I asked him, when that cannot wound without the application? 'That + the adversary only held the sword: he himself pointed it to his breast:—And + why should he mortally resent that malice, which he might be the better + for as long as he lived?'—What could be the reading he has been said + to be master of, to wonder, as he did, at these observations? + </p> + <p> + But, indeed, he must take pleasure in revenge; and yet holds others to be + inexcusable for the same fault. He is not, however, the only one who can + see how truly blamable those errors are in another, which they hardly + think such in themselves. + </p> + <p> + From these considerations, from these over-balances, it was, that I said, + in a former, that I would not be in love with this man for the world: and + it was going further than prudence would warrant, when I was for + compounding with you, by the words conditional liking, which you so + humourously rally. + </p> + <p> + Well but, methinks you say, what is all this to the purpose? This is still + but reasoning: but, if you are in love, you are: and love, like the + vapours, is the deeper rooted for having no sufficient cause assignable + for its hold. And so you call upon me again to have no reserves, and + so-forth. + </p> + <p> + Why then, my dear, if you will have it, I think, that, with all his + preponderating faults, I like him better than I ever thought I should like + him; and, those faults considered, better perhaps than I ought to like + him. And I believe, it is possible for the persecution I labour under to + induce me to like him still more—especially while I can recollect to + his advantage our last interview, and as every day produces stronger + instances of tyranny, I will call it, on the other side.—In a word, + I will frankly own (since you cannot think any thing I say too explicit) + that were he now but a moral man, I would prefer him to all the men I ever + saw. + </p> + <p> + So that this is but conditional liking still, you'll say: nor, I hope, is + it more. I never was in love as it is called; and whether this be it, or + not, I must submit to you. But will venture to think it, if it be, no such + mighty monarch, no such unconquerable power, as I have heard it + represented; and it must have met with greater encouragement than I think + I have given it, to be absolutely unconquerable—since I am + persuaded, that I could yet, without a throb, most willingly give up the + one man to get rid of the other. + </p> + <p> + But now to be a little more serious with you: if, my dear, my + particularly-unhappy situation had driven (or led me, if you please) into + a liking of the man; and if that liking had, in your opinion, inclined me + to love him, should you, whose mind is susceptible of the most friendly + impressions, who have such high notions of the delicacy which ought to be + observed by our sex in these matters, and who actually do enter so deeply + into the distresses of one you love—should you have pushed so far + that unhappy friend on so very nice a subject?—Especially, when I + aimed not (as you could prove by fifty instances, it seems) to guard + against being found out. Had you rallied me by word of mouth in the manner + you do, it might have been more in character; especially, if your friend's + distresses had been surmounted, and if she had affected prudish airs in + revolving the subject: but to sit down to write it, as methinks I see you, + with a gladdened eye, and with all the archness of exultation—indeed, + my dear, (and I take notice of it, rather for the sake of your own + generosity, than for my sake, for, as I have said, I love your raillery,) + it is not so very pretty; the delicacy of the subject, and the delicacy of + your own mind, considered. + </p> + <p> + I lay down my pen here, that you may consider of it a little, if you + please. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + I resume, to give you my opinion of the force which figure or person ought + to have upon our sex: and this I shall do both generally as to the other + sex, and particularly as to this man; whence you will be able to collect + how far my friends are in the right, or in the wrong, when they attribute + a good deal of prejudice in favour of one man, and in disfavour of the + other, on the score of figure. But, first, let me observe, that they see + abundant reason, on comparing Mr. Lovelace and Mr. Solmes together, to + believe that this may be a consideration with me; and therefore they + believe it is. + </p> + <p> + There is certainly something very plausible and attractive, as well as + creditable to a woman's choice, in figure. It gives a favourable + impression at first sight, in which we wish to be confirmed: and if, upon + further acquaintance, we find reason to be so, we are pleased with our + judgment, and like the person the better, for having given us cause to + compliment our own sagacity, in our first-sighted impressions. But, + nevertheless, it has been generally a rule with me, to suspect a fine + figure, both in man and woman; and I have had a good deal of reason to + approve my rule;—with regard to men especially, who ought to value + themselves rather upon their intellectual than personal qualities. For, as + to our sex, if a fine woman should be led by the opinion of the world, to + be vain and conceited upon her form and features; and that to such a + degree, as to have neglected the more material and more durable + recommendations, the world will be ready to excuse her; since a pretty + fool, in all she says, and in all she does, will please, we know not why. + </p> + <p> + But who would grudge this pretty fool her short day! Since, with her + summer's sun, when her butterfly flutters are over, and the winter of age + and furrows arrives, she will feel the just effects of having neglected to + cultivate her better faculties: for then, lie another Helen, she will be + unable to bear the reflection even of her own glass, and being sunk into + the insignificance of a mere old woman, she will be entitled to the + contempts which follow that character. While the discreet matron, who + carries up [we will not, in such a one's case, say down] into advanced + life, the ever-amiable character of virtuous prudence and useful + experience, finds solid veneration take place of airy admiration, and more + than supply the want of it. + </p> + <p> + But for a man to be vain of his person, how effeminate! If such a one + happens to have genius, it seldom strikes deep into intellectual subjects. + His outside usually runs away with him. To adorn, and perhaps, intending + to adorn, to render ridiculous that person, takes up all his attention. + All he does is personal; that is to say, for himself: all he admires, is + himself: and in spite of the correction of the stage, which so often and + so justly exposes a coxcomb, he usually dwindles down, and sinks into that + character; and, of consequence, becomes the scorn of one sex, and the jest + of the other. + </p> + <p> + This is generally the case of your fine figures of men, and of those who + value themselves on dress and outward appearance: whence it is, that I + repeat, that mere person in a man is a despicable consideration. But if a + man, besides figure, has learning, and such talents as would have + distinguished him, whatever were his form, then indeed person is an + addition: and if he has not run too egregiously into self-admiration, and + if he has preserved his morals, he is truly a valuable being. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lovelace has certainly taste; and, as far as I am able to determine, + he has judgment in most of the politer arts. But although he has a + humourous way of carrying it off, yet one may see that he values himself + not a little, both on his person and his parts, and even upon his dress; + and yet he has so happy an ease in the latter, that it seems to be the + least part of his study. And as to the former, I should hold myself + inexcusable, if I were to add to his vanity by shewing the least regard + for what is too evidently so much his. + </p> + <p> + And now, my dear, let me ask you, Have I come up to your expectation? If I + have not, when my mind is more at ease, I will endeavour to please you + better. For, methinks, my sentences drag, my style creeps, my imagination + is sunk, my spirits serve me not, only to tell you, that whether I have + more or less, I am wholly devoted to the commands of my dear Miss Howe. + </p> + <p> + P.S. The insolent Betty Barnes has just now fired me anew, by reporting to + me the following expressions of the hideous creature, Solmes—'That + he is sure of the coy girl; and that with little labour to himself. That + be I ever so averse to him beforehand, he can depend upon my principles; + and it will be a pleasure to him to see by what pretty degrees I shall + come to.' [Horrid wretch!] 'That it was Sir Oliver's observation, who knew + the world perfectly well, that fear was a better security than love, for a + woman's good behaviour to her husband; although, for his part, to such a + fine creature [truly] he would try what love would do, for a few weeks at + least; being unwilling to believe what the old knight used to aver, that + fondness spoils more wives than it makes good.' + </p> + <p> + What think you, my dear, of such a wretch as this! tutored, too, by that + old surly misogynist, as he was deemed, Sir Oliver?— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XLI + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE TUESDAY, MARCH 21. + </h3> + <p> + How willingly would my dear mother shew kindness to me, were she + permitted! None of this persecution should I labour under, I am sure, if + that regard were paid to her prudence and fine understanding, which they + so well deserve. Whether owing to her, or to my aunt, or to both, that a + new trial was to be made upon me, I cannot tell, but this morning her + Shorey delivered into my hand the following condescending letter. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR GIRL, + </p> + <p> + For so I must still call you; since dear you may be to me, in every sense + of the word—we have taken into particular consideration some hints + that fell yesterday from your good Norton, as if we had not, at Mr. + Solmes's first application, treated you with that condescension, wherewith + we have in all other instances treated you. If it even had been so, my + dear, you were not excusable to be wanting in your part, and to set + yourself to oppose your father's will in a point which he had entered too + far, to recede with honour. But all yet may be well. On your single will, + my child, depends all our happiness. + </p> + <p> + Your father permits me to tell you, that if you now at last comply with + his expectations, all past disobligations shall be buried in oblivion, as + if they had never been: but withal, that this is the last time that that + grace will be offered you. + </p> + <p> + I hinted to you, you must remember,* that patterns of the richest silks + were sent for. They are come. And as they are come, your father, to shew + how much he is determined, will have me send them up to you. I could have + wished they might not have accompanied this letter, but there is not great + matter in that. I must tell you, that your delicacy is not quite so much + regarded as I had once thought it deserved to be. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See Letter XX. +</pre> + <p> + These are the newest, as well as richest, that we could procure; + answerable to our situation in the world; answerable to the fortune, + additional to your grandfather's estate, designed you; and to the noble + settlements agreed upon. + </p> + <p> + Your father intends you six suits (three of them dressed suits) at his own + expense. You have an entire new suit; and one besides, which I think you + never wore but twice. As the new suit is rich, if you choose to make that + one of the six, your father will present you with an hundred guineas in + lieu. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Solmes intends to present you with a set of jewels. As you have your + grandmother's and your own, if you choose to have the former new set, and + to make them serve, his present will be made in money; a very round sum—which + will be given in full property to yourself; besides a fine annual + allowance for pin-money, as it is called. So that your objection against + the spirit of a man you think worse of than it deserves, will have no + weight; but you will be more independent than a wife of less discretion + than we attribute to you, perhaps ought to be. You know full well, that I, + who first and last brought a still larger fortune into the family than you + will carry to Mr. Solmes, had not a provision made me of near this that we + have made for you.—Where people marry to their liking, terms are the + least things stood upon—yet should I be sorry if you cannot (to + oblige us all) overcome a dislike. + </p> + <p> + Wonder not, Clary, that I write to you thus plainly and freely upon this + subject. Your behaviour hitherto has been such, that we have had no + opportunity of entering minutely into the subject with you. Yet, after all + that has passed between you and me in conversation, and between you and + your uncles by letter, you have no room to doubt what is to be the + consequence.—Either, child, we must give up our authority, or you + your humour. You cannot expect the one. We have all the reason in the + world to expect the other. You know I have told you more than once, that + you must resolve to have Mr. Solmes, or never to be looked upon as our + child. + </p> + <p> + The draught of the settlement you may see whenever you will. We think + there can be no room for objection to any of the articles. There is still + more in them in our family's favour, than was stipulated at first, when + your aunt talked of them to you. More so, indeed, than we could have + asked. If, upon perusal of them, you think any alteration necessary, it + shall be made.—Do, my dear girl, send to me within this day or two, + or rather ask me, for the perusal of them. + </p> + <p> + As a certain person's appearance at church so lately, and what he gives + out every where, makes us extremely uneasy, and as that uneasiness will + continue while you are single, you must not wonder that a short day is + intended. This day fortnight we design it to be, if you have no objection + to make that I shall approve of. But if you determine as we would have + you, and signify it to us, we shall not stand with you for a week or so. + </p> + <p> + Your sightlines of person may perhaps make some think this alliance + disparaging. But I hope you will not put such a personal value upon + yourself: if you do, it will indeed be the less wonder that person should + weigh with you (however weak the consideration!) in another man. + </p> + <p> + Thus we parents, in justice, ought to judge: that our two daughters are + equally dear and valuable to us: if so, why should Clarissa think that a + disparagement, which Arabella would not (nor we for her) have thought any, + had the address been made to her?—You will know what I mean by this, + without my explaining myself farther. + </p> + <p> + Signify to us, now, therefore, your compliance with our wishes. And then + there is an end of your confinement. An act of oblivion, as I may call it, + shall pass upon all your former refractoriness: and you will once more + make us happy in you, and in one another. You may, in this case, directly + come down to your father and me, in his study; where we will give you our + opinions of the patterns, with our hearty forgiveness and blessings. + </p> + <p> + Come, be a good child, as you used to be, my Clarissa. I have + (notwithstanding your past behaviour, and the hopelessness which some have + expressed in your compliance) undertaken this one time more for you. + Discredit not my hopes, my dear girl. I have promised never more to + interfere between your father and you, if this my most earnest application + succeed not. I expect you down, love. Your father expects you down. But be + sure don't let him see any thing uncheerful in your compliance. If you + come, I will clasp you to my fond heart, with as much pleasure as ever I + pressed you to it in my whole life. You don't know what I have suffered + within these few weeks past; nor ever will be able to guess, till you come + to be in my situation; which is that of a fond and indulgent mother, + praying night and day, and struggling to preserve, against the attempts of + more ungovernable spirits, the peace and union of her family. + </p> + <p> + But you know the terms. Come not near us, if you have resolve to be + undutiful: but this, after what I have written, I hope you cannot be. + </p> + <p> + If you come directly, and, as I have said, cheerfully, as if your heart + were in your duty, (and you told me it was free, you know,) I shall then, + as I said, give you the most tender proofs how much I am + </p> + <p> + Your truly affectionate Mother. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + Think for me, my dearest friend, how I must be affected by this letter; + the contents of it is so surprisingly terrifying, yet so sweetly urged!—O + why, cried I to myself, am I obliged to undergo this severe conflict + between a command that I cannot obey, and language so condescendingly + moving!—Could I have been sure of being struck dead at the alter + before the ceremony had given the man I hate a title to my vows, I think I + could have submitted to having been led to it. But to think of living with + and living for a man one abhors, what a sad thing is that! + </p> + <p> + And then, how could the glare of habit and ornament be supposed any + inducement to one, who has always held, that the principal view of a good + wife in the adorning of her person, ought to be, to preserve the affection + of her husband, and to do credit to his choice; and that she should be + even fearful of attracting the eyes of others?—In this view, must + not the very richness of the patterns add to my disgusts?—Great + encouragement, indeed, to think of adorning one's self to be the wife of + Mr. Solmes! + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, it was not possible for me to go down upon the prescribed + condition. Do you think it was?—And to write, if my letter would + have been read, what could I write that would be admitted, and after what + I had written and said to so little effect? + </p> + <p> + I walked backward and forward. I threw down with disdain the patterns. Now + to my closet retired I; then quitting it, threw myself upon the settee; + then upon this chair, then upon that; then into one window, then into + another—I knew not what to do!—And while I was in this + suspense, having again taken up the letter to re-peruse it, Betty came in, + reminding me, by order, that my papa and mamma waited for me in my + father's study. + </p> + <p> + Tell my mamma, said I, that I beg the favour of seeing her here for one + moment, or to permit me to attend her any where by herself. + </p> + <p> + I listened at the stairs-head—You see, my dear, how it is, cried my + father, very angrily: all your condescension (as your indulgence + heretofore) is thrown away. You blame your son's violence, as you call it + [I had some pleasure in hearing this]; but nothing else will do with her. + You shall not see her alone. Is my presence an exception to the bold + creature? + </p> + <p> + Tell her, said my mother to Betty, she knows upon what terms she may come + down to us. Nor will I see her upon any other. + </p> + <p> + The maid brought me this answer. I had recourse to my pen and ink; but I + trembled so, that I could not write, nor knew what to say, had I steadier + fingers. At last Betty brought me these lines from my father. + </p> + <p> + UNDUTIFUL AND PERVERSE CLARISSA, + </p> + <p> + No condescension, I see, will move you. Your mother shall not see you; nor + will I. Prepare however to obey. You know our pleasure. Your uncle Antony, + your brother, and your sister, and your favourite Mrs. Norton, shall see + the ceremony performed privately at your uncle's chapel. And when Mr. + Solmes can introduce you to us, in the temper we wish to behold you in, we + may perhaps forgive his wife, although we never can, in any other + character, our perverse daughter. As it will be so privately performed, + clothes and equipage may be provided for afterwards. So prepare to go to + your uncle's for an early day in next week. We will not see you till all + is over: and we will have it over the sooner, in order to shorten the time + of your deserved confinement, and our own trouble in contending with such + a rebel, as you have been of late. I will hear no pleas, I will receive no + letter, nor expostulation. Nor shall you hear from me any more till you + have changed your name to my liking. This from + </p> + <p> + Your incensed Father. + </p> + <p> + If this resolution be adhered to, then will my father never see me more!—For + I will never be the wife of that Solmes—I will die first—! + </p> + <p> + TUESDAY EVENING. + </p> + <p> + He, this Solmes, came hither soon after I had received my father's letter. + He sent up to beg leave to wait upon me—I wonder at his assurance—! + </p> + <p> + I said to Betty, who brought me this message, let him restore an unhappy + creature to her father and mother, and then I may hear what he has to say. + But, if my friends will not see me on his account, I will not see him upon + his own. + </p> + <p> + I hope, Miss, said Betty, you will not send me down with this answer. He + is with you papa and mamma. + </p> + <p> + I am driven to despair, said I. I cannot be used worse. I will not see + him. + </p> + <p> + Down she went with my answer. She pretended, it seems, to be loth to + repeat it: so was commanded out of her affected reserves, and gave it in + its full force. + </p> + <p> + O how I heard my father storm! + </p> + <p> + They were altogether, it seems, in his study. My brother was for having me + turned out of the house that moment, to Lovelace, and my evil destiny. My + mother was pleased to put in a gentle word for me: I know not what it was: + but thus she was answered—My dear, this is the most provoking thing + in the world in a woman of your good sense!—To love a rebel, as well + as if she were dutiful. What encouragement for duty is this?—Have I + not loved her as well as ever you did? And why am I changed! Would to the + Lord, your sex knew how to distinguish! It is plain, that she relies upon + her power over you. The fond mother ever made a hardened child! + </p> + <p> + She was pleased, however, to blame Betty, as the wench owned, for giving + my answer its full force. But my father praised her for it. + </p> + <p> + The wench says, that he would have come up in his wrath, at my refusing to + see Mr. Solmes, had not my brother and sister prevailed upon him to the + contrary. + </p> + <p> + I wish he had!—And, were it not for his own sake, that he had killed + me! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Solmes condescended [I am mightily obliged to him truly!] to plead for + me. + </p> + <p> + They are all in tumults! How it will end, I know not—I am quite + weary of life—So happy, till within these few weeks!—So + miserable now! + </p> + <p> + Well, indeed, might my mother say, that I should have severe trials.* + </p> + <p> + * See Letter XXV. + </p> + <p> + P.S. The idiot [such a one am I treated like!] is begged, as I may say, by + my brother and sister. They have desired, that I may be consigned over + entirely to their management. If it be granted, [it is granted, on my + father's part, I understand, but not yet on my mother's,] what cruelty may + I not expect from their envy, jealousy, and ill-will!—I shall soon + see, by its effects, if I am to be so consigned. This is a written + intimation privately dropt in my wood-house walk, by my cousin Dolly + Hervey. The dear girl longs to see me, she tells me: but is forbidden till + she see me as Mrs. Solmes, or as consenting to be his. I will take example + by their perseverance!—Indeed I will—! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XLII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE + </h3> + <p> + An angry dialogue, a scolding-bout rather, has passed between my sister + and me. Did you think I could scold, my dear? + </p> + <p> + She was sent up to me, upon my refusal to see Mr. Solmes—let loose + upon me, I think!—No intention on their parts to conciliate! It + seems evident that I am given up to my brother and her, by general + consent. + </p> + <p> + I will do justice to every thing she said against me, which carried any + force with it. As I ask for your approbation or disapprobation of my + conduct, upon the facts I lay before you, I should think it the sign of a + very bad cause, if I endeavoured to mislead my judge. + </p> + <p> + She began with representing to me the danger I had been in, had my father + come up, as he would have done had he not been hindered—by Mr. + Solmes, among the rest. She reflected upon my Norton, as if she encouraged + me in my perverseness. She ridiculed me for my supposed esteem for Mr. + Lovelace—was surprised that the witty, the prudent, nay, the dutiful + and pi—ous [so she sneeringly pronounced the word] Clarissa Harlowe, + should be so strangely fond of a profligate man, that her parents were + forced to lock her up, in order to hinder her from running into his arms. + 'Let me ask you, my dear, said she, how you now keep your account of the + disposition of your time? How many hours in the twenty-four do you devote + to your needle? How many to your prayers? How many to letter-writing? And + how many to love?—I doubt, I doubt, my little dear, was her arch + expression, the latter article is like Aaron's rod, and swallows up the + rest!—Tell me; is it not so?' + </p> + <p> + To these I answered, That it was a double mortification to me to owe my + safety from the effects of my father's indignation to a man I could never + thank for any thing. I vindicated the good Mrs. Norton with a warmth that + was due to her merit. With equal warmth I resented her reflections upon me + on Mr. Lovelace's account. As to the disposition of my time in the + twenty-four hours, I told her it would better have become her to pity a + sister in distress, than to exult over her—especially, when I could + too justly attribute to the disposition of some of her wakeful hours no + small part of that distress. + </p> + <p> + She raved extremely at this last hint: but reminded me of the gentle + treatment of all my friends, my mother's in particular, before it came to + this. She said, that I had discovered a spirit they never had expected: + that, if they had thought me such a championess, they would hardly have + ventured to engage with me: but that now, the short and the long of it + was, that the matter had gone too far to be given up: that it was become a + contention between duty and willfulness; whether a parent's authority were + to yield to a daughter's obstinacy, or the contrary: that I must therefore + bend or break, that was all, child. + </p> + <p> + I told her, that I wished the subject were of such a nature, that I could + return her pleasantry with equal lightness of heart: but that, if Mr. + Solmes had such merit in every body's eyes, in hers, particularly, why + might he not be a brother to me, rather than a husband? + </p> + <p> + O child, says she, methinks you are as pleasant to the full as I am: I + begin to have some hopes of you now. But do you think I will rob my sister + of her humble servant? Had he first addressed himself to me, proceeded + she, something might have been said: but to take my younger sister's + refusal! No, no, child; it is not come to that neither! Besides, that + would be to leave the door open in your heart for you know who, child; and + we would fain bar him out, if possible. In short [and then she changed + both her tone and her looks] had I been as forward as somebody, to throw + myself into the arms of one of the greatest profligates in England, who + had endeavoured to support his claim to me through the blood of my + brother, then might all my family join together to save me from such a + wretch, and to marry me as fast as they could, to some worthy man, who + might opportunely offer himself. And now, Clary, all's out, and make the + most of it. + </p> + <p> + Did not this deserve a severe return? Do, say it did, to justify my reply.—Alas! + for my poor sister! said I—The man was not always so great a + profligate. How true is the observation, That unrequited love turns to + deepest hate! + </p> + <p> + I thought she would beat me. But I proceeded—I have heard often of + my brother's danger, and my brother's murderer. When so little ceremony is + made with me, why should I not speak out?—Did he not seek to kill + the other, if he could have done it? Would my brother have given Lovelace + his life, had it been in his power?—The aggressor should not + complain.—And, as to opportune offers, would to Heaven some one had + offered opportunely to somebody! It is not my fault, Bella, the opportune + gentleman don't come! + </p> + <p> + Could you, my dear, have shewn more spirit? I expected to feel the weight + of her hand. She did come up to me, with it held up: then, speechless with + passion, ran half way down the stairs, and came up again. + </p> + <p> + When she could speak—God give me patience with you! + </p> + <p> + Amen, said I: but you see, Bella, how ill you bear the retort you provoke. + Will you forgive me; and let me find a sister in you, as I am sorry, if + you had reason to think me unsisterly in what I have said? + </p> + <p> + Then did she pour upon me, with greater violence; considering my + gentleness as a triumph of temper over her. She was resolved, she said, to + let every body know how I took the wicked Lovelace's part against my + brother. + </p> + <p> + I wished, I told her, I could make the plea for myself, which she might + for herself; to wit, that my anger was more inexcusable than my judgment. + But I presumed she had some other view in coming to me, than she had + hitherto acquainted me with. Let me, said I, but know (after all that has + passed) if you have any thing to propose that I can comply with; any thing + that can make my only sister once more my friend? + </p> + <p> + I had before, upon hearing her ridiculing me on my supposed character of + meekness, said, that, although I wished to be thought meek, I would not be + abject; although humble not mean: and here, in a sneering way, she + cautioned me on that head. + </p> + <p> + I replied, that her pleasantry was much more agreeable than her anger. But + I wished she would let me know the end of a visit that had hitherto + (between us) been so unsisterly. + </p> + <p> + She desired to be informed, in the name of every body, was her word, what + I was determined upon? And whether to comply or not?—One word for + all: My friends were not to have patience with so perverse a creature for + ever. + </p> + <p> + This then I told her I would do: Absolutely break with the man they were + all so determined against: upon condition, however, that neither Mr. + Solmes, nor any other, were urged upon me with the force of a command. + </p> + <p> + And what was this, more than I had offered before? What, but ringing my + changes upon the same bells, and neither receding nor advancing one + tittle? + </p> + <p> + If I knew what other proposals I could make, I told her, that would be + acceptable to them all, and free me from the address of a man so + disagreeable to me, I would make them. I had indeed before offered, never + to marry without my father's consent— + </p> + <p> + She interrupted me, That was because I depended upon my whining tricks to + bring my father and mother to what I pleased. + </p> + <p> + A poor dependence! I said:—She knew those who would make that + dependence vain— + </p> + <p> + And I should have brought them to my own beck, very probably, and my uncle + Harlowe too, as also my aunt Hervey, had I not been forbidden from their + sight, and thereby hindered from playing my pug's tricks before them. + </p> + <p> + At least, Bella, said I, you have hinted to me to whom I am obliged, that + my father and mother, and every body else, treat me thus harshly. But + surely you make them all very weak. Indifferent persons, judging of us two + from what you say, would either think me a very artful creature, or you a + very spiteful one— + </p> + <p> + You are indeed a very artful one, for that matter, interrupted she in a + passion: one of the artfullest I ever knew! And then followed an + accusation so low! so unsisterly!—That I half-bewitched people by my + insinuating address: that nobody could be valued or respected, but must + stand like ciphers wherever I came. How often, said she, have I and my + brother been talking upon a subject, and had every body's attention, till + you came in, with your bewitching meek pride, and humble significance? And + then have we either been stopped by references to Miss Clary's opinion, + forsooth; or been forced to stop ourselves, or must have talked on + unattended to by every body. + </p> + <p> + She paused. Dear Bella, proceed! + </p> + <p> + She indeed seemed only gathering breath. + </p> + <p> + And so I will, said she—Did you not bewitch my grandfather? Could + any thing be pleasing to him, that you did not say or do? How did he use + to hang, till he slabbered again, poor doting old man! on your silver + tongue! Yet what did you say, that we could not have said? What did you + do, that we did not endeavour to do?—And what was all this for? Why, + truly, his last will shewed what effect your smooth obligingness had upon + him!—To leave the acquired part of his estate from the next heirs, + his own sons, to a grandchild; to his youngest grandchild! A daughter too!—To + leave the family-pictures from his sons to you, because you could tiddle + about them, and, though you now neglect their examples, could wipe and + clean them with your dainty hands! The family-plate too, in such + quantities, of two or three generations standing, must not be changed, + because his precious child,* humouring his old fal-lal taste, admired it, + to make it all her own. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Alluding to his words in the preamble to the clauses in + his will. See Letter IV. +</pre> + <p> + This was too low to move me: O my poor sister! said I: not to be able, or + at least willing, to distinguish between art and nature! If I did oblige, + I was happy in it: I looked for no further reward: my mind is above art, + from the dirty motives you mention. I wish with all my heart my + grandfather had not thus distinguished me; he saw my brother likely to be + amply provided for out of the family, as well as in it: he desired that + you might have the greater share of my father's favour for it; and no + doubt but you both have. You know, Bella, that the estate my grandfather + bequeathed me was not half the real estate he left. + </p> + <p> + What's all that to an estate in possession, and left you with such + distinctions, as gave you a reputation of greater value than the estate + itself? + </p> + <p> + Hence my misfortune, Bella, in your envy, I doubt!—But have I not + given up that possession in the best manner I could— + </p> + <p> + Yes, interrupting me, she hated me for that best manner. Specious little + witch! she called me: your best manner, so full of art and design, had + never been seen through, if you, with your blandishing ways, have not been + put out of sight, and reduced to positive declarations!—Hindered + from playing your little declarations!—Hindered from playing your + little whining tricks! curling, like a serpent about your mamma; and + making her cry to deny you any thing your little obstinate heart was set + upon—! + </p> + <p> + Obstinate heart, Bella! + </p> + <p> + Yes, obstinate heart! For did you ever give up any thing? Had you not the + art to make them think all was right you asked, though my brother and I + were frequently refused favours of no greater import! + </p> + <p> + I know not, Bella, that I ever asked any thing unfit to be granted. I + seldom asked favours for myself, but for others. + </p> + <p> + I was a reflecting creature for this. + </p> + <p> + All you speak of, Bella, was a long time ago. I cannot go so far back into + our childish follies. Little did I think of how long standing your + late-shewn antipathy is. + </p> + <p> + I was a reflector again! Such a saucy meekness; such a best manner; and + such venom in words!—O Clary! Clary! Thou wert always a two-faced + girl! + </p> + <p> + Nobody thought I had two faces, when I gave up all into my father's + management; taking from his bounty, as before, all my little pocket-money, + without a shilling addition to my stipend, or desiring it— + </p> + <p> + Yes, cunning creature!—And that was another of your fetches!—For + did it not engage my fond father (as no doubt you thought it would) to + tell you, that since you had done so grateful and dutiful a thing, he + would keep entire, for your use, all the produce of the estate left you, + and be but your steward in it; and that you should be entitled to the same + allowances as before? Another of your hook-in's, Clary!—So that all + your extravagancies have been supported gratis. + </p> + <p> + My extravagancies, Bella!—But did my father ever give me any thing + he did not give you? + </p> + <p> + Yes, indeed; I got more by that means, than I should have had the + conscience to ask. But I have still the greater part to shew! But you! + What have you to shew?—I dare say, not fifty pieces in the world! + </p> + <p> + Indeed I have not! + </p> + <p> + I believe you!—Your mamma Norton, I suppose—But mum for that—! + </p> + <p> + Unworthy Bella! The good woman, although low in circumstance, is great in + mind! Much greater than those who would impute meanness to a soul + incapable of it. + </p> + <p> + What then have you done with the sums given you from infancy to squander?—Let + me ask you [affecting archness], Has, has, has Lovelace, has your rake, + put it out at interest for you? + </p> + <p> + O that my sister would not make me blush for her! It is, however, out at + interest!—And I hope it will bring me interest upon interest!—Better + than to lie useless in my cabinet. + </p> + <p> + She understood me, she said. Were I a man, she should suppose I was aiming + to carry the county—Popularity! A crowd to follow me with their + blessings as I went to and from church, and nobody else to be regarded, + were agreeable things. House-top-proclamations! I hid not my light under a + bushel, she would say that for me. But was it not a little hard upon me, + to be kept from blazing on a Sunday?—And to be hindered from my + charitable ostentations? + </p> + <p> + This, indeed, Bella, is cruel in you, who have so largely contributed to + my confinement.—But go on. You'll be out of breath by-and-by. I + cannot wish to be able to return this usage.—Poor Bella! And I + believe I smiled a little too contemptuously for a sister to a sister. + </p> + <p> + None of your saucy contempts [rising in her voice]: None of your poor + Bella's, with that air of superiority in a younger sister! + </p> + <p> + Well then, rich Bella! courtesying—that will please you better—and + it is due likewise to the hoards you boast of. + </p> + <p> + Look ye, Clary, holding up her hand, if you are not a little more abject + in your meekness, a little more mean in your humility, and treat me with + the respect due to an elder sister—you shall find— + </p> + <p> + Not that you will treat me worse than you have done, Bella!—That + cannot be; unless you were to let fall your uplifted hand upon me—and + that would less become you to do, than me to bear. + </p> + <p> + Good, meek creature:—But you were upon your overtures just now!—I + shall surprise every body by tarrying so long. They will think some good + may be done with you—and supper will be ready. + </p> + <p> + A tear would stray down my cheek—How happy have I been, said I, + sighing, in the supper-time conversations, with all my dear friends in my + eye round their hospitable board. + </p> + <p> + I met only with insult for this—Bella has not a feeling heart. The + highest joy in this life she is not capable of: but then she saves herself + many griefs, by her impenetrableness—yet, for ten times the pain + that such a sensibility is attended with, would I not part with the + pleasure it brings with it. + </p> + <p> + She asked me, upon my turning from her, if she should not say any thing + below of my compliances? + </p> + <p> + You may say, that I will do every thing they would have me do, if they + will free me from Mr. Solmes's address. + </p> + <p> + This is all you desire at present, creeper on! insinuator! [What words she + has!] But will not t'other man flame out, and roar most horribly, upon the + snatching from his paws a prey he thought himself sure of? + </p> + <p> + I must let you talk in your own way, or we shall never come to a point. I + shall not matter in his roaring, as you call it. I will promise him, that, + if I ever marry any other man, it shall not be till he is married. And if + he be not satisfied with such a condescension, I shall think he ought: and + I will give any assurances, that I will neither correspond with him, nor + see him. Surely this will do. + </p> + <p> + But I suppose then you will have no objection to see and converse, on a + civil footing, with Mr. Solmes—as your father's friend, or so? + </p> + <p> + No! I must be permitted to retire to my apartment whenever he comes. I + would no more converse with the one, than correspond with the other. That + would be to make Mr. Lovelace guilty of some rashness, on a belief, that I + broke with him, to have Mr. Solmes. + </p> + <p> + And so, that wicked wretch is to be allowed such a controul over you, that + you are not to be civil to your father's friends, at his own house, for + fear of incensing him!—When this comes to be represented, be so good + as to tell me, what is it you expect from it! + </p> + <p> + Every thing, I said, or nothing, as she was pleased to represent it.—Be + so good as to give it your interest, Bella, and say, further, 'That I will + by any means I can, in the law or otherwise, make over to my father, to my + uncles, or even to my brother, all I am entitled to by my grandfather's + will, as a security for the performance of my promises. And as I shall + have no reason to expect any favour from my father, if I break them, I + shall not be worth any body's having. And further still, unkindly as my + brother has used me, I will go down to Scotland privately, as his + housekeeper [I now see I may be spared here] if he will promise to treat + me no worse than he would do an hired one.—Or I will go to Florence, + to my cousin Morden, if his stay in Italy will admit of it. In either + case, it may be given out, that I am gone to the other; or to the world's + end. I care not whither it is said I am gone, or do go.' + </p> + <p> + Let me ask you, child, if you will give your pretty proposal in writing? + </p> + <p> + Yes, with all my heart. And I stepped to my closet, and wrote to the + purpose I have mentioned; and moreover, the following lines to my brother. + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR BROTHER, + </p> + <p> + I hope I have made such proposals to my sister as will be accepted. I am + sure they will, if you please to give them your sanction. Let me beg of + you, for God's sake, that you will. I think myself very unhappy in having + incurred your displeasure. No sister can love a brother better than I love + you. Pray do not put the worst but the best constructions upon my + proposals, when you have them reported to you. Indeed I mean the best. I + have no subterfuges, no arts, no intentions, but to keep to the letter of + them. You shall yourself draw up every thing into writing, as strong as + you can, and I will sign it: and what the law will not do to enforce it, + my resolution and my will shall: so that I shall be worth nobody's + address, that has not my papa's consent: nor shall any person, nor any + consideration, induce me to revoke it. You can do more than any body to + reconcile my parents and uncles to me. Let me owe this desirable favour to + your brotherly interposition, and you will for ever oblige + </p> + <p> + Your afflicted Sister, CL. HARLOWE. + </p> + <p> + *** + </p> + <p> + And how do you think Bella employed herself while I was writing?—Why, + playing gently upon my harpsichord; and humming to it, to shew her + unconcernedness. + </p> + <p> + When I approached her with what I had written, she arose with an air of + levity—Why, love, you have not written already!—You have, I + protest!—O what a ready penwoman!—And may I read it? + </p> + <p> + If you please. And let me beseech you, my dear Bella, to back these + proposals with your good offices: and [folding my uplifted hands; tears, I + believe, standing in my eyes] I will love you as never sister loved + another. + </p> + <p> + Thou art a strange creature, said she; there is no withstanding thee. + </p> + <p> + She took the proposals and letter; and having read them, burst into an + affected laugh: How wise ones may be taken in!—Then you did not + know, that I was jesting with you all this time!—And so you would + have me carry down this pretty piece of nonsense? + </p> + <p> + Don't let me be surprised at your seeming unsisterliness, Bella. I hope it + is but seeming. There can be no wit in such jesting as this. + </p> + <p> + The folly of the creature!—How natural is it for people, when they + set their hearts upon any thing, to think every body must see with their + eyes!—Pray, dear child, what becomes of your father's authority + here?—Who stoops here, the parent, or the child?—How does this + square with engagements actually agreed upon between your father and Mr. + Solmes? What security, that your rake will not follow you to the world's + end?—Nevertheless, that you may not think that I stand in the way of + a reconciliation on such fine terms as these, I will be your messenger + this once, and hear what my papa will say to it; although beforehand I can + tell you, these proposals will not answer the principal end. + </p> + <p> + So down she went. But, it seems, my aunt Hervey and my uncle Harlowe were + not gone away: and as they have all engaged to act in concert, messengers + were dispatched to my uncle and aunt to desire them to be there to + breakfast in the morning. + </p> + <p> + MONDAY NIGHT, ELEVEN O'CLOCK. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid I shall not be thought worthy— + </p> + <p> + Just as I began to fear I should not be thought worthy of an answer, Betty + rapped at my door, and said, if I were not in bed, she had a letter for + me. I had but just done writing the above dialogue, and stept to the door + with the pen in my hand—Always writing, Miss! said the bold wench: + it is admirable how you can get away what you write—but the fairies, + they say, are always at hand to help lovers.—She retired in so much + haste, that, had I been disposed, I could not take the notice of this + insolence which it deserved. + </p> + <p> + I enclose my brother's letter. He was resolved to let me see, that I + should have nothing to expect from his kindness. But surely he will not be + permitted to carry every point. The assembling of my friends to-morrow is + a good sign: and I will hope something from that, and from proposals so + reasonable. And now I will try if any repose will fall to my lot for the + remainder of this night. + </p> + <p> + TO MISS CLARY HARLOWE [ENCLOSED IN THE PRECEDING.] + </p> + <p> + Your proposals will be considered by your father and mother, and all your + friends, to-morrow morning. What trouble does your shameful forwardness + give us all! I wonder you have the courage to write to me, upon whom you + are so continually emptying your whole female quiver. I have no patience + with you, for reflecting upon me as the aggressor in a quarrel which owed + its beginning to my consideration for you. + </p> + <p> + You have made such confessions in a villain's favour, as ought to cause + all your relations to renounce you for ever. For my part, I will not + believe any woman in the world, who promises against her avowed + inclination. To put it out of your power to ruin yourself is the only way + left to prevent your ruin. I did not intend to write; but your too-kind + sister has prevailed upon me. As to your going to Scotland, that day of + grace is over.—Nor would I advise, that you should go to + grandfather-up your cousin Morden. Besides, that worthy gentleman might be + involved in some fatal dispute, upon your account; and then be called the + aggressor. + </p> + <p> + A fine situation you have brought yourself to, to propose to hide yourself + from your rake, and to have falsehoods told, to conceal you!—Your + confinement, at this rate, is the happiest thing that could befal you. + Your bravo's behaviour at church, looking out for you, is a sufficient + indication of his power over you, had you not so shamelessly acknowledged + it. + </p> + <p> + One word for all—Your parents and uncles may do as they will: but + if, for the honour of the family, I cannot carry this point, I will retire + to Scotland, and never see the face of any one of it more. + </p> + <p> + JAMES HARLOWE. *** + </p> + <p> + There's a brother!—There's flaming duty to a father, and mother, and + uncles!—But he sees himself valued, and made of consequence; and he + gives himself airs accordingly!—Nevertheless, as I said above, I + will hope better things from those who have not the interest my brother + has to keep open these unhappy differences. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XLIII + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE TUESDAY, MARCH 21. + </h3> + <p> + Would you not have thought, my dear Miss Howe, as well as I, that my + proposal must have been accepted: and that my brother, by the last article + of his unbrotherly letter (where he threatens to go to Scotland if it + should be hearkened to) was of opinion that it would. + </p> + <p> + For my part, after I had read the unkind letter over and over, I + concluded, upon the whole, that a reconciliation upon terms so + disadvantageous to myself, as hardly any other person in my case, I dare + say, would have proposed, must be the result of this morning's conference. + And in that belief I had begun to give myself new trouble in thinking + (this difficulty over) how I should be able to pacify Lovelace on that + part of my engagement, by which I undertook to break off all + correspondence with him, unless my friends should be brought, by the + interposition of his powerful friends, and any offers they might make, + (which it was rather his part to suggest, than mine to intimate,) to + change their minds. + </p> + <p> + Thus was I employed, not very agreeably, you may believe, because of the + vehemence of the tempers I had to conflict with; when breakfasting-time + approached, and my judges began to arrive. + </p> + <p> + And oh! how my heart fluttered on hearing the chariot of the one, and then + of the other, rattle through the court-yard, and the hollow-sounding + foot-step giving notice of each person's stepping out, to take his place + on the awful bench which my fancy had formed for them and my other judges! + </p> + <p> + That, thought I, is my aunt Hervey's! That my uncle Harlowe's! Now comes + my uncle Antony! And my imagination made a fourth chariot for the odious + Solmes, although it happened he was not there. + </p> + <p> + And now, thought I, are they all assembled: and now my brother calls upon + my sister to make her report! Now the hard-hearted Bella interlards her + speech with invective! Now has she concluded her report! Now they debate + upon it!—Now does my brother flame! Now threaten to go to Scotland! + Now is he chidden, and now soothed! + </p> + <p> + And then I ran through the whole conference in my imagination, forming + speeches for this person and that, pro and con, till all concluded, as I + flattered myself, in an acceptance of my conditions, and in giving + directions to have an instrument drawn to tie me up to my good behaviour; + while I supposed all agreed to give Solmes a wife every way more worthy of + him, and with her the promise of my grandfather's estate, in case of my + forfeiture, or dying unmarried, on the righteous condition he proposes to + entitle himself to it with me. + </p> + <p> + And now, thought I, am I to be ordered down to recognize my own proposals. + And how shall I look upon my awful judges? How shall I stand the questions + of some, the set surliness of others, the returning love of one or two? + How greatly shall I be affected! + </p> + <p> + Then I wept: then I dried my eyes: then I practised at my glass for a look + more cheerful than my heart. + </p> + <p> + And now [as any thing stirred] is my sister coming to declare the issue of + all! Tears gushing again, my heart fluttering as a bird against its wires; + drying my eyes again and again to no purpose. + </p> + <p> + And thus, my Nancy, [excuse the fanciful prolixity,] was I employed, and + such were my thoughts and imaginations, when I found a very different + result from the hopeful conference. + </p> + <p> + For about ten o'clock up came my sister, with an air of cruel triumph, + waving her hand with a light flourish— + </p> + <p> + Obedience without reserve is required of you, Clary. My papa is justly + incensed, that you should presume to dispute his will, and to make + conditions with him. He knows what is best for you: and as you own matters + are gone a great way between this hated Lovelace and you, they will + believe nothing you say; except you will give the one only instance, that + will put them out of doubt of the sincerity of your promises. + </p> + <p> + What, child, are you surprised?—Cannot you speak?—Then, it + seems, you had expected a different issue, had you?—Strange that you + could!—With all your acknowledgements and confessions, so creditable + to your noted prudence—! + </p> + <p> + I was indeed speechless for some time: my eyes were even fixed, and ceased + to flow. But upon the hard-hearted Bella's proceeding with her airs of + insult, Indeed I was mistaken, said I; indeed I was!——For in + you, Bella, I expected, I hoped for, a sister— + </p> + <p> + What! interrupted she, with all your mannerly flings, and your despising + airs, did you expect that I was capable of telling stories for you?—Did + you think, that when I was asked my own opinion of the sincerity of your + declarations, I could not tell tem, how far matters had gone between you + and your fellow?—When the intention is to bend that stubborn will of + yours to your duty, do you think I would deceive them?—Do you think + I would encourage them to call you down, to contradict all that I should + have invented in your favour? + </p> + <p> + Well, well, Bella; I am the less obliged to you; that's all. I was willing + to think that I had still a brother and sister. But I find I am mistaken. + </p> + <p> + Pretty mopsy-eyed soul!—was her expression!—And was it willing + to think it had still a brother and sister? And why don't you go on, + Clary? [mocking my half-weeping accent] I thought I had a father, and + mother, two uncles, and an aunt: but I am mis—taken, that's all—come, + Clary, say this, and it will in part be true, because you have thrown off + all their authority, and because you respect one vile wretch more than + them all. + </p> + <p> + How have I deserved this at your hands, Sister?—But I will only say, + I pity you. + </p> + <p> + And with that disdainful air too, Clary!—None of that bridled neck! + none of your scornful pity, girl!—I beseech you! + </p> + <p> + This sort of behaviour is natural to you, surely, Bella!—What new + talents does it discover in you!—But proceed—If it be a + pleasure to you, proceed, Bella. And since I must not pity you, I will + pity myself: for nobody else will. + </p> + <p> + Because you don't, said she— + </p> + <p> + Hush, Bella, interrupting her, because I don't deserve it—I know you + were going to say so. I will say as you say in every thing; and that's the + way to please you. + </p> + <p> + Then say, Lovelace is a villain. + </p> + <p> + So I will, when I think him so. + </p> + <p> + Then you don't think him so? + </p> + <p> + Indeed I don't. You did not always, Bella. + </p> + <p> + And what, Clary, mean you by that? [bristling up to me]—Tell me what + you mean by that reflection? + </p> + <p> + Tell me why you call it a reflection?—What did I say? + </p> + <p> + Thou art a provoking creature—But what say you to two or three duels + of that wretch's? + </p> + <p> + I can't tell what to say, unless I knew the occasions. + </p> + <p> + Do you justify duelling at all? + </p> + <p> + I do not: neither can I help his duelling. + </p> + <p> + Will you go down, and humble that stubborn spirit of yours to your mamma? + </p> + <p> + I said nothing. + </p> + <p> + Shall I conduct your Ladyship down? [offering to take my declined hand]. + </p> + <p> + What! not vouchsafe to answer me? + </p> + <p> + I turned from her in silence. + </p> + <p> + What! turn your back upon me too!—Shall I bring up your mamma to + you, love? [following me, and taking my struggling hand] What? not speak + yet! Come, my sullen, silent dear, speak one word to me—you must say + two very soon to Mr. Solmes, I can tell you that. + </p> + <p> + Then [gushing into tears, which I could not hold in longer] they shall be + the last words I will ever speak. + </p> + <p> + Well, well, [insultingly wiping my averted face with her handkerchief, + while her other hand held mine, in a ridiculing tone,] I am glad any thing + will make thee speak: then you think you may be brought to speak the two + words—only they are to be the last!—How like a gentle lovyer + from its tender bleeding heart was that! + </p> + <p> + Ridiculous Bella! + </p> + <p> + Saucy Clary! [changing her sneering tone to an imperious one] But do you + think you can humble yourself to go down to your mamma? + </p> + <p> + I am tired of such stuff as this. Tell me, Bella, if my mamma will + condescend to see me? + </p> + <p> + Yes, if you can be dutiful at last. + </p> + <p> + I can. I will. + </p> + <p> + But what call you dutiful? + </p> + <p> + To give up my own inclinations—That's something more for you to tell + of—in obedience to my parents' commands; and to beg that I may not + be made miserable with a man that is fitter for any body than for me. + </p> + <p> + For me, do you mean, Clary? + </p> + <p> + Why not? since you have put the question. You have a better opinion of him + than I have. My friends, I hope, would not think him too good for me, and + not good enough for you. But cannot you tell me, Bella, what is to become + of me, without insulting over me thus?—If I must be thus treated, + remember, that if I am guilty of any rashness, the usage I meet with will + justify it. + </p> + <p> + So, Clary, you are contriving an excuse, I find, for somewhat that we have + not doubted has been in your head a great while. + </p> + <p> + If it were so, you seem resolved, for your part, and so does my brother + for his, that I shall not want one.—But indeed, Bella, I can bear no + longer this repetition of the worst part of yesterday's conversation: I + desire I may throw myself at my father's and mother's feet, and hear from + them what their sentence is. I shall at least avoid, by that means, the + unsisterly insults I meet with from you. + </p> + <p> + Hey-day! What, is this you? Is it you, my meek sister Clary? + </p> + <p> + Yes, it is I, Bella; and I will claim the protection due to a child of the + family, or to know why I am to be thus treated, when I offer only to + preserve to myself the liberty of refusal, which belongs to my sex; and, + to please my parents, would give up my choice. I have contented myself + till now to take second-hand messengers, and first-hand insults: you are + but my sister: my brother is not my sovereign. And while I have a father + and mother living, I will not be thus treated by a brother and sister, and + their servants, all setting upon me, as it should seem, to make me + desperate, and do a rash thing.—I will know, in short, sister Bella, + why I am to be constrained thus?—What is intended by it?—And + whether I am to be considered as a child or a slave? + </p> + <p> + She stood aghast all this time, partly with real, partly with affected, + surprise. + </p> + <p> + And is it you? Is it indeed you?—Well, Clary, you amaze me! But + since you are so desirous to refer yourself to your father and mother, I + will go down, and tell them what you say. Your friends are not yet gone, I + believe: they shall assemble again; and then you may come down, and plead + your own cause in person. + </p> + <p> + Let me then. But let my brother and you be absent. You have made + yourselves too much parties against me, to sit as my judges. And I desire + to have none of yours or his interpositions. I am sure you could not have + represented what I proposed fairly: I am sure you could not. Nor is it + possible you should be commissioned to treat me thus. + </p> + <p> + Well, well, I'll call up my brother to you.—I will indeed.—He + shall justify himself, as well as me. + </p> + <p> + I desire not to see my brother, except he will come as a brother, laying + aside the authority he has unjustly assumed over me. + </p> + <p> + And so, Clary, it is nothing to him, or to me, is it, that our sister + shall disgrace her whole family? + </p> + <p> + As how, Bella, disgrace it?—The man whom you thus freely treat, is a + man of birth and fortune: he is a man of parts, and nobly allied.—He + was once thought worthy of you: and I wish to Heaven you had had him. I am + sure it was not thus my fault you had not, although you treat me thus. + </p> + <p> + This set her into a flame: I wish I had forborne it. O how the poor Bella + raved! I thought she would have beat me once or twice: and she vowed her + fingers itched to do so—but I was not worth her anger: yet she + flamed on. + </p> + <p> + We were heard to be high.—And Betty came up from my mother to + command my sister to attend her.—She went down accordingly, + threatening me with letting every one know what a violent creature I had + shewn myself to be. + </p> + <p> + TUESDAY NOON, MARCH 21. + </p> + <p> + I have as yet heard no more of my sister: and have not courage enough to + insist upon throwing myself at the feet of my father and mother, as I + thought in my heat of temper I should be able to do. And I am now grown as + calm as ever; and were Bella to come up again, as fit to be played upon as + before. + </p> + <p> + I am indeed sorry that I sent her from me in such disorder. But my papa's + letter threatening me with my uncle Antony's house and chapel, terrifies + me strangely; and by their silence I'm afraid some new storm is gathering. + </p> + <p> + But what shall I do with this Lovelace? I have just now, but the + unsuspected hole in the wall (that I told you of in my letter by Hannah) + got a letter from him—so uneasy is he for fear I should be prevailed + upon in Solmes's favour; so full of menaces, if I am; so resenting the + usage I receive [for, how I cannot tell, but he has undoubtedly + intelligence of all that is done in the family]; such protestations of + inviolable faith and honour; such vows of reformation; such pressing + arguments to escape from this disgraceful confinement—O my Nancy, + what shall I do with this Lovelace?— + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER XLIV + </h2> + <h3> + MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE WENESDAY MORNING, NINE O'CLOCK. + </h3> + <p> + My aunt Hervey lay here last night, and is but just gone from me. She came + up to me with my sister. They would not trust my aunt without this + ill-natured witness. When she entered my chamber, I told her, that this + visit was a high favour to a poor prisoner, in her hard confinement. I + kissed her hand. She, kindly saluting me, said, Why this distance to your + aunt, my dear, who loves you so well? + </p> + <p> + She owned, that she came to expostulate with me, for the peace-sake of the + family: for that she could not believe it possible, if I did not conceive + myself unkindly treated, that I, who had ever shewn such a sweetness of + temper, as well as manners, should be thus resolute, in a point so very + near to my father, and all my friends. My mother and she were both willing + to impute my resolution to the manner I had been begun with; and to my + supposing that my brother had originally more of a hand in the proposals + made by Mr. Solmes, than my father or other friends. In short, fain would + my aunt have furnished me with an excuse to come off my opposition; Bell + all the while humming a tune, and opening this book and that, without + meaning; but saying nothing. + </p> + <p> + After having shewed me, that my opposition could not be of signification, + my father's honour being engaged, my aunt concluded with enforcing upon me + my duty, in stronger terms than I believe she would have done, (the + circumstances of the case considered), had not my sister been present. + </p> + <p> + It would be repeating what I have so often mentioned, to give you the + arguments that passed on both sides.—So I will only recite what she + was pleased to say, that carried with it a new face. + </p> + <p> + When she found me inflexible, as she was pleased to call it, she said, For + her part, she could not but say, that if I were not to have either Mr. + Solmes or Mr. Lovelace, and yet, to make my friends easy, must marry, she + should not think amiss of Mr. Wyerley. What did I think of Mr. Wyerley? + </p> + <p> + Ay, Clary, put in my sister, what say you to Mr. Wyerley? + </p> + <p> + I saw through this immediately. It was said on purpose, I doubted not, to + have an argument against me of absolute prepossession in Mr. Lovelace's + favour: since Mr. Wyerley every where avows his value, even to veneration, + for me; and is far less exceptionable both in person and mind, than Mr. + Solmes: and I was willing to turn the tables, by trying how far Mr. + Solmes's terms might be dispensed with; since the same terms could not be + expected from Mr. Wyerley. + </p> + <p> + I therefore desired to know, whether my answer, if it should be in favour + of Mr. Wyerley, would release me from Mr. Solmes?—For I owned, that + I had not the aversion to him, that I had to the other. + </p> + <p> + Nay, she had no commission to propose such a thing. She only knew, that my + father and mother would not be easy till Mr. Lovelace's hopes were + entirely defeated. + </p> + <p> + Cunning creature! said my sister. + </p> + <p> + And this, and her joining in the question before, convinced me, that it + was a designed snare for me. + </p> + <p> + Don't you, dear Madam, said I, put questions that can answer no end, but + to support my brother's schemes against me.—But are there any hopes + of an end to my sufferings and disgrace, without having this hated man + imposed upon me? Will not what I have offered be accepted? I am sure it + ought—I will venture to say that. + </p> + <p> + Why, Niece, if there be not any such hopes, I presume you don't think + yourself absolved from the duty due from a child to her parents? + </p> + <p> + Yes, said my sister, I do not doubt but it is Miss Clary's aim, if she + does not fly to her Lovelace, to get her estate into her own hands, and go + to live at The Grove, in that independence upon which she builds all her + perverseness. And, dear heart! my little love, how will you then blaze + away! Your mamma Norton, your oracle, with your poor at your gates, + mingling so proudly and so meanly with the ragged herd! Reflecting, by + your ostentation, upon all the ladies in the county, who do not as you do. + This is known to be your scheme! and the poor without-doors, and Lovelace + within, with one hand building up a name, pulling it down with the other!—O + what a charming scheme is this!—But let me tell you, my pretty + little flighty one, that your father's living will shall controul your + grandfather's dead one; and that estate will be disposed of as your fond + grandfather would have disposed of it, had he lived to see such a change + in his favourite. In a word, Miss, it will be kept out of your hands, till + my father sees you discreet enough to have the management of it, or till + you can dutifully, by law, tear it from him. + </p> + <p> + Fie, Miss Harlowe! said my aunt: this is not pretty to your sister. + </p> + <p> + O Madam, let her go on. This is nothing to what I have borne from Miss + Harlowe. She is either commissioned to treat me ill by her envy, or by an + higher authority, to which I must submit.—As to revoking the estate, + what hinders, if I pleased? I know my power; but have not the least + thought of exerting it. Be pleased to let my father know, that, whatever + be the consequence to myself, were he to turn me out of doors, (which I + should rather he would do, than to be confined and insulted as I am), and + were I to be reduced to indigence and want, I would seek no relief that + should be contrary to his will. + </p> + <p> + For that matter, child, said my aunt, were you to marry, you must do as + your husband will have you. If that husband be Mr. Lovelace, he will be + glad of any opportunity of further embroiling the families. And, let me + tell you, Niece, if he had the respect for you which he pretends to have, + he would not throw out defiances as he does. He is known to be a very + revengeful man; and were I you, Miss Clary, I should be afraid he would + wreak upon me that vengeance, though I had not offended him, which he is + continually threatening to pour upon the family. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lovelace's threatened vengeance is in return for threatened vengeance. + It is not every body will bear insult, as, of late, I have been forced to + bear it. + </p> + <p> + O how my sister's face shone with passion! + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Lovelace, proceeded I, as I have said twenty and twenty times, + would be quite out of question with me, were I to be generously treated! + </p> + <p> + My sister said something with great vehemence: but only raising my voice, + to be heard, without minding her, Pray, Madam, (provokingly interrogated + I), was he not known to have been as wild a man, when he was at first + introduced into our family, as he now is said to be? Yet then, the common + phrases of wild oats, and black oxen, and such-like, were qualifiers; and + marriage, and the wife's discretion, were to perform wonders—but + (turning to my sister) I find I have said too much. + </p> + <p> + O thou wicked reflecter!—And what made me abhor him, think you, but + the proof of those villainous freedoms that ought to have had the same + effect upon you, were you but half so good a creature as you pretend to + be? + </p> + <p> + Proof, did you say, Bella! I thought you had not proof?—But you know + best. + </p> + <p> + Was not this very spiteful, my dear? + </p> + <p> + Now, Clary, said she, would I give a thousand pounds to know all that is + in thy little rancorous and reflecting heart at this moment. + </p> + <p> + I might let you know for a much less sum, and not be afraid of being worse + treated than I have been. + </p> + <p> + Well, young ladies, I am sorry to see passion run so high between you. You + know, Niece, (to me,) you had not been confined thus to your apartment, + could your mother by condescension, or your father by authority, have been + able to move you. But how can you expect, when there must be a concession + on one side, that it should be on theirs? If my Dolly, who has not the + hundredth part of your understanding, were thus to set herself up in + absolute contradiction to my will, in a point so material, I should not + take it well of her—indeed I should not. + </p> + <p> + I believe not, Madam: and if Miss Hervey had just such a brother, and just + such a sister [you may look, Bella!] and if both were to aggravate her + parents, as my brother and sister do mine—then, perhaps, you might + use her as I am used: and if she hated the man you proposed to her, and + with as much reason as I do Mr. Solmes— + </p> + <p> + And loved a rake and libertine, Miss, as you do Lovelace, said my sister— + </p> + <p> + Then might she [continued I, not minding her,] beg to be excused from + obeying. Yet if she did, and would give you the most solemn assurances, + and security besides, that she would never have the man you disliked, + against your consent—I dare say, Miss Hervey's father and mother + would sit down satisfied, and not endeavour to force her inclinations. + </p> + <p> + So!—[said my sister, with uplifted hands] father and mother now come + in for their share! + </p> + <p> + But if, child, replied my aunt, I knew she loved a rake, and suspected + that she sought only to gain time, in order to wire-draw me into a consent— + </p> + <p> + I beg pardon, Madam, for interrupting you; but if Miss Hervey could obtain + your consent, what further would be said? + </p> + <p> + True, child; but she never should. + </p> + <p> + Then, Madam, it would never be. + </p> + <p> + That I doubt, Niece. + </p> + <p> + If you do, Madam, can you think confinement and ill usage is the way to + prevent the apprehended rashness? + </p> + <p> + My dear, this sort of intimation would make one but too apprehensive, that + there is no trusting to yourself, when one knows your inclination. + </p> + <p> + That apprehension, Madam, seems to have been conceived before this + intimation, or the least cause for it, was given. Why else the disgraceful + confinement I have been laid under?—Let me venture to say, that my + sufferings seem to be rather owing to a concerted design to intimidate me + [Bella held up her hands], (knowing there were too good grounds for my + opposition,) than to a doubt of my conduct; for, when they were inflicted + first, I had given no cause of doubt: nor should there now be room for + any, if my discretion might be trusted to. + </p> + <p> + My aunt, after a little hesitation, said, But, consider, my dear, what + confusion will be perpetuated in your family, if you marry this hated + Lovelace! + </p> + <p> + And let it be considered, what misery to me, Madam, if I marry that hated + Solmes! + </p> + <p> + Many a young creature has thought she could not love a man, with whom she + has afterwards been very happy. Few women, child, marry their first loves. + </p> + <p> + That may be the reason there are so few happy marriages. + </p> + <p> + But there are few first impressions fit to be encouraged. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid so too, Madam. I have a very indifferent opinion of light and + first impressions. But, as I have often said, all I wish for is, to have + leave to live single. + </p> + <p> + Indeed you must not, Miss. Your father and mother will be unhappy till + they see you married, and out of Lovelace's reach. I am told that you + propose to condition with him (so far are matters gone between you) never + to have any man, if you have not him. + </p> + <p> + I know no better way to prevent mischief on all sides, I freely own it—and + there is not, if he be out of the question, another man in the world I can + think favourably of. Nevertheless, I would give all I have in the world, + that he were married to some other person—indeed I would, Bella, for + all you put on that smile of incredulity. + </p> + <p> + May be so, Clary: but I will smile for all that. + </p> + <p> + If he be out of the question! repeated my aunt—So, Miss Clary, I see + how it is—I will go down—[Miss Harlowe, shall I follow you?]—And + I will endeavour to persuade your father to let my sister herself come up: + and a happier event may then result. + </p> + <p> + Depend upon it, Madam, said my sister, this will be the case: my mother + and she will both be in tears; but with this different effect: my mother + will come down softened, and cut to the heart; but will leave her + favourite hardened, from the advantages she will think she has over my + mother's tenderness—why, Madam, it is for this very reason the girl + is not admitted into her presence. + </p> + <p> + Thus she ran on, as she went downstairs. + </p> + <p> + END OF VOL. 1 + </p> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLARISSA, VOLUME 1 (OF 9) ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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