Clarissa Harlowe Samuel Richardson (most important books to read TXT) 📖

hundred pounds in my service, at least), will be great helps, as things may happen. Letter 237 Mr. Lovelace

[In continuation]

We had hardly dined, when my coachman, who kept a lookout for Captain Tomlinson, as Will did for old Grimes, conducted hither that worthy gentleman, attended by one servant, both on horseback. He alighted. I went out to meet him at the door.

Thou knowest his solemn appearance, and unblushing freedom; and yet canst not imagine what a dignity the rascal assumed, nor how respectful to him I was.

I led him into the parlour, and presented him to the women, and them to him. I thought it highly imported me (as they might still have some diffidences about our marriage, from my fair-one’s home-pushed questions on that head) to convince them entirely of the truth of all I had asserted. And how could I do this better, than by dialoguing a little with him before them?

Dear Captain, I thought you long; for I have had a terrible conflict with my spouse.

Capt. I am sorry that I am later than my intention⁠—my account with my banker⁠—(There’s a dog, Jack!) took me up longer time to adjust than I had foreseen (all the time pulling down and stroking his ruffles): for there was a small difference between us⁠—only twenty pounds, indeed, which I had taken no account of.

The rascal has not seen twenty pounds of his own these ten years.

Then had we between us the character of the Harlowe family; I railed against them all; the Captain taking his dear friend Mr. John Harlowe’s part; with a Not so fast!⁠—not so fast, young gentleman!⁠—and the like free assumptions.

He accounted for their animosity by my defiances: no good family, having such a charming daughter, would care to be defied, instead of courted: he must speak his mind: never was a double-tongued man.⁠—He appealed to the ladies, if he were not right?

He got them on his side.

The correction I had given the brother, he told me, must have aggravated matters.

How valiant this made me look to the women!⁠—The sex love us mettled fellows at their hearts.

Be that as it would, I should never love any of the family but my spouse; and wanting nothing from them, I would not, but for her sake, have gone so far as I had gone towards a reconciliation.

This was very good of me; Mrs. Moore said.

Very good indeed; Miss Rawlins.

Good;⁠—It is more than good; it is very generous; said the widow.

Capt. Why so it is, I must needs say: for I am sensible that Mr. Lovelace has been rudely treated by them all⁠—more rudely, than it could have been imagined a man of his quality and spirit would have put up with. But then, Sir, (turning to me), I think you are amply rewarded in such a lady; and that you ought to forgive the father for the daughter’s sake.

Mrs. Moore. Indeed so I think.

Miss R. So must everyone think who has seen the lady.

Widow B. A fine lady, to be sure! But she has a violent spirit; and some very odd humours too, by what I have heard. The value of good husbands is not known till they are lost!

Her conscience then drew a sigh from her.

Lovel. Nobody must reflect upon my angel!⁠—An angel she is⁠—some little blemishes, indeed, as to her overhasty spirit, and as to her unforgiving temper. But this she has from the Harlowes; instigated too by that Miss Howe.⁠—But her innumerable excellencies are all her own.

Capt. Ay, talk of spirit, there’s a spirit, now you have named Miss Howe! (And so I led him to confirm all I had said of that vixen). Yet she was to be pitied too; looking with meaning at me.

As I have already hinted, I had before agreed with him to impute secret love occasionally to Miss Howe, as the best means to invalidate all that might come from her in my disfavour.

Capt. Mr. Lovelace, but that I know your modesty, or you could give a reason⁠—

Lovel. Looking down, and very modest⁠—I can’t think so, Captain⁠—but let us call another cause.

Every woman present could look me in the face, so bashful was I.

Capt. Well, but as to our present situation⁠—only it mayn’t be proper⁠—looking upon me, and round upon the women.

Lovel. O Captain, you may say anything before this company⁠—only, Andrew, (to my new servant, who attended us at table), do you withdraw: this good girl (looking at the maidservant) will help us to all we want.

Away went Andrew: he wanted not his cue; and the maid seemed pleased at my honour’s preference of her.

Capt. As to our present situation, I say, Mr. Lovelace⁠—why, Sir, we shall be all untwisted, let me tell you, if my friend Mr. John Harlowe were to know what that is. He would as much question the truth of your being married, as the rest of the family do.

Here the women perked up their ears; and were all silent attention.

Capt. I asked you before for particulars, Mr. Lovelace; but you declined giving them.⁠—Indeed it may not be proper for me to be acquainted with them.⁠—But I must own, that it is past my comprehension, that a wife can resent anything a husband can do (that is not a breach of the peace) so far as to think herself justified for eloping from him.

Lovel. Captain Tomlinson:⁠—Sir⁠—I do assure you, that I shall be offended⁠—I shall be extremely concerned⁠—if I hear that word eloping mentioned again⁠—

Capt. Your nicety and your love, Sir, may make you take offence⁠—but it is my way to call everything by its proper name, let who will be offended⁠—

Thou canst not imagine, Belford, how brave and how independent the rascal looked.

Capt. When, young gentleman, you shall think proper to give us particulars, we will find a word for this rash act in so admirable a lady, that shall please you better.⁠—You see, Sir, that being the representative of my dear friend Mr. John Harlowe,