He
(Belford) takes this opportunity to plead for him. Mr. Hickman comes to
visit her.

LETTER XLVIII. From the same.--
Breakfasts next morning with the lady and Mr. Hickman. His advantageous
opinion of that gentleman. Censures the conceited pride and
narrow-mindedness of rakes and libertines. Tender and affecting parting
between Mr. Hickman and the lady. Observations in praise of intellectual
friendship.

LETTER XLIX. Miss Howe to Clarissa.--
Has no notion of coldness in friendship. Is not a daughter of those whom
she so freely treats. Delays giving the desired negative to the
solicitation of the ladies of Lovelace's family; and why. Has been
exceedingly fluttered by the appearance of Lovelace at the ball given by
Colonel Ambrose. What passed on that occasion. Her mother and all the
ladies of their select acquaintance of opinion that she should accept of
him.

LETTER L. Clarissa. In answer.--
Chides her for suspending the decisive negative. Were she sure she
should live many years, she would not have Mr. Lovelace. Censures of the
world to be but of second regard with any body. Method as to devotion
and exercise she was in when so cruelly arrested.

LETTER LI. Clarissa to Miss Howe.--
Designed to be communicated to Mr. Lovelace's relations.

LETTER LII. LIII. Lovelace to Belford.--
Two letters entirely characteristic yet intermingled with lessons and
observations not unworthy of a better character. He has great hopes from
Miss Howe's mediation in his favour. Picture of two rakes turned
Hermits, in their penitentials.

LETTER LIV. Miss Howe to Clarissa.--
She now greatly approves of her rejection of Lovelace. Admires the noble
example she has given her sex of a passion conquered. Is sorry she wrote
to Arabella: but cannot imitate her in her self-accusations, and
acquittals of others who are all in fault. Her notions of a husband's
prerogative. Hopes she is employing herself in penning down the
particulars of her tragical story. Use to be made of it to the advantage
of her sex. Her mother earnest about it.

LETTER LV. Miss Howe to Miss Montague.--
With Clarissa's Letter, No. XLI. of this volume. Her own sentiments of
the villanous treatment her beloved friend had met with from their
kinsman. Prays for vengeance upon him, if she do not recover.

LETTER LVI. Mrs. Norton to Clarissa.--
Acquaints her with some of their movements at Harlowe-place. Almost
wishes she would marry the wicked