Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 7

by Samuel Richardson

  LETTER XLIII

  MRS. NORTON, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWEMONDAY, JULY 24.

  Excuse, my dearest young lady, my long silence. I have been extremelyill. My poor boy has also been at death's door; and, when I hoped thathe was better, he has relapsed. Alas! my dear, he is very dangerouslyill. Let us both have your prayers!

  Very angry letters have passed between your sister and Miss Howe. Everyone of your family is incensed against that young lady. I wish you wouldremonstrate against her warmth; since it can do no good; for they willnot believe but that her interposition had your connivance; nor that youare so ill as Miss Howe assures them you are.

  Before she wrote, they were going to send up young Mr. Brand, theclergyman, to make private inquiries of your health, and way of life.--But now they are so exasperated that they have laid aside theirintention.

  We have flying reports here, and at Harlowe-place, of some fresh insultswhich you have undergone: and that you are about to put yourself intoLady Betty Lawrance's protection. I believe they would not be glad (as Ishould be) that you would do so; and this, perhaps, will make themsuspend, for the present, any determination in your favour.

  How unhappy am I, that the dangerous way my son is in prevents myattendance on you! Let me beg of you to write to me word how you are,both as to person and mind. A servant of Sir Robert Beachcroft, whorides post on his master's business to town, will present you with this;and, perhaps, will bring me the favour of a few lines in return. He willbe obliged to stay in town several hours for an answer to his dispatches.

  This is the anniversary that used to give joy to as many as had thepleasure and honour of knowing you. May the Almighty bless you, andgrant that it may be the only unhappy one that may ever be known by you,my dearest young lady, and by

  Your ever affectionateJUDITH NORTON.