passages in his letters. Reasons why Clarissa's heart cannot be broken
by what she has suffered. Passionate girls easily subdued. Sedate ones
hardly ever pardon. He has some retrograde motions: yet is in earnest to
marry Clarissa. Gravely concludes, that a person intending to marry
should never be a rake. His gay resolutions. Renews, however, his
promises not to molest her. A charming encouragement for a man of
intrigue, when a woman is known not to love her husband. Advantages
which men have over women, when disappointed in love. He knows she will
permit him to make her amends, after she has plagued him heartily.

LETTER XXIV. Miss Howe to Clarissa.--
Is shocked at receiving a letter from her written by another hand.
Tenderly consoles her, and inveighs against Lovelace. Re-urges her,
however, to marry him. Her mother absolutely of her opinion. Praises
Mr. Hickman's sister, who, with her Lord, had paid her a visit.

LETTER XXV. Clarissa to Miss Howe.--
Her condition greatly mended. In what particulars. Her mind begins to
strengthen; and she finds herself at times superior to her calamities.
In what light she wishes her to think of her. Desires her to love her
still, but with a weaning love. She is not now what she was when they
were inseparable lovers. Their views must now be different.

LETTER XXVI. Belford to Lovelace.--
A consuming malady, and a consuming mistress, as in Belton's case,
dreadful things to struggle with. Farther reflections on the life of
keeping. The poor man afraid to enter into his own house. Belford
undertakes his cause. Instinct in brutes equivalent to natural affection
in men. Story of the ancient Sarmatians, and their slaves. Reflects on
the lives of rakes, and free-livers; and how ready they are in sickness