Free Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 6 by Samuel Richardson Page B

their hundreds at a time. Had they not, Jack?
    Let me add, that annual parliaments, and annual marriages, are the projects next my heart. How could I expatiate upon the benefits that would arise from both!
LETTER X
MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
    Well, but now my plots thicken; and my employment of writing to thee on this subject will soon come to a conclusion. For now, having got the license; and Mrs. Townsend with her tars, being to come to Hampstead next Wednesday or Thursday; and another letter possibly, or message from Miss Howe, to inquire how Miss Harlowe does, upon the rustic's report of her ill health, and to express her wonder that she has not heard form her in answer to her's on her escape; I must soon blow up the lady, or be blown up myself. And so I am preparing, with Lady Betty and my cousin Montague, to wait upon my beloved with a coach-and-four, or a sett; for Lady Betty will not stir out with a pair for the world; though but for two or three miles. And this is a well-known part of her character.
    But as to the arms and crest upon the coach and trappings?
    Dost thou not know that a Blunt's must supply her, while her own is new lining and repairing? An opportunity she is willing to take now she is in town. Nothing of this kind can be done to her mind in the country. Liveries nearly Lady Betty's.
    Thou hast seen Lady Betty Lawrance several times--hast thou not, Belford?
    No, never in my life.
    But thou hast--and lain with her too; or fame does thee more credit than thou deservest--Why, Jack, knowest thou not Lady Betty's other name?
    Other name!--Has she two?
    She has. And what thinkest thou of Lady Bab. Wallis?
    O the devil!
    Now thou hast it. Lady Barbara thou knowest, lifted up in circumstances, and by pride, never appears or produces herself, but on occasions special --to pass to men of quality or price, for a duchess, or countess, at least. She has always been admired for a grandeur in her air, that few women of quality can come up to; and never was supposed to be other than what she passed for; though often and often a paramour for lords.
    And who, thinkest thou, is my cousin Montague?
    Nay, how should I know?
    How indeed! Why, my little Johanetta Golding, a lively, yet modest-looking girl, is my cousin Montague.
    There, Belford, is an aunt!--There's a cousin!--Both have wit at will. Both are accustomed to ape quality.--Both are genteelly descended. Mistresses of themselves, and well educated--yet past pity.--True Spartan dames; ashamed of nothing but detection--always, therefore, upon their guard against that. And in their own conceit, when assuming top parts, the very quality they ape.
    And how dost think I dress them out?--I'll tell thee.
    Lady Betty in a rich gold tissue, adorned with jewels of high price.
    My cousin Montague in a pale pink, standing on end with silver flowers of her own working. Charlotte as well as my beloved is admirable at her needle. Not quite so richly jewell'd out as Lady Betty; but ear-rings and solitaire very valuable, and infinitely becoming.
    Johanetta, thou knowest, has a good complexion, a fine neck, and ears remarkably fine--so has Charlotte. She is nearly of Charlotte's stature too.
    Laces both, the richest that could be procured.
    Thou canst not imagine what a sum the loan of the jewels cost me, though
but for three days.
    This sweet girl will half ruin me. But seest thou not, by this time, that her reign is short!--It must be so. And Mrs. Sinclair has already prepared every thing for her reception once more.
    ***
    Here come the ladies--attended by Susan Morrison, a tenant-farmer's daughter, as Lady Betty's woman; with her hands before her, and thoroughly instructed.
    How dress advantages women!--especially those who have naturally a genteel air and turn, and have had education.
    Hadst thou seen how they paraded it--Cousin, and Cousin, and Nephew, at every word; Lady Betty bridling and looking haughtily-condescending.-- Charlotte galanting her fan, and swimming over