Clarissa--Or the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson

Author:Samuel Richardson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2014-06-03T04:00:00+00:00

Letter 207: MR LOVELACE TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.

Thursday, May 25

Now have I a foundation to go upon in my terms. My lord, in the exuberance of his generosity, mentions a thousand pounds a year penny-rents. This I know, that were I to marry this lady, he would rather settle upon her all he has a mind to settle, than upon me: and has even threatened that if I prove not a good husband to her, he will leave all he can at his death, from me, to her. Yet considers not that a woman so perfect can never be displeased with her husband but to his disgrace; for who will blame her? Another reason why a Lovelace should not wish to marry a Clarissa.

But what a pretty fellow of an uncle mine, to think of making a wife independent of her emperor, and a rebel of course—yet smarted himself for an error of this kind!

My beloved, in her torn paper, mentions but two hundred pounds a year for her separate use. I insisted upon her naming a larger sum. She said it might then be three; and I, for fear she should suspect very large offers, named five, and the entire disposal of all arrears in her father’s hands, for the benefit of Mrs Norton, or whom she pleased.

But yet, what mortifies my pride is, that this exalted creature, if I were to marry her, would not be governed in her behaviour to me by love, but by generosity merely, or by blind duty; and had rather live single, than be mine.

I cannot bear this. I would have the woman whom I honour with my name, if ever I confer this honour upon any, forgo even her superior duties for me. I would have her look after me when I go out, as far as she can see me, as my Rosebud after her Johnny; and meet me at my return with rapture. I would be the subject of her dreams, as well as of her waking thoughts. I would have her look upon every moment lost, that is not passed with me: sing to me, read to me, play to me when I pleased; no joy so great as in obeying me. When I should be inclined to love, overwhelm me with it; when to be serious or solitary, if intrusive, awfully so; retiring at a nod; approaching me only if I smiled encouragement: steal into my presence with silence; out of it, if not noticed, on tiptoe. Be a Lady Easy to all my pleasures, and valuing those most, who most contributed to them; only sighing in private, that it was not herself at the time. Thus of old did the contending wives of the honest patriarchs; each recommending her handmaid to her lord, as she thought it would oblige him, and looking upon the genial product as her own.

• • •

Another agreeable conversation. The day of days the subject. As to fixing a particular one, that need not be done till the settlements are completed.

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