Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 4

by Samuel Richardson

  LETTER XII

  MR. HICKMAN, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE[SENT TO WILSON'S BY A PARTICULAR HAND.]FRIDAY, MAY 5.

  MADAM,

  I have the honour of dear Miss Howe's commands to acquaint you, withoutknowing the occasion, 'That she is excessively concerned for the concernshe has given you in her last letter: and that, if you will but write toher, under cover as before, she will have no thoughts of what you are sovery apprehensive about.'--Yet she bid me write, 'That if she had but theleast imagination that she can serve you, and save you,' those are herwords, 'all the censures of the world will be but of second considerationwith her.' I have great temptations, on this occasion, to express my ownresentments upon your present state; but not being fully apprized of whatthat is--only conjecturing from the disturbance upon the mind of thedearest lady in the world to me, and the most sincere of friends to you,that that is not altogether so happy as were to be wished; and being,moreover, forbid to enter into the cruel subject; I can only offer, as Ido, my best and faithfullest services! and wish you a happy deliverancefrom all your troubles. For I am,

  Most excellent young lady,Your faithful and most obedient servant,CH. HICKMAN.