Clarissa Harlowe, or the History of a Young Lady - Volume 7

<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0085" id="link2H_4_0085"></SPAN></p> <br/> <h2> LETTER LXXXV </h2> <p>MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO JOHN HARLOWE, ESQ. THURSDAY, AUG. 10.</p> <p>HONOURED SIR,</p> <p>It was an act of charity I begged: only for a last blessing, that I might die in peace. I ask not to be received again, as my severe sister [Oh! that I had not written to her!] is pleased to say, is my view. Let that grace be denied me when I do.</p> <p>I could not look forward to my last scene with comfort, without seeking, at least, to obtain the blessing I petitioned for; and that with a contrition so deep, that I deserved not, were it known, to be turned over from the tender nature of a mother, to the upbraiding pen of an uncle! and to be wounded by a cruel question, put by him in a shocking manner: and which a little, a very little time, will better answer than I can: for I am not either a hardened or shameless creature: if I were, I should not have been so solicitous to obtain the favour I sued for.</p> <p>And permit me to say that I asked it as well for my father and mother's sake, as for my own; for I am sure they at least will be uneasy, after I am gone, that they refused it to me.</p> <p>I should still be glad to have theirs, and your's, Sir, and all your blessings, and your prayers: but, denied in such a manner, I will not presume again to ask it: relying entirely on the Almighty's; which is never denied, when supplicated for with such true penitence as I hope mine is.</p> <p>God preserve my dear uncle, and all my honoured friends! prays</p> <p>Your unhappy</p> <p>CLARISSA HARLOWE. END OF VOL. 7.</p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />