Who is Miss Howe from Clarissa and what is their importance?

Miss Howe is Clarissa's best friend. She is described as virtuous, temperamental, and fiery, and she condemns the Harlowes' treatment of Clarissa. She lives with her mother, who is pressing her into a financially advantageous marriage to Mr. Hickman, and as a result, she is often mouthy to her mother and impudent to Hickman.