Letters 176-188 dated May 9th through May 18th Summary

Clarissa keeps Mr. Lovelace at a distance. They argue when he insists on attending church with her, and she tells him that she requested her family's assistance to help her escape him. He refuses to leave her alone. He worries that she will leave him.

When Clarissa tells Miss Howe about the letter incident, Miss Howe advises Clarissa to attempt to get Mr. Lovelace's letters or to leave him. She tells Clarissa that a rumor is circulating that James intends to kidnap Clarissa. Miss Howe hopes that everything will end well with Clarissa as an example of prudence and virtue. Mr. Hickman agrees to attempt mediation through Uncle Harlowe, but is unsuccessful. Miss Howe informs Mrs. Norton that Clarissa is eager to reconcile with her family and urges her...