Letters 225-229 dated June 8th Summary

Mr. Lovelace wakes to an alarm raised over a fire upstairs, but by the time he reaches the room, it has been extinguished. Dorcas also wakes Clarissa, who is very frightened and faints in Mr. Lovelace's arms. When she regains consciousness, she blames the fire on Mr. Lovelace and begs him to leave her if he means her no dishonor, insisting that she will kill herself before losing her honor. Mr. Lovelace swears his innocence concerning the fire and begs her forgiveness for seeing her in her nightgown. Clarissa agrees to forgive him and allows him to kiss her before he leaves her. Immediately he regrets losing the opportunity and returns to her door to ask to speak with her again, but Clarissa, who is crying, ignores him and bolts another lock. Mr. Lovelace is...