Letters 269-281 dated June 20th through June 23rd Summary

Clarissa attempts to bribe Dorcas with twenty pounds a year for life and a diamond ring to aid in her escape. She fakes sick and confides in Dorcas her intent to leave the house and her plan to seek protection in the first house she finds open after her escape. She confesses she is not married. Mr. Lovelace dreams that Dorcas betrays him and solicits a dowager in the market to rescue Clarissa. Clarissa shares a bed with the dowager, who gets up in the middle of the night to take her medicine but drops the candle on her return to the room. Mr. Lovelace gets into bed with Clarissa, and Clarissa lives happily on her grandfather's estate with their son. Mr. Lovelace decides to try this scheme but...