Letters 416-424 dated August 21st through August 23rd Summary

Mr. Lovelace goes to town immediately after sending his last letter to prevent John Belford from having time to dissuade him. When he arrives at Clarissa's lodgings, Mrs. Smith tells him that Clarissa is gone on a trip to the country at the doctor's request. Mr. Lovelace storms the house because he believes Clarissa is hiding from him. She is not there and the Smiths do not know exactly where she is or when she will return. He insists upon lodging there until she returns and follows them into the shop, where he clowns around, ingratiating himself with everyone. He leaves Clarissa a note begging for a half hour conversation with her and sends Will in disguise to spy on Clarissa's comings and goings. Mr. Lovelace returns to his...