Read Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9 Page 21

  LETTER XXI

  MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.SUNDAY MORN. EIGHT O'CLOCK, SEPT. 10.

  I staid at Smith's till I saw the last of all that is mortal of thedivine lady.

  As she has directed rings by her will to several persons, with her hairto be set in crystal, the afflicted Mrs. Norton cut off, before thecoffin was closed four charming ringlets; one of which the Colonel tookfor a locket, which, he says, he will cause to be made, and wear next hisheart in memory of his beloved cousin.

  Between four and five in the morning, the corpse was put into the hearse;the coffin before being filled, as intended, with flowers and aromaticherbs, and proper care taken to prevent the corpse suffering (to the eye)from the jolting of the hearse.

  Poor Mrs. Norton is extremely ill. I gave particular directions to Mrs.Smith's maid (whom I have ordered to attend the good woman in a mourningchariot) to take care of her. The Colonel, who rides with his servantswithin view of the hearse, says that he will see my orders in relation toher enforced.

  When the hearse moved off, and was out of sight, I locked up the lady'schamber, into which all that had belonged to her was removed.

  I expect to hear from the Colonel as soon as he is got down, by a servantof his own.