Mr. _Dellincourt_ now raised a new Objection to _Clarissa_, in that she talked so much of Religion, which he call'd Canting. Nay, Sir, said _Bellario_, 'I cannot see how she can be said to cant; for her religious Reflections are neither nonsensical or affected, but such as naturally arise from a pious Mind in her several Situations; and if you are a Christian, Sir, I am sure you cannot, on Consideration, dislike that Part of her Character.' Mr. _Dellincourt_ said, 'Yes, he was a Christian, and he did not dislike some of her Reflections, at least when she was near Death; but he thought she talked too much of Religion at the Beginning; for it was unnatural for a young Beauty to have such grave Thoughts.' _Bellario_ smiled and said, 'You put me in mind, Sir, of Dame _Quickly_, who when Sir _John Falstaff_, in his Illness, calls upon God, told him, to comfort him, she hoped there was no Occasion yet to think of any such Matters; supposing, that to think of God, except he was quite dying, was very unnecessary. And, indeed, I have often known a professed Christian excuse introducing a Word of Religion into Company, as if it would be indecent to mention any such matters; but as to _Clarissa_, I think the Principles she had imbibed from her Infancy from the good and pious Mrs. _Norton_, and which were afterwards strengthned by her Conversation with Doctor _Lewin_, renders it very natural for her to be early and steadily religious.' Mr. _Dellincourt_ made no Answer, but dropped his Objection; and Mr. _Barker_ said, 'that he thought there was one great Fault in the Conduct of your Story; and that was, the Indelicacy of making _Clarissa_ seek _Lovelace_ after the Outrage; for that he was strongly of Opinion, that she had better have escaped from Mrs. _Sinclair's_ and have avoided the Sight of _Lovelace_.' 'Indeed, Sir, said Miss _Gibson_, I believe she would have been very thankful for your Advice, if you could at the same time have found out any Expedient to have put it in Execution; but if you will please to recollect, you may remember the Difficulty she had to escape once before, even when she was not suspected; and _Lovelace_ now could have no manner of doubt, but that she would fly that House, if not prevented, as soon as her Strength would permit her to leave her Bed.