Totally to justify Mrs. _Harlowe_ was not attempted; on the contrary, it was unanimously agreed, that she was to blame: But Miss _Gibson_ desired "Mrs. _Harlow's_ Faults might not be thrown on the Author, unless it could be proved that he himself intended her Conduct should deserve no Censure. However, (continued she) to preserve any Charity in censuring her, I think it should be considered, how much a Woman must be embarassed, who has for many Years accustomed herself to obey the very Looks of another, where a Point is peremptorily insisted on, which, to comply with, must gall her to the Heart. Mrs. _Harlowe_ might indeed have suffered with _Clarissa_, but could not have preserved her from her Father's Fury, irritated and inflamed by her ambitious violent Brother: And perhaps she flatter'd herself, that she might gain more Influence by seeming to comply, than if she had attempted absolutely to resist the Storm gathering in her Family. And this I think, the many Hints she gives, that if she was left to herself, it would be otherwise, is a full Proof of." A young Lady, who had hitherto been silent, looked pleased at Miss _Gibson's_ Remarks, and said; "I think _Clarissa_ herself has made very good Observations on her Mamma's Meekness, and the Effects of it, in one of her Letters to Miss _Howe_, where she says--In my Mamma's Case, your Observation is verifyed, that those who will bear much, shall have much to bear. And how true is her farther Observation, where she says, that she fears her Mamma has lost that very Peace which she has sacrificed so much to obtain." "Your Remark, Madam, said Miss _Gibson_, is very just, and from this Character of Mrs. _Harlowe_, we may draw a noble and most useful Moral; for as in the Body, too rich Blood occasions many Diseases, so in the Mind, the very Virtues themselves, if not carefully watched, may produce very hurtful Maladies. Meekness therefore, and a long Habit of Submission, is often accompanied by a want of Resolution, even where Resolution is commendable. To be all Softness, Gentleness and Meekness, and at the same time to be steadily fixed in every Point 'tis improper to give up, is peculiar to _Clarissa_ herself, and a Disposition of Mind judiciously reserved by the Author for his Heroine alone." An old Gentleman who sat in the Corner, and often made wry Faces at the sudden Attack of Rheumatick Pains, with which he was often afflicted, objected strongly to Mr. _Harlowe's_ arbitrary Usage of such a Wife, as being very unnatural. "Nay, Sir, (said Miss _Gibson_) I think _Clarissa_ gives a very good Account of Mr. _Harlowe's_ Behaviour, in a Letter to her Friend, when she says;