Language In Clarissa, Evelina And Pride And Prejudice

that, according to Eaves and Kimpel, grew substantially
during the next twenty years (55-56). The House of
Commons knew Richardson's business, and his intimate
relationship with the Speaker contributed, as well, to
his being chosen to perform the task of printing the
Journals. Specifically, the General Index to the
Sessional Papers Printed for the House of Lords shows
that Richardson was the printer for the entire entry of
bills dealing with clandestine marriages. The
clandestine marriage bills, which eventually would be
made law, dated from their inception in 1739 to their
repeal in 1765 (112). Richardson would have been
responsible for all of the printings except the repeal,
which passed four years after his death.
Among other bills dealing with inheritance and
family settlements introduced in the House of Commons and
printed by Richardson in the Journals are the "Devices of
Estates Bill" in 1751, the "Attestation of Wills Bill,"
in 1751, and the "Forfeited Estates in Scotland Bill,"
also introduced in 1751. These bills, with the exception
of the bills dealing with clandestine marriage, were
published after Clarissa, but their presence in such
close proximity to its publication indicates a regular
presence of debate and reporting that would have been