Miss Clarissa is the daughter of second-generation German immigrants. Her father, a doctor, moved his family to San Francisco after the civil war to open a clinic and to find a good match for his daughter. Miss Clarisa found herself depending on [[Mr. Delaney]]'s generosity after her father went bankrupt due to gambling debts. She was bound to an earthenwork vessel by [[Lady Gallorett]] in a scheme to remove Mr. Delaney.