Pamela, Or Virtue Rewarded

I han't beat you yet; have I, Beck? said she. So you want to make out a

story, do you?--But, indeed, I can't bear thou shouldst so much as

think thou art my sister. I know the whole trick of it; and so, 'tis my

opinion, dost thou. It is only thy little cunning, that it might look

like a cloak to thy yielding, and get better terms from him. Pr'ythee,

pr'ythee, wench, thou seest I know the world a little;--almost as much

at thirty-two, as thou dost at sixteen.--Remember that!

I rose from the window, and walking to the other end of the room, Beat

me again, if you please, said I, but I must tell your ladyship, I scorn

your words, and am as much married as your ladyship!

At that she ran to me; but her woman interposed again: Let the vain

wicked creature go from your presence, madam, said she. She is not

worthy to be in it. She will but vex your ladyship. Stand away, Beck,

said she. That's an assertion that I would not take from my brother, I

can't bear it. As much married as I!--Is that to be borne? But if the

creature believes she is, madam, said her woman, she is to be as much

pitied for her credulity, as despised for her vanity.

I was in hopes to have slipt out at the door; but she caught hold of my

gown, and pulled me back. Pray your ladyship, said I, don't kill me!--I

have done no harm.--But she locked the door, and put the key in her

pocket. So, seeing Mrs. Jewkes before the window, I lifted up the sash,

and said, Mrs. Jewkes, I believe it would be best for the chariot to go

to your master, and let him know, that Lady Davers is here; and I cannot

leave her ladyship.She was resolved to be displeased, let me say what I would.

Said she, No, no; he'll then think, that I make the creature my

companion, and know not how to part with her. I thought your ladyship,

replied I, could not have taken exceptions at this message. Thou knowest

nothing, wench, said she, of what belongs to people of condition: How

shouldst thou? Nor, thought I, do I desire it, at this rate.

What shall I say, madam? said I. Nothing at all, replied she; let him

expect his dearest love, and be disappointed; it is but adding a

few more hours, and he will make every one a day, in his amorous

account.--Mrs. Jewkes coming nearer me, and my lady walking about the

room, being then at the end, I whispered, Let Robert stay at the elms;

I'll have a struggle for't by and by. As much married as I! repeated she.--