Pamela, Or Virtue Rewarded

Well, but, said he, I suppose she hardly asked you to dine with her; for

she came before dinner, I presume, if it was soon after you had received

my letter! No, sir, dine with my lady! no, indeed! Why, she would make

me wait at table upon her, with her woman, because she would not expose

herself and me before the men-servants; which you know, sir, was very

good of her ladyship. Well, said he, but did you wait upon her? Would you have had me,

sir? said I.--Only, Pamela, replied he, if you did, and knew not what

belonged to your character, as my wife, I shall be very angry with you.

Sir, said I, I did not, but refused it, out of consideration to the

dignity you have raised me to; else, sir, I could have waited on my

knees upon your sister. Now, said he, you confirm my opinion of your prudence and judgment. She

is an insolent woman, and shall dearly repent it. But, sir, she is to be

excused, because she won't believe I am indeed married; so don't be too

angry at her ladyship. He said, Ladies, pray don't let us keep you from the company; I'll only

ask a question or two more, and attend you. Said Lady Jones, I so much

long to hear this story of poor madam's persecution, that, if it was

not improper, I should be glad to stay. Miss Darnford would stay for the

same reason; my master saying, He had no secrets to ask; and that it was

kind of them to interest themselves in my grievances.

But Lady Darnford went into the company, and told them the cause of my

detention; for, it seems, my dear master loved me too well, to keep to

himself the disappointment my not being here to receive him, was to

him; and they had all given the two Misses Boroughs and Mr. Perry,

the Stamford guests, such a character of me, that they said they were

impatient to see me.

Said my master, But, Pamela, you said they and them: Who had my sister

with her besides her woman? Her nephew, sir, and three footmen on

horseback; and she and her woman were in her chariot and six.

That's a sad coxcomb, said he: How did he behave to you?--Not

extraordinarily, sir; but I should not complain; for I was even with

him; because I thought I ought not to bear with him as with my lady.

By Heaven! said he, if I knew he behaved unhandsomely to my jewel, I'd

send him home to his uncle without his ears. Indeed, sir, returned I,

I was as hard upon him as he was upon me. Said he, 'Tis kind to say so;

but I believe I shall make them dearly repent their visit, if I find

their behaviour to call for my resentment.