Pamela, Or Virtue Rewarded

It seems the neighbouring gentry had expected us; and there was a great

congregation; for (against my wish) we were a little of the latest; so

that, as we walked up the church to his seat, we had abundance of gazers

and whisperers: But my dear master behaved with so intrepid an air, and

was so cheerful and complaisant to me, that he did credit to his kind

choice, instead of shewing as if he was ashamed of it: And as I was

resolved to busy my mind entirely with the duties of the day, my

intentness on that occasion, and my thankfulness to God, for his

unspeakable mercies to me, so took up my thoughts, that I was much

less concerned, than I should otherwise have been, at the gazings and

whisperings of the ladies and gentlemen, as well as of the rest of the

congregation, whose eyes were all turned to our seat.

When the sermon was ended, we staid the longer, because the church

should be pretty empty; but we found great numbers at the church-doors,

and in the church-porch; and I had the pleasure of hearing many

commendations, as well of my person, as my dress and behaviour, and not

one reflection, or mark of disrespect. Mr. Martin, who is single, Mr.

Chambers, Mr. Arthur, and Mr. Brooks, with their families, were all

there: And the four gentlemen came up to us, before we went into the

chariot, and, in a very kind and respectful manner, complimented us

both: and Mrs. Arthur and Mrs. Brooks were so kind as to wish me joy;

and Mrs. Brooks said, You sent Mr. Brooks, madam, home t'other day,

quite charmed with a manner, which, you have convinced a thousand

persons this day, is natural to you. You do me great honour, madam, replied I.

Such a good lady's approbation

must make me too sensible of my happiness. My dear master handed me into

the chariot, and stood talking with Sir Thomas Atkyns, at the door

of it, (who was making him abundance of compliments, and is a very

ceremonious gentleman, a little too extreme in that way,) and, I

believe, to familiarize me to the gazers, which concerned me a little;

for I was dashed to hear the praises of the countrypeople, and to

see how they crowded about the chariot. Several poor people begged

my charity, and I beckoned John with my fan, and said, Divide in

the further church-porch, that money to the poor, and let them come

to-morrow morning to me, and I will give them something more, if they

don't importune me now. So I gave him all the silver I had, which

happened to be between twenty and thirty shillings; and this drew away

from me their clamorous prayers for charity.