Pamela, Or Virtue Rewarded

As I have no other pride, I hope, in repeating these things, than in

the countenance the general approbation gives to my dear master, for his

stooping so low, you will excuse me for it, I know. I

n the afternoon we went again to church, and a little early, at my

request; but the church was quite full, and soon after even crowded; so

much does novelty (the more's the pity!) attract the eyes of mankind.

Mr. Martin came in after us, and made up to our seat; and said, If you

please, my dear friend, I will take my seat with you this afternoon.

With all my heart, said my master. I was sorry for it; but was

resolved my duty should not be made second to bashfulness, or any other

consideration; and when divine service began, I withdrew to the farther

end of the pew, and left the gentlemen in the front, and they behaved

quite suitably, both of them, to the occasion. I mention this the

rather, because Mr. Martin was not very noted for coming to church, or

attention when there, before.

The dean preached again, which he was not used to do, out of compliment

to us; and an excellent sermon he made on the relative duties of

Christianity: And it took my particular attention; for he made many

fine observations on the subject. Mr. Martin addressed himself twice or

thrice to me, during the sermon; but he saw me so wholly engrossed with

hearkening to the good preacher, that he forbore interrupting me; yet I

took care, according to the lessons formerly given me, to observe to

him a cheerful and obliging behaviour, as one of Mr. B----'s friends and

intimates. My master asked him to give him his company to supper; and he

said, I am so taken with your lady, that you must not give me too much

encouragement; for I shall be always with you, if you do. He was pleased

to say, You cannot favour us with too much of your company; and as I

have left you in the lurch in your single state, I think you will do

well to oblige us as much as you can; and who knows but my happiness may

reform another rake? Who knows? said Mr. Martin: Why, I know; for I am

more than half reformed already. At the chariot door, Mrs. Arthur, Mrs. Brooks, and Mrs. Chambers, were

brought to me, by their respective spouses; and presently the witty Lady

Towers, who bantered me before, (as I once told you,) joined them; and

Mrs. Arthur said, she wished me joy; and that all the good ladies, my

neighbours, would collect themselves together, and make me a visit.

This, said I, will be an honour, madam, that I can never enough

acknowledge. It will be very kind so to countenance a person who will

always study to deserve your favour, by the most respectful behaviour.