Pamela, Or Virtue Rewarded

Letter IV

DEAR MOTHER,

For the last was to my father, in answer to his letter; and so I will

now write to you; though I have nothing to say, but what will make me

look more like a vain hussy, than any thing else: However, I hope I

shan't be so proud as to forget myself. Yet there is a secret pleasure

one has to hear one's self praised. You must know, then, that my Lady

Davers, who, I need not tell you, is my master's sister, has been a

month at our house, and has taken great notice of me, and given me good

advice to keep myself to myself. She told me I was a pretty wench, and

that every body gave me a very good character, and loved me; and bid me

take care to keep the fellows at a distance; and said, that I might do,

and be more valued for it, even by themselves.

But what pleased me much was, what I am going to tell you; for at table,

as Mrs. Jervis says, my master and her ladyship talking of me, she told

him she thought me the prettiest wench she ever saw in her life; and

that I was too pretty to live in a bachelor's house; since no lady he

might marry would care to continue me with her. He said, I was vastly

improved, and had a good share of prudence, and sense above my

years; and that it would be pity, that what was my merit should be my

misfortune.--No, says my good lady, Pamela shall come and live with me,

I think. He said, with all his heart; he should be glad to have me so

well provided for. Well, said she, I'll consult my lord about it. She

asked how old I was; and Mrs. Jervis said, I was fifteen last February.

O! says she, if the wench (for so she calls all us maiden servants)

takes care of herself, she'll improve yet more and more, as well in her

person as mind. Now, my dear father and mother, though this may look too vain to be

repeated by me; yet are you not rejoiced, as well as I, to see my master

so willing to part with me?--This shews that he has nothing bad in his

heart. But John is just going away; and so I have only to say, that I

am, and will always be, Your honest as well as dutiful DAUGHTER.

Pray make use of the money. You may now do it safely.

Letter V

MY DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,