But her woman came up to me just as I had uttered this, and said, How
do you do, Mrs. Pamela? My lady desires to speak to you. So I must
go.--Sure she won't beat me!--Oh that my dear protector was at home!
Well, now I will tell you all that happened in this frightful
interview.--And very bad it was.
I went down, dressed as I was, and my gloves on, and my fan in my hand,
to be just ready to step into the chariot, when I could get away; and I
thought all my trembling fits had been over now; but I was mistaken; for
I trembled sadly. Yet resolved to put on as good an air as I could.
So I went to the parlour, and said, making a very low courtesy, Your
servant, my good lady! And your servant again, said she, my lady, for I
think you are dressed out like one.
A charming girl, though! said her rakish nephew, and swore a great oath:
Dear aunt, forgive me, but I must kiss her; and was coming to me. And I
said, Forbear, uncivil gentleman! I won't be used freely. Jackey, said
my lady, sit down, and don't touch the creature--She's proud enough
already. There's a great difference in her air, I'll assure you, since I
saw her last. Well, child, said she, sneeringly, how dost find thyself? Thou'rt
mightily come on, of late!--I hear strange reports about thee!--Thou'rt
almost got into fool's paradise, I doubt!--And wilt find thyself
terribly mistaken in a little while, if thou thinkest my brother will
disgrace his family, to humour thy baby-face!
I see, said I, sadly vexed, (her woman and nephew smiling by,) your
ladyship has no very important commands for me; and I beg leave to
withdraw. Beck, said she to her woman, shut the door, my young lady and
I must not have done so soon.
Where's your well-mannered deceiver gone, child?--says she.--Said I,
When your ladyship is pleased to speak intelligibly, I shall know how to
answer. Well, but my dear child, said she, in drollery, don't be too pert
neither, I beseech thee. Thou wilt not find thy master's sister half so
ready to take thy freedoms, as thy mannerly master is!--So, a little of
that modesty and humility that my mother's waiting-maid used to shew,
will become thee better than the airs thou givest thyself, since my
mother's son has taught thee to forget thyself.
I would beg, said I, one favour of your ladyship, That if you would have
me keep my distance, you will not forget your own degree.--Why, suppose,
Miss Pert, I should forget my degree, wouldst thou not keep thy distance
then? If you, madam, said I, lessen the distance yourself, you will descend to
my level, and make an equality, which I don't presume to think of; for I
can't descend lower than I am--at least in your ladyship's esteem!