Did I not tell you, Jackey, said she, that I should have a wit to talk
to?--He, who swears like a fine gentleman at every word, rapped out an
oath, and said, drolling, I think, Mrs. Pamela, if I may be so bold as
to say so, you should know you are speaking to Lady Davers!--Sir, said
I, I hope there was no need of your information, and so I can't thank
you for it; and am sorry you seem to think it wants an oath to convince
me of the truth of it. He looked more foolish than I, at this, if possible, not expecting such
a reprimand.--And said, at last, Why, Mrs. Pamela, you put me half out
of countenance with your witty reproof!--Sir, said I, you seem quite a
fine gentleman; and it will not be easily done, I dare say.
How now, pert one, said my lady, do you know whom you talk to?--I think
I do not, madam, replied I: and for fear I should forget myself more,
I'll withdraw. Your ladyship's servant, said I; and was going: but she
rose, and gave me a push, and pulled a chair, and, setting the back
against the door, sat down in it.
Well, said I, I can bear anything at your ladyship's hands; but I was
ready to cry though. And I went, and sat down, and fanned myself, at the
other end of the room.
Her woman, who stood all the time, said softly, Mrs. Pamela, you should
not sit in my lady's presence. And my lady, though she did not hear her,
said, You shall sit down, child, in the room where I am, when I give you
leave. So I stood up, and said, When your ladyship will hardly permit me to
stand, one might be indulged to sit down. But I ask you, said she,
Whither your master is gone? To one Mr. Carlton, madam, about eighteen
miles off, who is very sick. And when does he come home?--This evening,
madam. And where are you going? To a gentleman's house in the town,
madam.--And how was you to go? In the chariot, madam.--Why, you must
be a lady in time, to be sure!--I believe you'd become a chariot mighty
well, child!--Was you ever out in it with your master?
Pray, your ladyship, said I, a little too pertly, perhaps, be pleased to
ask half a dozen such questions together; because one answer may do for
all!--Why, bold-face, said she, you'll forget your distance, and bring
me to your level before my time.