Pamela, said my lady, help me to a glass of wine. No, Beck, said she,
you shan't; for she was offering to do it. I will have my lady bride
confer that honour upon me; and then I shall see if she can stand up. I
was silent, and never stirred.
Dost hear, chastity? said she, help me to a glass of wine, when I bid
thee.--What! not stir? Then I'll come and help thee to one. Still I
stirred not, and, fanning myself, continued silent. Said she, When I
have asked thee, meek-one, half a dozen questions together, I suppose
thou wilt answer them all at once! Pretty creature, is not that it?
I was so vexed, I bit a piece of my fan out, not knowing what I did; but
still I said nothing, and did nothing but flutter it, and fan myself.
I believe, said she, my next question will make up half a dozen; and
then, modest one, I shall be entitled to an answer.
He rose and brought the bottle and glass; Come, said he, Mrs. Bride, be
pleased to help my lady, and I will be your deputy. Sir, replied I, it
is in a good hand; help my lady yourself.--Why, creature, said she, dost
thou think thyself above it?--And then flew into a passion:--Insolence!
continued she, this moment, when I bid you, know your duty, and give me
a glass of wine; or-So I took a little spirit then--Thought I, I can but be beat.--If, said
I, to attend your ladyship at table, or even kneel at your feet, was
required of me, I would most gladly do it, were I only the person you
think me; but, if it be to triumph over one who has received honours,
that she thinks require her to act another part, not to be utterly
unworthy of them, I must say, I cannot do it.
She seemed quite surprised, and looked now upon her kinsman, and then
upon her woman--I'm astonished--quite astonished!--Well, then, I suppose
you would have me conclude you my brother's wife; could you not?
Your ladyship, said I, compels me to say this!--Well, returned she, but
dost thou thyself think thou art so?--Silence, said her kinsman, gives
consent. 'Tis plain enough she does. Shall I rise, madam, and pay my
duty to my new aunt? Tell me, said my lady, what, in the name of impudence, possesses thee
to dare to look upon thyself as my sister?--Madam, replied I, that is a
question will better become your most worthy brother to answer, than me.