d,
sitting down by me, he said, I have now finished all that lies on my
mind, my dear, and am very easy: For have you not wondered, that I have
so much employed myself in my library? Been so much at home, and yet not
in your company?--No, sir, said I; I have never been so impertinent as
to wonder at any thing you please to employ yourself about; nor would
give way to a curiosity that should be troublesome to you: And, besides,
I know your large possessions; and the method you take of looking
yourself into your affairs, must needs take up so much of your time,
that I ought to be very careful how I intrude upon you.

Well, said he, but I'll tell you what has been my last work I have taken
it into my consideration, that, at present, my line is almost extinct;
and that the chief part of my maternal estate, in case I die without
issue, will go to another line, and great part of my personal will fall
into such hands, as I shall not care my Pamela should be at the
mercy of. I have, therefore, as human life is uncertain, made such a
disposition of my affairs, as will make you absolutely independent and
happy; as will secure to you the power of doing a great deal of good,
and living as a person ought to do, who is my relict; and shall put
it out of any body's power to molest your father and mother, in the
provision I design them, for the remainder of their days: And I have
finished all this very morning, except to naming trustees for you; and
if you have any body you would confide in more than another, I would
have you speak.

I was so touched with this mournful instance of his excessive goodness
to me, and the thoughts necessarily flowing from the solemn occasion,
that I was unable to speak; and at last relieved my mind by a violent
fit of weeping; and could only say, clasping my arms around the dear
generous man, How shall I support this! So very cruel, yet so very kind!

Don't, my dear, said he, be concerned at what gives me pleasure. I am
not the nearer my end, for having made this disposition; but I think
the putting off these material points, when so many accidents every day
happen, and life is so precarious, is one of the most inexcusable things
in the world. And there are many important points to be thought of, when
life is drawing to its utmost verge; and the mind may be so agitated
and unfit, that it is a most sad thing to put off, to that time, any of
those concerns, which more especially require a considerate and c