er
that becomes me, let the saucy fellow know how much I resent his part
of the affair. It is hard thing, that a man of my character in the world
should be used thus freely by his own servants.'

It is easy to guess at the poor old man's concern, upon reading this
letter from a gentleman of so much consideration. He knew not what
course to take, and had no manner of doubt of his poor daughter's
innocence, and that foul play was designed her. Yet he sometimes hoped
the best, and was ready to believe the surmised correspondence between
the clergyman and her, having not received the letters she wrote, which
would have cleared up that affair.

But, after all, he resolved, as well to quiet his own as her mother's
uneasiness, to undertake a journey to the 'squire's; and leaving his
poor wife to excuse him to the farmer who employed him, he set out that
very evening, late as it was; and travelling all night, found himself,
soon after day-light, at the gate of the gentleman, before the family
was up: and there he sat down to rest himself till he should see
somebody stirring.

The grooms were the first he saw, coming out to water their horses; and
he asked, in so distressful a manner, what was become of Pamela, that
they thought him crazy: and said, Why, what have you to do with Pamela,
old fellow? Get out of the horses' way.--Where is your master? said the
poor man: Pray, gentlemen, don't be angry: my heart's almost broken.--He
never gives any thing at the door, I assure you, says one of the grooms;
so you lose your labour. I am not a beggar yet, said the poor old man; I
want nothing of him, but my Pamela:--O my child! my child!

I'll be hanged, says one of them, if this is not Mrs. Pamela's
father.--Indeed, indeed, said he, wringing his hands, I am; and weeping,
Where is my child? Where is my Pamela?--Why, father, said one of them,
we beg your pardon; but she is gone home to you: How long have you been
come from home?--O! but last night, said he; I have travelled all night:
Is the 'squire at home, or is he not?--Yes, but he is not stirring
though, said the groom, as yet. Thank God for that! said he; thank God
for that! Then I hope I may be permitted to speak to him anon. They
asked him to go in, and he stepped into the stable, and sat down on the
stairs there, wiping his eyes, and sighing so sadly, that it grieved the
servants to hear him.

The family was soon raised with a report of Pamela's father coming to
inquire aft