your
solemn assurances.--It is impossible they should be consistent with the
dishonourable methods you take.
'Nothing but your promise of not seeing me here in my deplorable
bondage, can give me the least ray of hope.
'Don't, I beseech you, drive the poor distressed Pamela upon a rock,
that may be the destruction both of her soul and body! You don't know,
sir, how dreadfully I dare, weak as I am of mind and intellect, when my
virtue is in danger. And, O! hasten my deliverance, that a poor unworthy
creature, below the notice of such a gentleman as you, may not be made
the sport of a high condition, for no reason in the world, but because
she is not able to defend herself, nor has a friend that can right her.
'I have, sir, in part to shew my obedience to you, but indeed, I own,
more to give ease to the minds of my poor distressed parents, whose
poverty, one would think, should screen them from violences of this
sort, as well as their poor daughter, followed pretty much the form
you have prescribed for me, in the letter to Mrs. Jervis; and the
alterations I have made (for I could not help a few) are of such a
nature, as, though they shew my concern a little, yet must answer the
end you are pleased to say you propose by this letter.
'For God's sake, good sir, pity my lowly condition, and my present great
misery; and let me join with all the rest of your servants to bless that
goodness, which you have extended to every one but the poor afflicted,
heart-broken 'PAMELA.'
I thought, when I had written this letter, and that which he had
prescribed, it would look like placing a confidence in Mrs. Jewkes, to
shew them to her; and I shewed her, at the same time, my master's letter
to me; for I believed the value he expressed for me, would give me
credit with one who professed in every thing to serve him, right or
wrong; though I had so little reason, I fear, to pride myself in it: and
I was not mistaken; for it has seemed to influence her not a little, and
she is at present mighty obliging, and runs over in my praises; but
is the less to be minded, because she praises as much the author of my
miseries, and his honourable intentions, as she calls them; for I see,
that she is capable of thinking, as I fear he does, that every thing
that makes for his wicked will is honourable, though to the ruin of the
innocent. Pray God I may find it otherwise! Though, I hope, whatever
the wicked gentleman may intend, that I shall be at
|