igent in the task, which, for reasons
I shall hereafter explain, I had imposed upon you. Your trouble is now
almost at an end; for I have written my intentions to Mr. Williams
so particularly, that I need say the less here, because he will not
scruple, I believe, to let you know the contents of my letter. I have
only one thing to mention, that if you find what I have hinted to him
in the least measure disagreeable to either, you assure them both, that
they are at entire liberty to pursue their own inclinations. I hope you
continue your civilities to the mistrustful, uneasy Pamela, who now will
begin to think better of hers and 'Your friend, etc.'

I had hardly time to transcribe these letters, though, writing so much,
I write pretty fast, before they both came up again in high spirits; and
Mr. Williams said, I am glad at my heart, madam, that I was beforehand
in my declarations to you: this generous letter has made me the happiest
man on earth; and, Mrs. Jewkes, you may be sure, that if I can procure
this fair one's consent, I shall think myself--I interrupted the good
man, and said, Ah! Mr. Williams, take care, take care; don't let--There
I stopt; and Mrs. Jewkes said, Still mistrustful!--I never saw the like
in my life!--But I see, said she, I was not wrong, while my old orders
lasted, to be wary of you both--I should have had a hard task to prevent
you, I find; for, as the saying is, Nought can restrain consent of
twain.

I doubted not her taking hold of his joyful indiscretion.--I took her
letter, and said, Here, Mrs. Jewkes, is yours; I thank you for it; but
I have been so long in a maze, that I can say nothing of this for the
present. Time will bring all to light.--Sir, said I, here is yours:
May every thing turn to your happiness! I give you joy of my master's
goodness in the living.--It will be dying, said he, not a living,
without you.--Forbear, sir, said I; while I have a father and mother, I
am not my own mistress, poor as they are; and I'll see myself quite at
liberty, before I shall think myself fit to make a choice.

Mrs. Jewkes held up her eyes and hands, and said, Such art, such
caution, such cunning, for thy years!--Well!--Why, said I, (that he
might be more on his guard, though I hope there cannot be deceit in
this; 'twould be strange villany, and that is a hard word, if there
should!) I have been so used to be made a fool of by fortune, that I
hardly can tell how to govern myself; and am almost an