eal innocence. Had I been utterly given up to my passions, I should
before now have gratified them, and not have shewn that remorse and
compassion for you, which have reprieved you, more than once, when
absolutely in my power; and you are as inviolate a virgin as you were
when you came into my house.

But what can I do? Consider the pride of my condition. I cannot endure
the thought of marriage, even with a person of equal or superior degree
to myself; and have declined several proposals of that kind: How then,
with the distance between us in the world's judgment, can I think of
making you my wife?--Yet I must have you; I cannot bear the thoughts
of any other man supplanting me in your affections: and the very
apprehension of that has made me hate the name of Williams, and use him
in a manner unworthy of my temper.

Now, Pamela, judge for me; and, since I have told you, thus candidly, my
mind, and I see yours is big with some important meaning, by your eyes,
your blushes, and that sweet confusion which I behold struggling in your
bosom, tell me, with like openness and candour, what you think I ought
to do, and what you would have me do.

It is impossible for me to express the agitations of my mind, on this
unexpected declaration, so contrary to his former behaviour. His manner
too had something so noble, and so sincere, as I thought, that, alas for
me! I found I had need of all my poor discretion, to ward off the blow
which this treatment gave to my most guarded thoughts. I threw myself at
his feet; for I trembled, and could hardly stand: O sir, said I, spare
your poor servant's confusion! O spare the poor Pamela!--Speak out, said
he, and tell me, when I bid you, What you think I ought to do? I cannot
say what you ought to do, answered I: but I only beg you will not ruin
me; and, if you think me virtuous, if you think me sincerely honest, let
me go to my poor parents. I will vow to you, that I will never suffer
myself to be engaged without your approbation.

Still he insisted upon a more explicit answer to his question, of what
I thought he ought to do. And I did, As to my poor thoughts of what you
ought to do, I must needs say, that indeed I think you ought to regard
the world's opinion, and avoid doing any thing disgraceful to your birth
and fortune; and, therefore, if you really honour the poor Pamela with
your respect, a little time, absence, and the conversation of worthier
persons of my sex, will effectually en