dence or opinion. But, at present, I
am really sincere in what I say: And I expect you will be so too; and
answer directly my question.

I find, sir, said I, I know not myself; and your question is of such a
nature, that I only want to tell you what I heard, and to have your kind
answer to it; or else, what I have to say to your question, may pave the
way to my ruin, and shew a weakness that I did not believe was in me.

Well, said he, you may say what you have overheard; for, in not
answering me directly, you put my soul upon the rack; and half the
trouble I have had with you would have brought to my arms one of the
finest ladies in England.

O sir, said I, my virtue is as dear to me, as if I was of the highest
quality; and my doubts (for which you know I have had too much reason)
have made me troublesome. But now, sir, I will tell you what I heard,
which has given me great uneasiness.

You talked to Mrs. Jewkes of having begun wrong with me, in trying to
subdue me with terror, and of frost, and such like--You remember it
well:--And that you would, for the future, change your conduct, and try
to melt me, that was your word, by kindness.

I fear not, sir, the grace of God supporting me, that any acts of
kindness would make me forget what I owe to my virtue: but, sir, I may,
I find, be made more miserable by such acts, than by terror; because my
nature is too frank and open to make me wish to be ungrateful: and if I
should be taught a lesson I never yet learnt, with what regret should
I descend to the grave, to think that I could not hate my undoer: and
that, at the last great day, I must stand up as an accuser of the poor
unhappy soul, that I could wish it in my power to save!

Exalted girl! said he, what a thought is that!--Why, now, Pamela, you
excel yourself! You have given me a hint that will hold me long. But,
sweet creature, said he, tell me what is this lesson, which you never
yet learnt, and which you are so afraid of learning?

If, sir, said I, you will again generously spare my confusion, I need
not speak it: But this I will say, in answer to the question you seem
most solicitous about, that I know not the man breathing that I would
wish to be married to, or that ever I thought of with such an idea. I
had brought my mind so to love poverty, that I hoped for nothing but to
return to the best, though the poorest of parents; and to employ myself
in serving God, and comforting them; and you know not, sir, h