ow you
disappointed those hopes, and my proposed honest pleasures, when you
sent me hither.

Well then, said he, I may promise myself, that neither the parson, nor
any other man, is any the least secret motive to your steadfast refusal
of my offers? Indeed, sir, said I, you may; and, as you was pleased to
ask, I answer, that I have not the least shadow of a wish, or thought,
for any man living.

But, said he, (for I am foolishly jealous, and yet it shews my fondness
for you,) have you not encouraged Williams to think you will have him?
Indeed, sir, said I, I have not; but the very contrary. And would you
not have had him, said he, if you had got away by his means? I had
resolved, sir, said I, in my mind, otherwise; and he knew it; and the
poor man--I charge you, said he, say not a word in his favour! You will
excite a whirlwind in my soul, if you name him with kindness; and then
you'll be borne away with the tempest.

Sir, said I, I have done!--Nay, said he, but do not have done; let me
know the whole. If you have any regard for him, speak out; for it
would end fearfully for you, for me, and for him, if I found that you
disguised any secret of your soul from me, in this nice particular.

Sir, said I, if I have ever given you cause to think me sincere--Say
then, said he, interrupting me with great vehemence, and taking both my
hands between his, Say, that you now, in the presence of God, declare
that you have not any the most hidden regard for Williams, or any other
man.

Sir, said I, I do. As God shall bless me, and preserve my innocence,
I have not. Well, said he, I will believe you, Pamela; and in time,
perhaps, I may better bear that man's name. And, if I am convinced that
you are not prepossessed, my vanity makes me assured, that I need not
to fear a place in your esteem, equal, if not preferable, to any man in
England. But yet it stings my pride to the quick, that you was so easily
brought, and at such a short acquaintance, to run away with that college
novice!

O good sir, said I, may I be heard one thing? And though I bring upon me
your highest indignation, I will tell you, perhaps, the unnecessary and
imprudent, but yet the whole truth.

My honesty (I am poor and lowly, and am not entitled to call it honour)
was in danger. I saw no means of securing myself from your avowed
attempts. You had shewed you would not stick at little matters; and
what, sir, could any body have thought of my sincerity, in prefe