d have made myself ashamed
of so culpable a behaviour!--But goodness added to goodness every
moment, and the sense of my own unworthiness, quite overcome my spirits.

Now, said the generous man, will I, though reluctantly, make a proposal
to my sweet girl.--If I have been too pressing for the day: If another
day will still be more obliging: If you have fears you will not then
have; you shall say but the word, and I'll submit. Yes, my Pamela; for
though I have, these three days past, thought every tedious hour a day,
till Thursday comes, if you earnestly desire it, I will postpone it.
Say, my dear girl, freely say; but accept not my proposal, without great
reason, which yet I will not ask for.

Sir, said I, I can expect nothing but superlative goodness, I have been
so long used to it from you. This is a most generous instance of it; but
I fear--yes, I fear it will be too much the same thing, some days hence,
when the happy, yet, fool that I am! dreaded time, shall be equally
near!

Kind, lovely charmer! said he, now do I see you are to be trusted with
power, from the generous use you make of it!--Not one offensive word or
look, from me, shall wound your nicest thoughts; but pray try to subdue
this over-scrupulousness, and unseasonable timidity. I persuade myself
you will if you can.

Indeed, sir, I will, said I; for I am quite ashamed of myself, with all
these lovely views before me!--The honours you do me, the kindness you
shew me!--I cannot forgive myself! For, oh! if I know the least of
this idle foolish heart of mine, it has not a misgiving thought of
your goodness; and I should abhor it, if it were capable of the least
affectation.--But, dear good sir, leave me a little to myself, and I
will take myself to a severer task than your goodness will let you do
and I will present my heart before you, a worthier offering to you, than
at present its wayward follies will let it seem to be.--But one thing
is, one has no kind friend of one's own sex, to communicate one's
foolish thoughts to, and to be strengthened by their comfortings! But I
am left to myself; and, oh! what a weak silly thing I am!

He kindly withdrew, to give me time to recollect myself; and in about
half an hour returned: and then, that he might not begin at once upon
the subject, and say, at the same time, something agreeable to me, said,
Your father and mother have had a great deal of talk by this time about
you, Pamela. O, sir, returned I, your goodn