nd the
rather, as I made my request a reasonable one, and what I thought would
be agreeable to you. O dear sir, said I, pray, pray, hear me, and you'll
pity me, and not be displeased! Mrs. Jewkes will tell you, that as
soon as I had your kind commands, I said, I would obey you, and come to
dinner with these good ladies; and so prepared myself instantly, with
all the pleasure in the world. Lady Darnford and miss said I was their
dear!--Look you, said miss, did I not tell you, stately one, that
something must have happened? But, O these tyrants! these men!

Why, what hindered it, my dear? said he: give yourself time; you seem
out of breath!--O sir, said I, out of breath! well I may!--For, just as
I was ready to come away, who should drive into the court-yard, but Lady
Davers!--Lady Davers! Nay, then, my sweet dear, said he, and saluted me
more tenderly, hast thou had a worse trial than I wish thee, from one
of the haughtiest women in England, though my sister!--For, she too, my
Pamela, was spoiled by my good mother!--But have you seen her?

Yes, sir, said I, and more than seen her!--Why sure, said he, she has
not had the insolence to strike my girl!--Sir, said I, but tell me you
forgive me; for indeed I could not come sooner; and these good ladies
but excuse me; and I'll tell you all another time; for to take up the
good company's attention now, will spoil their pleasantry, and be to
them, though more important to me, like the broken china you cautioned
me about.

That's a dear girl! said he; I see my hints are not thrown away upon
you; and I beg pardon for being angry with you; and, for the future,
will stay till I hear your defence, before I judge you. Said Miss
Darnford, This is a little better! To own a fault is some reparation;
and what every lordly husband will not do. He said, But tell me, my
dear, did Lady Davers offer you any incivility? O sir, replied I, she
is your sister, and I must not tell you all; but she has used me very
severely! Did you tell her, said he, you were married? Yes, sir, I did
at last; but she will have it 'tis a sham-marriage, and that I am a vile
creature: and she was ready to beat me, when I said so: for she could
not have patience, that I should be deemed her sister, as she said.

How unlucky it was, replied he, I was not at home?--Why did you not send
to me here? Send, sir! I was kept prisoner by force. They would not let
me stir, or do you think I would have been hindered from obeyin