g you?
Nay, I told them, that I had a pre-engagement; but she ridiculed me, and
said, Waiting-maids talk of pre-engagements! And then I shewed her your
kind letter; and she made a thousand remarks upon it, and made me wish
I had not. In short, whatever I could do or say, there was no pleasing
her; and I was a creature and wench, and all that was naught. But you
must not be angry with her on my account.

Well, but, said he, I suppose she hardly asked you to dine with her; for
she came before dinner, I presume, if it was soon after you had received
my letter! No, sir, dine with my lady! no, indeed! Why, she would make
me wait at table upon her, with her woman, because she would not expose
herself and me before the men-servants; which you know, sir, was very
good of her ladyship.

Well, said he, but did you wait upon her? Would you have had me,
sir? said I.--Only, Pamela, replied he, if you did, and knew not what
belonged to your character, as my wife, I shall be very angry with you.
Sir, said I, I did not, but refused it, out of consideration to the
dignity you have raised me to; else, sir, I could have waited on my
knees upon your sister.

Now, said he, you confirm my opinion of your prudence and judgment. She
is an insolent woman, and shall dearly repent it. But, sir, she is to be
excused, because she won't believe I am indeed married; so don't be too
angry at her ladyship.

He said, Ladies, pray don't let us keep you from the company; I'll only
ask a question or two more, and attend you. Said Lady Jones, I so much
long to hear this story of poor madam's persecution, that, if it was
not improper, I should be glad to stay. Miss Darnford would stay for the
same reason; my master saying, He had no secrets to ask; and that it was
kind of them to interest themselves in my grievances.

But Lady Darnford went into the company, and told them the cause of my
detention; for, it seems, my dear master loved me too well, to keep to
himself the disappointment my not being here to receive him, was to
him; and they had all given the two Misses Boroughs and Mr. Perry,
the Stamford guests, such a character of me, that they said they were
impatient to see me.

Said my master, But, Pamela, you said they and them: Who had my sister
with her besides her woman? Her nephew, sir, and three footmen on
horseback; and she and her woman were in her chariot and six.

That's a sad coxcomb, said he: How did he behave to you?--Not
extraordinar