And must it
not be looked upon as a sort of warrant for such actions, if I stay after
this? For, I think, when one of our sex finds she is attempted, it is an
encouragement to the attempter to proceed, if one puts one's self in the
way of it, when one can help it: 'Tis neither more nor less than inviting
him to think that one forgives, what, in short, ought not to be forgiven:
Which is no small countenance to foul actions, I'll assure you.
She hugged me to her, and said I'll assure you! Pretty-face, where
gottest thou all thy knowledge, and thy good notions, at these years?
Thou art a miracle for thy age, and I shall always love thee.--But, do
you resolve to leave us, Pamela?
Yes, my dear Mrs. Jervis, said I; for, as matters stand, how can I do
otherwise?--But I'll finish the duties of my place first, if I may; and
hope you'll give me a character, as to my honesty, that it may not he
thought I was turned away for any harm. Ay, that I will, said she; I
will give thee such a character as never girl at thy years deserved. And
I am sure, said I, I will always love and honour you, as my third-best
friend, wherever I go, or whatever becomes of me.
And so we went to bed; and I never waked till 'twas time to rise; which I
did as blithe as a bird, and went about my business with great pleasure.
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