Yes, look up to me, my sweet-faced girl! I
must say I love you; and have put on a behaviour to you, that was much
against my heart, in hopes to frighten you from your reservedness. You
see I own it ingenuously; and don't play your sex upon me for it.
I was unable to speak; and he, seeing me too much oppressed with
confusion to go on in that strain, said, Well, Pamela, let me know in
what situation of life is your father: I know he is a poor man; but is he
as low and as honest as he was when my mother took you?
Then I could speak a little; and with a down look, (and I felt my face
glow like fire,) I said, Yes, sir, as poor and as honest too; and that is
my pride. Says he, I will do something for him, if it be not your fault,
and make all your family happy. All, sir, said I, he is happier already
than ever he can be, if his daughter's innocence is to be the price of
your favour: and I beg you will not speak to me on the only side that can
wound me. I have no design of that sort, said he. O sir, said I, tell
me not so, tell me not so!--'Tis easy, said he, for me to be the making
of your father, without injuring you. Well, sir, said I, if this can be
done, let me know how; and all I can do with innocence shall be the study
and practice of my life.
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