I shall write to you my answer against his articles; and hope
the best, though I fear the worst. But if I should come home to you
ruined and undone, and may not be able to look you in the face; yet pity
and inspirit the poor Pamela, to make her little remnant of life easy;
for long I shall not survive my disgrace: and you may be assured it shall
not be my fault, if it be my misfortune.
'To MRS. PAMELA ANDREWS.
'The following ARTICLES are proposed to your serious consideration; and
let me have an answer, in writing, to them, that I may take my
resolutions accordingly. Only remember, that I will not be trifled with;
and what you give for answer will absolutely decide your fate, without
expostulation, or farther trouble.
This is my ANSWER.
Forgive, sir, the spirit your poor servant is about to show in
her answer to your ARTICLES. Not to be warm, and in earnest,
on such an occasion as the present, would shew a degree of guilt,
that, I hope, my soul abhors. I will not trifle with you, nor
act like a person doubtful of her own mind; for it wants not one
moment's consideration with me; and I therefore return the ANSWER
following, let what will be the consequence.
'I. If you can convince me that the hated parson has had no
encouragement from you in his addresses; and that you have no inclination
for him in preference to me; then I will offer the following proposals to
you, which I will punctually make good.
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