I took a copy of this for your perusal, my dear parents, if I shall ever
be so happy to see you again; (for I hope my conduct will be approved of
by you;) and at night, when Sir Simon was gone, he sent for me down.
Well, said he, have you considered my proposals? Yes, sir, said I, I
have: and there is my answer: But pray let me not see you read it. Is it
your bashfulness, said he, or your obstinacy, that makes you not choose I
should read it before you?
I offered to go away; and he said, Don't run from me; I won't read it
till you are gone. But, said he, tell me, Pamela, whether you comply
with my proposals, or not? Sir, said I, you will see presently; pray
don't hold me; for he took my hand. Said he, Did you well consider
before you answered?--I did, sir, said I. If it be not what you think
will please me, said he, dear girl, take it back again, and reconsider
it; for if I have this as your absolute answer, and I don't like it, you
are undone; for I will not sue meanly, where I can command. I fear, said
he, it is not what I like, by your manner: and let me tell you, that I
cannot bear denial. If the terms I have offered are not sufficient, I
will augment them to two-thirds of my estate; for, said he, and swore a
dreadful oath, I cannot live without you: and, since the thing is gone so
far, I will not! And so he clasped me in his arms in such a manner as
quite frightened me; and kissed me two or three times.
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