He generously said, I will spare your confusion, Pamela. But I hope I
may promise myself, that you can love me preferably to any other man; and
that no one in the world has had any share in your affections; for I am
very jealous of what I love; and if I thought you had a secret whispering
in your soul, that had not yet come up to a wish, for any other man
breathing, I should not forgive myself to persist in my affection for
you; nor you, if you did not frankly acquaint me with it.
As I still continued on my knees, on the grass border by the pond-side,
he sat himself down on the grass by me, and took me in his arms: Why
hesitates my Pamela? said he.--Can you not answer me with truth, as I
wish? If you cannot, speak, and I will forgive you.
O good sir, said I, it is not that; indeed it is not: but a frightful
word or two that you said to Mrs. Jewkes, when you thought I was not in
hearing, comes cross my mind; and makes me dread that I am in more danger
than ever I was in my life.
You have never found me a common liar, said he, (too fearful and foolish
Pamela!) nor will I answer how long I may hold in my present mind; for my
pride struggles hard within me, I'll assure you; and if you doubt me, I
have no obligation to your confidence or opinion.
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