--And I hope, when you duly weigh all
matters, you will forgive me, and not think me so bold, and so forward,
as you have been pleased to call me.
Well, said he, even in this your last speech, which, let me tell you,
shews more your honesty of heart than your prudence, you have not over-
much pleased me. But I must love you; and that vexes me not a little.
But tell me, Pamela, for now the former question recurs: Since you so
much prize your honour, and your virtue; since all attempts against that
are so odious to you; and since I have avowedly made several of these
attempts, do you think it is possible for you to love me preferably to
any other of my sex?
Ah, sir! said I, and here my doubt recurs, that you may thus graciously
use me, to take advantage of my credulity.
Still perverse and doubting! said he--Cannot you take me as I am at
present? And that, I have told you, is sincere and undesigning, whatever
I may be hereafter.
Ah, sir! replied I, what can I say? I have already said too much, if
this dreadful hereafter should take place. Don't bid me say how well I
can--And then, my face glowing as the fire, I, all abashed, leaned upon
his shoulder, to hide my confusion.
He clasped me to him with great ardour, and said, Hide your dear face in
my bosom, my beloved Pamela! your innocent freedoms charm me!--But then
say, How well--what?
If you will be good, said I, to your poor servant, and spare her, I
cannot say too much! But if not, I am doubly undone!--Undone indeed!
Said he, I hope my present temper will hold; for I tell you frankly, that
I have known, in this agreeable hour, more sincere pleasure than I have
experienced in all the guilty tumults that my desiring soul compelled me
into, in the hopes of possessing you on my own terms.
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