And, indeed, sir, said I, of mind too; and I could not better manifest
this, than by the cheerfulness with which I obeyed your recalling me to
your presence.
Ay, that, my dear Pamela, said he, and clasped me in his arms, was the
kind, the inexpressibly kind action, that has rivetted my affections to
you, and obliges me, in this free and unreserved manner, to pour my whole
soul into your bosom.
I said, I had the less merit in this my return, because I was driven, by
an irresistible impulse to it; and could not help it, if I would.
This, said he, (and honoured me by kissing my hand,) is engaging, indeed;
if I may hope, that my Pamela's gentle inclination for her persecutor was
the strongest motive to her return; and I so much value a voluntary love
in the person I would wish for my wife, that I would have even prudence
and interest hardly named in comparison with it: And can you return me
sincerely the honest compliment I now make you?--In the choice I have
made, it is impossible I should have any view to my interest. Love, true
love, is the only motive by which I am induced. And were I not what I
am, could you give me the preference to any other you know in the world,
notwithstanding what has passed between us? Why, said I, should your so
much obliged Pamela refuse to answer this kind question? Cruel as I have
thought you, and dangerous as your views to my honesty have been; you,
sir, are the only person living that ever was more than indifferent to
me: and before I knew this to be what I blush now to call it, I could not
hate you, or wish you ill, though, from my soul, the attempts you made
were shocking, and most distasteful to me.
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