Well, then, said he, if you can say you have a better reason than this, I
will oblige you; else I'll send away for the parson this moment.
And so, I protest, he was going!--Dear sirs, how I trembled! Stay, stay,
sir, said I: we have a great deal to say first; I have a deal of silly
prate to trouble you with!--Well, say then, in a minute, replied he, the
most material: for all we have to say may be talked of while the parson
is coming.--O, but indeed, and indeed, said I, it cannot be to-day!--
Well, then, shall it be to-morrow? said he.--Why, sir, if it must not be
on a Thursday, you have given so many pleasant distinctions for a Monday,
that let it then be next Monday.--What! a week still? said he. Sir,
answered I, if you please; for that will be, as you enjoined, within the
second seven days. Why, girl, said he, 'twill be seven months till next
Monday. Let it, said he, if not to-morrow, be on Wednesday; I protest I
will stay no longer.
Then, sir, returned I, please to defer it, however, for one day more, and
it will be my beloved Thursday! If I consent to defer it till then, may
I hope, my Pamela, said he, that next Thursday shall certainly be the
happy day?--Yes, sir, said I and I am sure I looked very foolishly!
And yet, my dear father and mother, why should I, with such a fine
gentleman? And whom I so dearly love? And so much to my honour too?
But there is something greatly awful upon my mind, in the solemn
circumstance, and a change of condition never to be recalled, though all
the prospects are so desirable.
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