Don't concern yourself about it, said he; for we have more proud ladies
than she in our other neighbourhood, who, perhaps, have still less reason
to be punctilious about their descent, and yet will form themselves upon
her example, and say, Why, his own sister will not forgive him, nor visit
him! And so, if I can subdue her spirit, which is more than her husband
ever could, or indeed any body else, it is a great point gained: And, if
she gives me reason, I'll try for it, I assure you.
Well, but, my dear girl, continued he, since the subject is so important,
may I not say one word about to-morrow?--Sir, said I, I hope I shall be
less a fool: I have talked as harshly to my heart, as Lady Davers can do;
and the naughty thing suggests to me a better, and more grateful
behaviour.
He smiled, and, kissing me, said, I took notice, Pamela, of what you
observed, that you have none of your own sex with you; I think it is a
little hard upon you; and I should have liked you should have had Miss
Darnford; but then her sister must have been asked; and I might as well
make a public wedding: which, you know, would have required clothes and
other preparations. Besides, added he, a foolish proposal was once made
me of that second sister, who has two or three thousand pounds more than
the other, left her by a godmother, and she can't help being a little
piqued; though, said he, it was a proposal they could not expect should
succeed; for there is nothing in her person nor mind; and her fortune, as
that must have been the only inducement, would not do by any means; and
so I discouraged it at once.
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