I am waited for in the town, to dinner. No,
replied she, I can't spare you; and whomsoever you are to go to, will
excuse you, when they are told 'tis I that command you not to go;--and
you may excuse it too, young Lady Would-be, if you consider, that it is
the unexpected coming of your late lady's daughter, and your master's
sister, that commands your stay.
But a pre-engagement, your ladyship will consider, is something.--Ay, so
it is; but I know not what reason waiting-maids have to assume these airs
of pre-engagements! Oh, Pamela, Pamela, I am sorry for thy thus aping
thy betters, and giving thyself such airs: I see thou'rt quite spoiled!
Of a modest, innocent girl, that thou wast, and humble too, thou art now
fit for nothing in the world, but what I fear thou art.
Why, please your ladyship, said her kinsman, what signifies all you say?
The matter's over with her, no doubt; and she likes it; and she is in a
fairy-dream, and 'tis pity to awaken her before her dream's out.--Bad as
you take me to be, madam, said I, I am not used to such language or
reflections as this gentleman bestows upon me; and I won't bear it.
Well, Jackey, said she, be silent; and, shaking her head, Poor girl!--
said she--what a sweet innocence is here destroyed!--A thousand pities!--
I could cry over her, if that would do her good! But she is quite lost,
quite undone; and then has assumed a carriage upon it, that all those
creatures are distinguished by!
I cried sadly for vexation; and said, Say what you please, madam; if I
can help it, I will not answer another word.
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