You have no strangers, have you miss? said I.--Only two women relations
from Stamford, replied she, and an humble servant of one of them.--Only
all the world, miss! said I.--What shall I do, if he be angry? I can't
bear that.
Just as I had said so, came in Lady Darnford and Lady Jones to chide me,
as they said, for not coming sooner. And before I could speak, came in
my dear master. I ran to him. How dy'e Pamela? said he; and saluting
me, with a little more formality than I could well bear.--I expected half
a word from me, when I was so complaisant to your choice, would have
determined you, and that you'd have been here to dinner;--and the rather,
as I made my request a reasonable one, and what I thought would be
agreeable to you. O dear sir, said I, pray, pray, hear me, and you'll
pity me, and not be displeased! Mrs. Jewkes will tell you, that as soon
as I had your kind commands, I said, I would obey you, and come to dinner
with these good ladies; and so prepared myself instantly, with all the
pleasure in the world. Lady Darnford and miss said I was their dear!--
Look you, said miss, did I not tell you, stately one, that something must
have happened? But, O these tyrants! these men!
Why, what hindered it, my dear? said he: give yourself time; you seem out
of breath!--O sir, said I, out of breath! well I may!--For, just as I was
ready to come away, who should drive into the court-yard, but Lady
Davers!--Lady Davers! Nay, then, my sweet dear, said he, and saluted me
more tenderly, hast thou had a worse trial than I wish thee, from one of
the haughtiest women in England, though my sister!--For, she too, my
Pamela, was spoiled by my good mother!--But have you seen her?
Yes, sir, said I, and more than seen her!--Why sure, said he, she has not
had the insolence to strike my girl!--Sir, said I, but tell me you
forgive me; for indeed I could not come sooner; and these good ladies but
excuse me; and I'll tell you all another time; for to take up the good
company's attention now, will spoil their pleasantry, and be to them,
though more important to me, like the broken china you cautioned me
about.
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