He repeated the same lesson to me again, and enforced it and owned, that
he was angry with me in earnest, just then; though more with himself,
afterwards, for being so: But when, Pamela, said he, you wanted to
transfer all my displeasure upon yourself, it was so much braving me with
your merit, as if I must soon end my anger, if placed there; or it was
making it so light to you, that I was truly displeased: for, continued
he, I cannot bear that you should wish, on any occasion whatever, to have
me angry with you, or not to value my displeasure as the heaviest
misfortune that could befall you.
But, sir, said I, you know, that what I did was to try to reconcile my
lady; and, as she herself observed, it was paying her a high regard. It
was so, replied he; but never think of making a compliment to her, or any
body living, at my expense. Besides, she had behaved herself so
intolerably, that I began to think you had stooped too much, and more
than I ought to permit my wife to do; and acts of meanness are what I
can't endure in any body, but especially where I love: and as she had
been guilty of a very signal one, I had much rather have renounced her at
that time, than have been reconciled to her.
Sir, said I, I hope I shall always comport myself so, as not wilfully to
disoblige you for the future; and the rather do I hope this, as I am sure
I shall want only to know your pleasure to obey it.
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