paltry fine clothes, in comparison with a good conscience?

These are, indeed, very great favours that he heaps upon you, but so much
the more to be suspected; and when you say he looked so amiably, and like
an angel, how afraid I am, that they should make too great an impression
upon you! For, though you are blessed with sense and prudence above your
years, yet I tremble to think, what a sad hazard a poor maiden of little
more than fifteen years of age stands against the temptations of this
world, and a designing young gentleman, if he should prove so, who has so
much power to oblige, and has a kind of authority to command, as your
master.

I charge you, my dear child, on both our blessings, poor as we are, to be
on your guard; there can be no harm in that. And since Mrs. Jervis is so
good a gentlewoman, and so kind to you, I am the easier a great deal, and
so is your mother; and we hope you will hide nothing from her, and take
her counsel in every thing. So, with our blessings, and assured prayers
for you, more than for ourselves, we remain,
Your loving FATHER AND MOTHER.

Be sure don't let people's telling you, you are pretty, puff you up; for
you did not make yourself, and so can have no praise due to you for it.
It is virtue and goodness only, that make the true beauty. Remember
that, Pamela.



LETTER IX