When we were alone, I told her all that had passed; for I thought, though
he had bid me not, yet if he should come to know I had told, it would be
no worse; for to keep a secret of such a nature, would be, as I
apprehended, to deprive myself of the good advice which I never wanted
more; and might encourage him to think I did not resent it as I ought,
and would keep worse secrets, and so make him do worse by me. Was I
right, my dear mother?

Mrs. Jervis could not help mingling tears with my tears; for I cried all
the time I was telling her the story, and begged her to advise me what to
do; and I shewed her my dear father's two letters, and she praised the
honesty and enditing of them, and said pleasing things to me of you both.
But she begged I would not think of leaving my service; for, said she, in
all likelihood, you behaved so virtuously, that he will be ashamed of
what he has done, and never offer the like to you again: though, my dear
Pamela, said she, I fear more for your prettiness than for anything else;
because the best man in the land might love you: so she was pleased to
say. She wished it was in her power to live independent; then she would
take a little private house, and I should live with her like her
daughter.

And so, as you ordered me to take her advice, I resolved to tarry to see
how things went, except he was to turn me away; although, in your first
letter, you ordered me to come away the moment I had any reason to be
apprehensive. So, dear father and mother, it is not disobedience, I
hope, that I stay; for I could not expect a blessing, or the good fruits
of your prayers for me, if I was disobedient.

All the next day I was very sad, and began my long letter. He saw me