LETTER XIV


DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,

Mrs. Jervis and I have lived very comfortably together for this fortnight
past; for my master was all that time at his Lincolnshire estate, and at
his sister's, the Lady Davers. But he came home yesterday. He had some
talk with Mrs. Jervis soon after, and mostly about me. He said to her,
it seems, Well, Mrs. Jervis, I know Pamela has your good word; but do you
think her of any use in the family? She told me she was surprised at the
question, but said, That I was one of the most virtuous and industrious
young creatures that ever she knew. Why that word virtuous, said he, I
pray you? Was there any reason to suppose her otherwise? Or has any
body taken it into his head to try her?--I wonder, sir, says she, you ask
such a question! Who dare offer any thing to her in such an orderly and
well-governed house as yours, and under a master of so good a character
for virtue and honour? Your servant, Mrs. Jervis, says he, for your good
opinion: but pray, if any body did, do you think Pamela would let you
know it? Why, sir, said she, she is a poor innocent young creature, and
I believe has so much confidence in me, that she would take my advice as
soon as she would her mother's. Innocent! again, and virtuous, I
warrant! Well, Mrs. Jervis, you abound with your epithets; but I take
her to be an artful young baggage; and had I a young handsome butler or
steward, she'd soon make her market of one of them, if she thought it
worth while to snap at him for a husband. Alack-a-day, sir, said she, it
is early days with Pamela; and she does not yet think of a husband, I
dare say: and your steward and butler are both men in years, and think
nothing of the matter. No, said he, if they were younger, they'd have