I coloured up to the ears at this word: but said, Yet, if I was the lady
of birth, and he would offer to be rude first, as he has twice done to
poor me, I don't know whether I would have him: For she that can bear an
insult of that kind, I should think not worthy to be a gentleman's wife:
any more than he would be a gentleman that would offer it.

Nay, now, Pamela, said she, thou carriest thy notions a great way. Well,
dear Mrs. Jervis, said I, very seriously, for I could not help it, I am
more full of fears than ever. I have only to beg of you, as one of the
best friends I have in the world, to say nothing of my asking to stay.
To say my master likes me, when I know what end he aims at, is
abomination to my ears; and I shan't think myself safe till I am at my
poor father's and mother's.

She was a little angry with me, till I assured her that I had not the
least uneasiness on her account, but thought myself safe under her
protection and friendship. And so we dropt the discourse for that time.

I hope to have finished this ugly waistcoat in two days; after which I
have only some linen to get up, and shall then let you know how I
contrive as to my passage; for the heavy rains will make it sad
travelling on foot: but may be I may get a place to which is ten miles of
the way, in farmer Nichols's close cart; for I can't sit a horse well at
all, and may be nobody will be suffered to see me on upon the way. But I
hope to let you know more. From, etc.



LETTER XXII