Mother, stop! Do not come in here,--you shall not come in here!
--Listen to me; as I love you, mother, and you, father, I have nothing
to reproach myself with!--and I swear to it before God!--Do not in a
moment withdraw from your daughter the confidence which you have had
in her for so long a time.

Mme. Giraud
But why not tell us?

Pamela (aside)
Impossible! If they were to see this young man every one would soon
know all about it.

Giraud (interrupting her)
We are your father and mother, and we must see!

Pamela
For the first time in my life, I refuse to obey you!--But you force me
to it!--These lodgings are rented by me from the earnings of my work!
I am of age and mistress of my own actions.

Mme. Giraud
Oh, Pamela! Can this be you, on whom we have placed all our hopes?

Giraud
You will ruin yourself!--and I shall remain a porter to the end of my
days.

Pamela
You needn't be afraid of that! Well--I admit that there is some one