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Besides, it looks too free both in me, and to him. I tell you, said she,
you shall come in; and pray don't reveal yourself till he finds you out.
So I went in, foolish as I was; though I must have been seen by him
another time, if I had not then. And she would make me take my straw hat
in my hand.
I dropt a low courtesy, but said never a word. I dare say he knew me as
soon as he saw my face: but was as cunning as Lucifer. He came up to me,
and took me by the hand, and said, Whose pretty maiden are you?--I dare
say you are Pamela's sister, you are so like her. So neat, so clean, so
pretty! Why, child, you far surpass your sister Pamela!
I was all confusion, and would have spoken: but he took me about the
neck: Why, said he, you are very pretty, child: I would not be so free
with your sister, you may believe; but I must kiss you.
O sir, said I, I am Pamela, indeed I am: indeed I am Pamela, her own
self!
He kissed me for all I could do; and said, Impossible! you are a lovelier
girl by half than Pamela; and sure I may be innocently free with you,
though I would not do her so much favour.
This was a sad trick upon me, indeed, and what I could not expect; and
Mrs. Jervis looked like a fool as much as I, for her officiousness.--At
last I got away, and ran out of the parlour, most sadly vexed, as you may
well think.
He talked a good deal to Mrs. Jervis, and at last ordered me to come in
to him. Come in, said he, you little villain!--for so he called me.
(Good sirs! what a name was there!)--who is it you put your tricks upon?
I was resolved never to honour your unworthiness, said he, with so much
notice again; and so you must disguise yourself to attract me, and yet
pretend, like an hypocrite as you are----
I was out of patience then: Hold, good sir, said I; don't impute disguise
and hypocrisy to me, above all things; for I hate them both, mean as I
am. I have put on no disguise.--What a plague, said he, for that was his
word, do you mean then by this dress?--Why, and please your honour, said
I, I mean one of the honestest things in the world.
I have been in disguise, indeed, ever since my good lady your mother took
me from my poor parents. I came to her ladyship so poor and mean, that
these clothes I have on, are a princely suit to those I had then: and her
goodness heaped upon me rich clothes, and other bounties: and as I am now
returning to my poor parents again so soon, I cannot wear those good
things without being hooted at; and so have bought what will be more
suitable to my degree, and be a good holiday-suit too, when I get home.
He then took me in his arms, and presently pushed me from him. Mrs.
Jervis, said he, take the little witch from me; I can neither bear, nor
forbear her--(Strange words these!)--But stay; you shan't go!--Yet
begone!--No, come back again.
I thought he was mad, for my share; for he knew not what he would have.
I was going, however; but he stept after me, and took hold of my arm, and
brought me in again: I am sure he made my arm black and blue; for the
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