I think of changing
my condition soon; and, you know, young ladies of birth and fortune will
choose their own servants, and that's my chief reason why Pamela can't
stay. As for the rest, said he, the girl is a good sort of body,
take her altogether; though I must needs say, a little pert, since my
mother's death, in her answers, and gives me two words for one; which I
can't bear; nor is there reason I should, you know, Longman. No, to be
sure, sir, said he: but 'tis strange, methinks, she should be so mild
and meek to every one of us in the house, and forget herself so, where
she should shew most respect! Very true, Mr. Longman, said he, but so it
is, I'll assure you; and it was from her pertness, that Mrs. Jervis and
I had the words: And I should mind it the less, but that the girl (there
she stands, I say it to her face) has wit and sense above her years, and
knows better.

I was in great pain to say something, but yet I knew not what, before
Mr. Longman; and Mrs. Jervis looked at me, and walked to the window to
hide her concern for me. At last, I said, It is for you, sir, to say
what you please; and for me only to say, God bless your honour!

Poor Mr. Longman faltered in his speech, and was ready to cry. Said my
insulting master to me, Why, pr'ythee, Pamela, now, shew thyself as thou
art, before Longman. Can'st not give him a specimen of that pertness
which thou hast exercised upon me sometimes?

Did he not, my dear father and mother, deserve all the truth to be told?
Yet I overcame myself so far, as to say, Well, your honour may play upon
a poor girl, that you know call answer you, but dare not.

Why, pr'ythee now, insinuator, said he, say the worst you can before
Longman and Mrs. Jervis. I challenge the utmost of thy impertinence:
and as you are going away, and have the love of every body, I would be
a little justified to my family, that you have no reason to complain
of hardships from me, as I have pert saucy answers from you, besides
exposing me by your letters.

Surely, sir, said I, I am of no consequence equal to this, in your
honour's family, that such a great gentleman as you, should need to
justify yourself about me. I am glad Mrs. Jervis stays with your honour;
and I know I have not deserved to stay: and, more than that, I don't
desire to stay.

Ads-bobbers! said Mr. Longman, and ran to me; don't say so, don't say
so, dear Mrs. Pamela! We all love you dearly: and pray down of your
knees, and ask his