dear parents, rejoice with
me, even in this low plunge of my distress; for your poor Pamela has
escaped from an enemy worse than any she ever met with; an enemy she
never thought of before, and was hardly able to stand against: I mean,
the weakness and presumption, both in one, of her own mind; which
had well nigh, had not the divine grace interposed, sunk her into the
lowest, last abyss of misery and perdition!

I will proceed, as I have opportunity, with my sad relation: for my
pen and ink (in my now doubly-secured closet) are all I have to employ
myself with: and indeed I have been so weak, that, till yesterday
evening, I have not been able to hold a pen.

I took with me but one shift, besides what I had on, and two
handkerchiefs, and two caps, which my pocket held, (for it was not for
me to encumber myself,) and all my stock of money, which was but five
or six shillings, to set out for I knew not where; and got out of the
window, not without some difficulty, sticking a little at my shoulders
and hips; but I was resolved to get out, if possible. And it was farther
from the leads than I thought, and I was afraid I had sprained my ancle;
and when I had dropt from the leads to the ground, it was still farther
off; but I did pretty well there, at least. I got no hurt to hinder me
from pursuing my intentions. So being now on the ground, I hid my papers
under a rose-bush, and covered them with mould, and there they still
lie, as I hope. Then I hied away to the pond: The clock struck twelve,
just as I got out; and it was a dark misty night, and very cold; but I
felt it not then.

When I came to the pond-side, I flung in my upper-coat, as I had
designed, and my neckhandkerchief, and a round-eared cap, with a knot;
and then with great speed ran to the door, and took the key out of my
pocket, my poor heart beating all the time against my bosom, as if it
would have forced its way through it: and beat it well might! for I
then, too late, found, that I was most miserably disappointed; for the
wicked woman had taken off that lock, and put another on; so that my
key would not open it. I tried, and tried, and feeling about, I found
a padlock besides, on another part of the door. O then how my heart
sunk!--I dropt down with grief and confusion, unable to stir or support
myself, for a while. But my fears awakening my resolution, and knowing
that my attempt would be as terrible for me as any other danger I could
then encounter, I c