rring
that to all other considerations, if I had not escaped from these
dangers, if I could have found any way for it?--I am not going to say
any thing for him; but, indeed, indeed, sir, I was the cause of putting
him upon assisting me in my escape. I got him to acquaint me what gentry
there were in the neighbourhood that I might fly to; and prevailed
upon him--Don't frown at me, good sir; for I must tell you the whole
truth--to apply to one Lady Jones; to Lady Darnford; and he was so good
to apply to Mr. Peters, the minister: But they all refused me; and then
it was he let me know, that there was no honourable way but marriage.
That I declined; and he agreed to assist me for God's sake.

Now, said he, you are going--I boldly put my hand before his mouth,
hardly knowing the liberty I took: Pray, sir, said I, don't be angry;
I have just done--I would only say, that rather than have staid to be
ruined, I would have thrown myself upon the poorest beggar that ever the
world saw, if I thought him honest.--And I hope, when you duly weigh all
matters, you will forgive me, and not think me so bold, and so forward,
as you have been pleased to call me.

Well, said he, even in this your last speech, which, let me tell you,
shews more your honesty of heart than your prudence, you have not
over-much pleased me. But I must love you; and that vexes me not a
little. But tell me, Pamela, for now the former question recurs: Since
you so much prize your honour, and your virtue; since all attempts
against that are so odious to you; and since I have avowedly made
several of these attempts, do you think it is possible for you to love
me preferably to any other of my sex?

Ah, sir! said I, and here my doubt recurs, that you may thus graciously
use me, to take advantage of my credulity.

Still perverse and doubting! said he--Cannot you take me as I am at
present? And that, I have told you, is sincere and undesigning, whatever
I may be hereafter.

Ah, sir! replied I, what can I say? I have already said too much, if
this dreadful hereafter should take place. Don't bid me say how well I
can--And then, my face glowing as the fire, I, all abashed, leaned upon
his shoulder, to hide my confusion.

He clasped me to him with great ardour, and said, Hide your dear face in
my bosom, my beloved Pamela! your innocent freedoms charm me!--But then
say, How well--what?

If you will be good, said I, to your poor servant, and spare her, I
cannot say to