angry that I would have done so, if I
could.

I'll judge you, never fear, said he, as favourably as you deserve; for
you have too powerful a pleader within me. And so went down stairs.

About nine o'clock he sent for me down into the parlour. I went a little
fearfully; and he held the paper in his hand, and said, Now, Pamela,
you come upon your trial. Said I, I hope I have a just judge to hear my
cause. Ay, said he, and you may hope for a merciful one too, or else I
know not what will become of you.

I expect, continued he, that you will answer me directly, and plainly,
to every question I shall ask you.--In the first place, here are several
love-letters between you and Williams. Love-letters! sir, said I.--Well,
call them what you will, said he, I don't entirely like them, I'll
assure you, with all the allowances you desired me to make for you. Do
you find, sir, said I, that I encouraged his proposal, or do you not?
Why, said he, you discourage his address in appearance; but no otherwise
than all your cunning sex do to ours, to make us more eager in pursuing
you.

Well, sir, said I, that is your comment; but it does not appear so in
the text. Smartly said! says he: Where a d---l gottest thou, at these
years, all this knowledge? And then thou hast a memory, as I see by your
papers, that nothing escapes. Alas! sir, said I, what poor abilities I
have, serve only to make me more miserable!--I have no pleasure in my
memory, which impresses things upon me, that I could be glad never were,
or everlastingly to forget.

Well, said he, so much for that--But where are the accounts (since you
have kept so exact a journal of all that has befallen you) previous to
these here in my hand? My father has them, sir, said I.--By whose means?
said he--By Mr. Williams's, said I. Well answered, said he. But cannot
you contrive to get me a sight of them? That would be pretty! said I. I
wish I could have contrived to have kept those you have from your sight.
Said he, I must see them, Pamela, or I shall never be easy; for I must
know how this correspondence between you and Williams began: and if I
can see them, it shall be better for you, if they answer what these give
me hope they will.

I can tell you, sir, very faithfully, said I, what the beginning was;
for I was bold enough to be the beginner. That won't do, said he;
for though this may appear a punctilio to you, to me it is of high
importance. Sir, said I, if you please to let me