l her
sufferings did I think this sweet conversation only. A hundred tender
things he expressed besides, that though they never can escape my
memory, yet would be too tedious to write down. Oh, how I blessed God,
and, I hope, ever shall, for all his gracious favours to his unworthy
handmaid! What a happy change is this! And who knows but my kind, my
generous master, may put it in my power, when he shall see me not quite
unworthy of it, to be a means, without injuring him, to dispense around
me, to many persons, the happy influences of the condition to which
I shall be, by his kind favour, exalted? Doubly blest shall I be, in
particular, if I can return the hundredth part of the obligations I owe
to such honest good parents, to whose pious instructions and examples,
under God, I owe all my present happiness, and future prospects.--O
the joy that fills my mind on these proud hopes! on these delightful
prospects!--It is too mighty for me, and I must sit down to ponder all
these things, and to admire and bless the goodness of that Providence,
which has, through so many intricate mazes, made me tread the paths of
innocence, and so amply rewarded me for what it has itself enabled me to
do! All glory to God alone be ever given for it, by your poor enraptured
daughter!----
I will now continue my most pleasing relation.
As the chariot was returning home from this sweet airing, he said, From
all that has passed between us in this pleasing turn, my Pamela will
see, and will believe, that the trials of her virtue are all over from
me: But, perhaps, there will be some few yet to come of her patience and
humility. For I have, at the earnest importunity of Lady Darnford, and
her daughters, promised them a sight of my beloved girl: And so I intend
to have their whole family, and Lady Jones, and Mrs. Peters's family, to
dine with me once in a few days. And, since I believe you would hardly
choose, at present, to grace the table on the occasion, till you can do
it in your own right, I should be glad you would not refuse coming down
to us if I should desire it; for I would preface our nuptials, said the
dear gentleman! O what a sweet word was that!--with their good opinion
of your merits: and to see you, and your sweet manner, will be enough
for that purpose; and so, by degrees, prepare my neighbours for what
is to follow: And they already have your character from me, and are
disposed to admire you.
Sir, said I, after all that has p
|