where Mrs. Jewkes and I sat at dinner; and, at his entrance, we both rose
up; but he said, Sit still, sit still, and let me see how you eat your
victuals, Pamela. O, said Mrs. Jewkes, very poorly, indeed, sir! No,
said I, pretty well, sir, considering. None of your considerings, said
he, pretty face; and tapped me on the cheek. I blushed, but was glad he
was so good-humoured; but I could not tell how to sit before him, nor to
behave myself. So he said, I know, Pamela, you are a nice carver: my
mother used to say so. My lady, sir, said I, was very good to me in
every thing, and would always make me do the honours of her table for
her, when she was with her few select friends that she loved. Cut up,
said he, that chicken. I did so. Now, said he, and took a knife and
fork, and put a wing upon my plate, let me see you eat that. O sir, said
I, I have eaten a whole breast of a chicken already, and cannot eat so
much. But he said, I must eat it for his sake, and he would teach me to
eat heartily: So I did eat it; but was much confused at his so kind and
unusual freedom and condescension. And, good lack! you can't imagine how
Mrs. Jewkes looked and stared, and how respectful she seemed to me, and
called me good madam, I'll assure you, urging me to take a little bit of
tart.

My master took two or three turns about the room, musing and thoughtful,
as I had never before seen him; and at last he went out, saying, I am
going into the garden: You know, Pamela, what I said to you before
dinner. I rose, and courtesied, saying, I would attend his honour; and
he said, Do, good girl!

Well, said Mrs. Jewkes, I see how things will go. O, madam, as she
called me again, I am sure you are to be our mistress! And then I know
what will become of me. Ah Mrs. Jewkes, said I, if I can but keep myself
virtuous, 'tis the most of my ambition; and I hope, no temptation shall