imprudent, but yet the whole truth.

My honesty (I am poor and lowly, and am not entitled to call it honour)
was in danger. I saw no means of securing myself from your avowed
attempts. You had shewed you would not stick at little matters; and
what, sir, could any body have thought of my sincerity, in preferring
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