so won't conclude: though I can't say too often, that I am (though with
great apprehension)
Your most dutiful DAUGHTER.



LETTER XXV


MY DEAR PARENTS,

O let me take up my complaint, and say, Never was poor creature so
unhappy, and so barbarously used, as poor Pamela! Indeed, my dear father
and mother, my heart's just broke! I can neither write as I should do,
nor let it alone, for to whom but you can I vent my griefs, and keep my
poor heart from bursting! Wicked, wicked man!--I have no patience when I
think of him!--But yet, don't be frightened--for--I hope--I hope, I am
honest!--But if my head and my hand will let me, you shall hear all.--Is
there no constable, nor headborough, though, to take me out of his house?
for I am sure I can safely swear the peace against him: But, alas! he is
greater than any constable: he is a justice himself: Such a justice
deliver me from!--But God Almighty, I hope, in time, will right me--For
he knows the innocence of my heart!

John went your way in the morning; but I have been too much distracted to
send by him; and have seen nobody but Mrs. Jervis or Rachel, and one I
hate to see or be seen by and indeed I hate now to see any body. Strange
things I have to tell you, that happened since last night, that good Mr.
Jonathan's letter, and my master's harshness, put me into such a fluster;
but I will not keep you in suspense.