LETTER XXVI


MY DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,

I did not rise till ten o'clock, and I had all the concerns and wishes of
the family, and multitudes of inquiries about me. My wicked master went
out early to hunt; but left word he would be in to breakfast. And so he
was.

He came up to our chamber about eleven, and had nothing to do to be
sorry; for he was our master, and so put on sharp anger at first.

I had great emotions at his entering the room, and threw my apron over my
head, and fell a crying, as if my heart would break.

Mrs. Jervis, said he, since I know you, and you me so well, I don't know
how we shall live together for the future. Sir, said she, I will take
the liberty to say, what I think is best for both. I have so much grief,
that you should attempt to do any injury to this poor girl, and
especially in my chamber, that I should think myself accessary to the
mischief, if I was not to take notice of it. Though my ruin, therefore,
may depend upon it, I desire not to stay; but pray let poor Pamela and me
go together. With all my heart, said he; and the sooner the better. She
fell a crying. I find, says he, this girl has made a party of the whole
house in her favour against me. Her innocence deserves it of us all,
said she very kindly: and I never could have thought that the son of my