see old men are taken with pretty young girls, as well as other folks;
and fair looks hide many a fault, where a person has the art to behave
obligingly. Why, and please your honour, said Mr. Longman, every body--
and was going on, I believe, to say something more in my praise, but he
interrupted him, and said, Not a word more of this Pamela. I can't let
her stay, I'll assure you; not only for her own freedom of speech, but
her letter-writing of all the secrets of my family. Ay, said the good
old man, I am sorry for that too! But, sir,--No more, I say, said my
master; for my reputation is so well known, (mighty fine, thought I!)
that I care not what any body writes or says of me: But to tell you the
truth, (not that it need go further,) I think of changing my condition
soon; and, you know, young ladies of birth and fortune will choose their
own servants, and that's my chief reason why Pamela can't stay. As for
the rest, said he, the girl is a good sort of body, take her altogether;
though I must needs say, a little pert, since my mother's death, in her
answers, and gives me two words for one; which I can't bear; nor is there
reason I should, you know, Longman. No, to be sure, sir, said he: but
'tis strange, methinks, she should be so mild and meek to every one of us
in the house, and forget herself so, where she should shew most respect!
Very true, Mr. Longman, said he, but so it is, I'll assure you; and it
was from her pertness, that Mrs. Jervis and I had the words: And I should
mind it the less, but that the girl (there she stands, I say it to her
face) has wit and sense above her years, and knows better.

I was in great pain to say something, but yet I knew not what, before Mr.
Longman; and Mrs. Jervis looked at me, and walked to the window to hide
her concern for me. At last, I said, It is for you, sir, to say what you
please; and for me only to say, God bless your honour!

Poor Mr. Longman faltered in his speech, and was ready to cry. Said my