But still your kind fatherly cautions came into my head, and made all

these gifts nothing near to me what they would have been. But yet, I

hope, there is no reason; for what good could it do to him to harm such

a simple maiden as me? Besides, to be sure no lady would look upon

him, if he should so disgrace himself. So I will make myself easy; and,

indeed, I should never have been otherwise, if you had not put it into

my head; for my good, I know very well. But, may be, without these

uneasinesses to mingle with these benefits, I might be too much puffed

up: So I will conclude, all that happens is for our good; and God bless

you, my dear father and mother; and I know you constantly pray for a

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blessing upon me; who am, and shall always be,

Your dutiful DAUGHTER.

Letter VIII

DEAR PAMELA,

I cannot but renew my cautions on your master's kindness, and his free

expression to you about the stockings. Yet there may not be, and I hope

there is not, any thing in it. But when I reflect, that there possibly

may, and that if there should, no less depends upon it than my child's

everlasting happiness in this world and the next; it is enough to make

one fearful for you. Arm yourself, my dear child, for the worst; and

resolve to lose your life sooner than your virtue. What though the

doubts I filled you with, lessen the pleasure you would have had in your

master's kindness; yet what signify the delights that arise from a few

paltry fine clothes, in comparison with a good conscience?

These are, indeed, very great favours that he heaps upon you, but so

much the more to be suspected; and when you say he looked so amiably,

and like an angel, how afraid I am, that they should make too great an

impression upon you! For, though you are blessed with sense and prudence

above your years, yet I tremble to think, what a sad hazard a poor

maiden of little more than fifteen years of age stands against the

temptations of this world, and a designing young gentleman, if he should

prove so, who has so much power to oblige, and has a kind of authority

to command, as your master.

I charge you, my dear child, on both our blessings, poor as we are, to

be on your guard; there can be no harm in that. And since Mrs. Jervis is

so good a gentlewoman, and so kind to you, I am the easier a great deal,

and so is your mother; and we hope you will hide nothing from her, and

take her counsel in every thing. So, with our blessings, and assured

prayers for you, more than for ourselves, we remain,




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