I have not been idle; but had writ from time to time, how he, by sly

mean degrees, exposed his wicked views; but somebody stole my letter,

and I know not what has become of it. It was a very long one. I fear, he

that was mean enough to do bad things, in one respect, did not stick at

this. But be it as it will, all the use he can make of it will be, that

he may be ashamed of his part; I not of mine: for he will see I was

resolved to be virtuous, and gloried in the honesty of my poor parents.

I will tell you all, the next opportunity; for I am watched very

narrowly; and he says to Mrs. Jervis, This girl is always scribbling;

I think she may be better employed. And yet I work all hours with

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my needle, upon his linen, and the fine linen of the family; and am,

besides, about flowering him a waistcoat.--But, oh! my heart's broke

almost; for what am I likely to have for my reward, but shame and

disgrace, or else ill words, and hard treatment! I'll tell you all soon,

and hope I shall find my long letter.

Your most afflicted DAUGHTER.

May-be, I he and him too much: but it is his own fault if I do. For why

did he lose all his dignity with me?

LETTER XI

DEAR MOTHER,

Well, I can't find my letter, and so I'll try to recollect it all, and

be as brief as I can. All went well enough in the main for some time

after my letter but one. At last, I saw some reason to suspect; for he

would look upon me, whenever he saw me, in such a manner, as shewed not

well; and one day he came to me, as I was in the summer-house in the

little garden, at work with my needle, and Mrs. Jervis was just gone

from me; and I would have gone out, but he said, No don't go, Pamela;

I have something to say to you; and you always fly me when I come near

you, as if you were afraid of me.

I was much out of countenance, you may well think; but said, at last, It

does not become your good servant to stay in your presence, sir, without

your business required it; and I hope I shall always know my place.

Well, says he, my business does require it sometimes; and I have a mind

you should stay to hear what I have to say to you.

I stood still confounded, and began to tremble, and the more when he

took me by the hand; for now no soul was near us.




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