But, sir, said I, you know, that what I did was to try to reconcile my

lady; and, as she herself observed, it was paying her a high regard. It

was so, replied he; but never think of making a compliment to her, or

any body living, at my expense. Besides, she had behaved herself so

intolerably, that I began to think you had stooped too much, and more

than I ought to permit my wife to do; and acts of meanness are what I

can't endure in any body, but especially where I love: and as she had

been guilty of a very signal one, I had much rather have renounced her

at that time, than have been reconciled to her.

Sir, said I, I hope I shall always comport myself so, as not wilfully

Advertisement..

to disoblige you for the future; and the rather do I hope this, as I

am sure I shall want only to know your pleasure to obey it. But this

instance shews me, that I may much offend, without designing it in the

least. Now, Pamela, replied he, don't be too serious: I hope I shan't be a very

tyrannical husband to you: Yet do I not pretend to be perfect, or to

be always governed by reason in my first transports; and I expect, from

your affection, that you will bear with me when you find me wrong. I

have no ungrateful spirit, and can, when cool, enter as impartially

into myself as most men; and then I am always kind and acknowledging, in

proportion as I have been out of the way.

But to convince you, my dear, continued he, of your fault, (I mean, with

regard to the impetuosity of my temper; for there was no fault in your

intention, that I acknowledge,) I'll observe only, that you met, when

you came to me, while I was so out of humour, a reception you did not

expect, and a harsh word or two that you did not deserve. Now, had you

not broken in upon me while my anger lasted, but staid till I had come

to you, or sent to desire your company, you'd have seen none of this;

but that affectionate behaviour, which I doubt not you'll always merit,

and I shall always take pleasure in expressing: and in this temper shall

you always find a proper influence over me: But you must not suppose,

whenever I am out of humour, that, in opposing yourself to my passion,

you oppose a proper butt to it; but when you are so good, like the

slender reed, to bend to the hurricane, rather than, like the sturdy

oak, to resist it, you will always stand firm in my kind opinion, while

a contrary conduct would uproot you, with all your excellencies, from my

soul. Sir, said I, I will endeavour to conform myself, in all things, to your

will. I make no doubt but you will: and I'll endeavour to make my will

as conformable to reason as I can. And let me tell you, that this belief

of you is one of the inducements I have had to marry at all: for nobody

was more averse to this state than myself; and, now we are upon this

subject, I'll tell you why I was so averse.




Most Popular