This morning the poor came, according to my invitation; and I sent them

away with glad hearts to the number of twenty-five. There were not above

twelve or fourteen on Sunday, that John divided the silver among, which

I gave him for that purpose; but others got hold of the matter, and made

up to the above number. Tuesday. My generous master has given me, this morning, a most considerate, but

yet, from the nature of it, melancholy instance of his great regard for

my unworthiness, which I never could have wished, hoped for, or even

thought of. He took a walk with me, after breakfast, into the garden; and a little

shower falling, he led me, for shelter, into the little summer-house,

in the private garden, where he formerly gave me apprehensions; and,

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sitting down by me, he said, I have now finished all that lies on my

mind, my dear, and am very easy: For have you not wondered, that I have

so much employed myself in my library? Been so much at home, and yet not

in your company?--No, sir, said I; I have never been so impertinent as

to wonder at any thing you please to employ yourself about; nor would

give way to a curiosity that should be troublesome to you: And, besides,

I know your large possessions; and the method you take of looking

yourself into your affairs, must needs take up so much of your time,

that I ought to be very careful how I intrude upon you.

Well, said he, but I'll tell you what has been my last work I have taken

it into my consideration, that, at present, my line is almost extinct;

and that the chief part of my maternal estate, in case I die without

issue, will go to another line, and great part of my personal will fall

into such hands, as I shall not care my Pamela should be at the

mercy of. I have, therefore, as human life is uncertain, made such a

disposition of my affairs, as will make you absolutely independent and

happy; as will secure to you the power of doing a great deal of good,

and living as a person ought to do, who is my relict; and shall put

it out of any body's power to molest your father and mother, in the

provision I design them, for the remainder of their days: And I have

finished all this very morning, except to naming trustees for you; and

if you have any body you would confide in more than another, I would

have you speak. I was so touched with this mournful instance of his excessive goodness

to me, and the thoughts necessarily flowing from the solemn occasion,

that I was unable to speak; and at last relieved my mind by a violent

fit of weeping; and could only say, clasping my arms around the dear

generous man, How shall I support this! So very cruel, yet so very kind!




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