Shamela | Page 7

Spirit, you know, would, tho' it should be one's Ruin; and came
immediately in Tears to me, crying, she had lost her Place on my

Account, and that she should be forced to take to a House, as I
mentioned before; and that she hoped I would, at least, make her all the
amends in my power, for her Loss on my Account, and come to her
House whenever I was sent for. Never fear, says I, I'll warrant we are
not so near being turned away, as you imagine; and, i'cod, now it comes
into my Head, I have a Fetch for him, and you shall assist me in it. But
it being now late, and my Letter pretty long, no more at present from
Your Dutiful Daughter,
Shamela.
LETTER VII.
Mrs. Lucretia Jervis to Henrietta Maria Honora Andrews.
Madam,
Miss Sham being set out in a Hurry for my Master's House in
Lincolnshire, desired me to acquaint you with the Success of her
Stratagem, which was to dress herself in the plain Neatness of a
Farmer's Daughter, for she before wore the Cloaths of my late Mistress,
and to be introduced by me as a Stranger to her Master. To say the
Truth, she became the Dress extremely, and if I was to keep a House a
thousand Years, I would never desire a prettier Wench in it.
As soon as my Master saw her, he immediately threw his Arms round
her Neck, and smothered her with Kisses (for indeed he hath but very
little to say for himself to a Woman.) He swore that Pamela was an
ugly Slut, (pardon, dear Madam, the Coarseness of the Expression)
compared to such divine Excellence. He added, he would turn Pamela
away immediately, and take this new Girl, whom he thought to be one
of his Tenant's Daughters, in her Room.
Miss Sham smiled at these Words, and so did your humble Servant,
which he perceiving, looked very earnestly at your fair Daughter, and
discovered the Cheat.

How, Pamela, says he, is it you? I thought, Sir, said Miss, after what
had happened, you would have known me in any Dress. No, Hussy,
says he, but after what hath happened, I should know thee out of any
Dress from all thy Sex. He then was what we Women call rude, when
done in the Presence of others; but it seems it is not the first time, and
Miss defended herself with great Strength and Spirit.
The Squire, who thinks her a pure Virgin, and who knows nothing of
my Character, resolved to send her into Lincolnshire, on Pretence of
conveying her home; where our old Friend Nanny Jewkes is
Housekeeper, and where Miss had her small one by Parson Williams
about a Year ago. This is a Piece of News communicated to us by
Robin Coachman, who is intrusted by his Master to carry on this Affair
privately for him: But we hang together, I believe, as well as any
Family of Servants in the Nation.
You will, I believe, Madam, wonder that the Squire, who doth not want
Generosity, should never have mentioned a Settlement all this while, I
believe it slips his Memory: But it will not be long first, no doubt: For,
as I am convinced the young Lady will do nothing unbecoming your
Daughter, nor ever admit him to taste her Charms, without something
sure and handsome before-hand; so, I am certain, the Squire will never
rest till they have danced Adam and Eve's kissing Dance together. Your
Daughter set out Yesterday Morning, and told me, as soon as she
arrived, you might depend on hearing from her.
Be pleased to make my Compliments acceptable to Mrs. Davis and Mrs.
Silvester, and Mrs. Jolly, and all Friends, and permit me the Honour,
Madam, to be with the utmost Sincerity,
Your most Obedient,
Humble Servant,
Lucretia Jervis.
If the Squire should continue his Displeasure against me, so as to insist
on the Warning he hath given me, you will see me soon, and I will

lodge in the same House with you, if you have room, till I can provide
for my self to my Liking.
LETTER VIII.
Henrietta Maria Honora Andrews to Lucretia Jervis.
Madam,
I received the Favour of your Letter, and I find you have not forgot
your usual Poluteness, which you learned when you was in keeping
with a Lord.
I am very much obliged to you for your Care of my Daughter, am glad
to hear she hath taken such good Resolutions, and hope she will have
sufficient Grace to maintain them.
All Friends are well, and remember to you. You will excuse the
Shortness of this Scroll; for I have sprained my right Hand, with boxing
three new made Officers. Tho' to my Comfort,