“You need not be in such haste to send.  If you write to Lady Davers how the matter has ended, let me see the copy of it:  and be very particular in your, or rather, my trial.  It shall be a standing lesson to me for my future instruction; as it will be a fresh demonstration of your excellence, which every hour I more and more admire.  I am glad Lady Davers only knows the matter.  I think I ought to avoid seeing you, till I can assure you, that every thing is accommodated to your desire.  Longman has sent me some advices, which will make it proper for me to meet him at Bedford or Gloucester.  I will not go to Tunbridge, till I have all your papers; and so you’ll have three days to procure them.  Your boy, and your penmanship, will find you no disagreeable employment till I return.  Nevertheless, on second thoughts, I will do myself the pleasure of breakfasting with you in the morning, to re-assure you of my unalterable purpose to approve myself, my dearest life, ever faithfully yours."

Thus, I hope, is happily ended this dreadful affair.  My next shall give the particulars of our breakfast conversation.  But I would not slip this post, without acquainting you with this blessed turn; and to beg the favour of you to send me back my letters; which will lay a new obligation upon, dear Madam, your obliged sister, and humble servant, P.B.

LETTER LXXV

MY DEAREST LADY,

Your joyful correspondent has obtained leave to get every thing:  ready to quit London by Friday next, when your kind brother promises to carry me down to Kent, and allows me to take my charmer with me.  There’s happiness for you, Madam!  To see, as I hope I shall see, upon one blessed spot, a dear faithful husband, a beloved child, and a father and mother, whom I so much love and honour!

Mr. B. told me this voluntarily, this morning at breakfast; and then, in the kindest manner, took leave of me, and set out for Bedfordshire.

But I should, according to my promise, give you a few particulars of our breakfast conference.

I bid Polly withdraw, when her master came up to breakfast; and I ran to the door to meet him, and threw myself on my knees:  “O forgive me, dearest, dear Sir, all my boldness of yesterday!—­My heart was strangely affected—­or I could not have acted as I did.  But never fear, my dearest Mr. B., that my future conduct shall be different from what it used to be, or that I shall keep up to a spirit, which you hardly thought had place in the heart of your dutiful Pamela, till she was thus severely tried.”—­“I have weighed well your conduct, my dear life,” raising me to his bosom; “and I find an uniformity in it, that is surprisingly just.”

He led me to the tea-table, and sat down close by me.  Polly came in.  “If every thing,” said he, “be here, that your lady wants, you may withdraw; and let Colbrand and Abraham know I shall be with them presently.  Nobody shall wait upon me but you, my dear.”  Polly withdrew.