Said my master to me, with great sweetness, My dear, now I'm up, I'll
fill for you!--I must serve both sisters alike! She looked at the
servant, as if he were a little check upon her, and said to my master,
How now, sir!--Not that you know of. He whispered her, Don't shew any
contempt before my servants to one I have so deservedly made their
mistress. Consider, 'tis done.--Ay, said she, that's the thing that
kills me. He gave me a glass: My good lady's health, sir, said I.--That won't do,
said she, leaning towards me, softly: and was going to say wench, or
creature, or some such word. And my master, seeing Abraham look towards
her, her eyes being red and swelled, said, Indeed, sister, I would not
vex myself about it, if I was you. About what? said she. Why, replied
he, about your lord's not coming down, as he had promised. He sat down,
and she tapped him on the shoulder: Ah! wicked one, said she, nor will
that do neither!--Why, to be sure, added he, it would vex a lady of
your sense and merit to be slighted, if it was so; but I am sure my
lord loves you, as well as you love him; and you know not what may have
happened.
She shook her head, and said, That's like your art!--This makes one
amazed you should be so caught!--Who, my lord caught! said he: No, no!
he'll have more wit than so! But I never heard you were jealous before.
Nor, said he, have you any reason to think so now!--Honest friend, you
need not wait, said she; my woman will help us to what we want. Yes, let
him, replied he. Abraham, fill me a glass. Come, said my master,
Lord Davers to you, madam: I hope he'll take care he is not found
out!--You're very provoking, brother, said she. I wish you were as good
as Lord Davers.--But don't carry your jest too far. Well, said he, 'tis
a tender point, I own. I've done.
By these kind managements the dinner passed over better than I expected.
And when the servants were withdrawn, my master said, still keeping his
place between us, I have a question to ask you, Lady Davers, and that
is, If you'll bear me company to Bedfordshire? I was intending to set
out thither to-morrow, but I'll tarry your pleasure, if you'll go with
me. Is thy wife, as thou callest her, to go along with thee, friend? said
she. Yes, to be sure, answered he, my dear Quaker sister; and took
her hand, and smiled. And would'st have me parade it with her on the
road?--Hey?--And make one to grace her retinue?--Hey? Tell me how
thoud'st chalk it out, if I would do as thou would'st have me, honest
friend? He clasped his arms about her, and kissed her: You are a dear saucy
sister, said he; but I must love you!--Why, I'll tell you how I'd have
it. Here shall you, and my Pamela--Leave out my, I desire you, if you'd
have me sit patiently. No, replied he, I can't do that. Here shall you,
and my Pamela, go together in your chariot, if you please; and she will
then appear as one of your retinue; and your nephew and I will sometimes
ride, and sometimes go into my chariot, to your woman.