The poor fellow came in, with so much confusion, that I have never seen
a countenance that expressed so lively a consciousness of his faults,
and mingled joy and shame. How do you do, John? said I; I hope you are
very well!--The poor fellow could hardly speak, and looked with awe upon
my master, and pleasure upon me. Said my master, Well, John, there is
no room to say any thing to a man that has so much concern already: I
am told you will serve me whether I will or not; but I turn you over
altogether to my spouse here: and she is to do by you as she pleases.
You see, John, said I, your good master's indulgence. Well may I
forgive, that have so generous an example. I was always persuaded of
your honest intentions, if you had known how to distinguish between your
duty to your master, and your good-will to me: You will now have no more
puzzles on that account, from the goodness of your dear master. I shall
be but too happy I said the poor man. God bless your honour! God bless
you, madam!--I now have the joy of my soul, in serving you both; and I
will make the best of servants, to my power. Well, then, John, said I,
your wages will go on, as if you had not left your master: May I not say
so, sir? said I. Yes, surely, my dear, replied he; and augment them too,
if you find his duty to you deserves it. A thousand millions of thanks,
said the poor man: I am very well satisfied, and desire no augmentation.
And so he withdrew, overjoyed; and Mrs. Jervis and Mr. Longman were
highly pleased; for though they were incensed against him for his
fault to me, when matters looked badly for me, yet they, and all his
fellow-servants, always loved John.
When Mr. Longman and Mrs. Jervis had dined, they came in again, to know
if he had any commands; and my dear master, filling a glass of wine,
said, Longman, I am going to toast the happiest and honestest couple in
England, my dear Pamela's father and mother.--Thank you, dear sir, said
I. I think, continued he, that little Kentish purchase wants a manager; and
as it is a little out of your way, Longman, I have been purposing, if I
thought Mr. Andrews would accept it, that he should enter upon Hodge's
farm that was, and so manage for me that whole little affair; and we
will well stock the farm for him, and make it comfortable; and I think,
if he will take that trouble upon him, it will be an ease to you, and a
favour to me. Your honour, said he, cannot do a better thing; and I have had some
inkling given me, that you may, if you please, augment that estate, by
a purchase, of equal amount, contiguous to it; and as you have so much
money to spare, I can't see your honour can do better. Well, said he,
let me have the particulars another time, and we will consider about
it. But, my dear, added he, you'll mention this to your father, if you
please. I have too much money, Longman, continued he, lies useless; though, upon
this occasion, I shall not grudge laying out as much in liveries
and other things, as if I had married a lady of a fortune equal, if
possible, to my Pamela's merit; and I reckon you have a good deal in
hand. Yes, sir, said he, more than I wish I had. But I have a mortgage
in view, if you don't buy that Kentish thing, that I believe will answer
very well; and when matters are riper, will mention it to your honour.