_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_,