How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
We are, 'tis true, very poor, and find it hard enough to live; tho' once, as you know, it was better with us. (5.1)
One reason we give Richardson's whole "virtuous poor" the side-eye is that, as with this letter from Pamela's dad, he constantly highlights the fact that the Andrews family is different from other poor people. They used to be better off, until some bad luck (and bad debts) ruined them—meaning that the class difference between Pamela and Mr. B might not be quite as major as she makes it out to be.
Quote #2
He says it does him good at his Heart to see you both, and to hear you talk. He says you are both so good, and so honest, that he always learns something from you to the Purpose. It is a thousand Pities, he says, that such honest Hearts should not have better Luck in the World. (8.1)
Here, Pamela is describing how John feels about visiting the Andrewses, who are consistently described as two of the most honest people around. Pay attention, because this whole "virtuous poor" thing is going to get major play throughout the book.
Quote #3
. . . they stand in Awe of her, knowing her to be a Gentlewoman born, tho' she has had Misfortunes. (8.2)
Like Pamela, Mrs. Jervis was apparently born into a better situation than she now occupies. It is one of many early clues that the novel is incredibly conscious of class status—and it also lets us know that the class system isn't actually as rigid as people like Lady Davers want to believe. Maybe that's why she's so defensive, hm?