This is the seventh in Highmore’s series of illustrations to Samuel Richardson’s novel, Pamela. It shows Mr B.’s most dastardly attempt to seduce Pamela. Aided by the unprincipled housekeeper Mrs Jewkes, shown in bed to the right, Mr B. hides in Pamela’s bedroom. He sits on the left, disguised as a maid with an apron thrown over his head, waiting to jump into bed with her. His evil design is thwarted, however, when Pamela falls into an uncontrollable hysterical fit.
Highmore produced his illustrations independently of Richardson, though the two men became close friends as a result of the paintings.