Pamela

Pamela is a novel by Samuel Richardson, first published in 1740 and regarded as one of the earliest true novels in English literature. The name, "Pamela", now a popular forename in English-speaking countries, was invented by Richardson.

The novel is written in the form of letters and a diary, and is subtitled, Virtue Rewarded.

Warning: wikipedia contains spoilers

The heroine, Pamela Andrews, is a maid, whose master makes unwanted advances towards her. She rejects him until he shows his sincerity by proposing to her. The remainder of the book is concerned with her efforts to become accepted in upper-class society and builds a successful relationship with her husband. The story was widely mocked at the time, but the book was a best-seller.