Isupposeye’llsaynextIbenoageatalltospeakof？’
`Sureweshan’t，’saidGabrielsoothingly。
`Yebeaveryoldagedperson，malter，’attestedJanCoggan，alsosoothingly。
`Weallknowthat，andyemusthaveawonderfultalentedconstitutiontobeabletolivesolong，mustn’the，neighbours？’
`True，true；yemust，malter，wonderful’；saidthemeetingunanimously。
Themaltster，beingnowpacified，wasevengenerousenoughtovoluntarilydisparageinaslightdegreethevirtueofhavinglivedagreatmanyyears，bymentioningthatthecuptheyweredrinkingoutofwasthreeyearsolderthanhe。
Whilethecupwasbeingexamined，theendofGabrielOak’sflutebecamevisibleoverhissmock-frockpocket，andHeneryFrayexclaimed，`Surely，shepherd，IseedyoublowingintoagreatflutebynowatCasterbridge？’
`Youdid，’saidGabriel，blushingfaintly。`I’vebeeningreattrouble，neighbours，andwasdriventoit。IusednottobesopoorasIbenow。’
`Nevermind，heart！’saidMarkClark。`Youshouldtakeitcarelesslike，shepherd，andyourtimewillcome。Butwecouldthankyeforatune，ifyebain’ttootired？’
`NeitherdrumnortrumpethaveIheardsinceChristmas，’saidJanCoggan。
`Come，raiseatune，MasterOak！’
`ThatIwill，’saidGabriel，pullingouthisfluteandputtingittogether。
`Apoortool，neighbours；butsuchasIcandoyeshallhaveandwelcome。’
Oakthenstruckup`JockeytotheFair’，andplayedthatsparklingmelodythreetimesthrough，ascendingthenotesinthethirdroundinamostartisticandlivelymannerbybendinghisbodyinsmalljerksandtappingwithhisfoottobeattime。
`Hecanblowthefluteverywell-that’acan，’saidayoungmarriedman，whohavingnoindividualityworthmentioningwasknownas`SusanTall’shusband’。Hecontinued，`I’dasliefasnotbeabletoblowintoafluteaswellasthat。’
`He’sacleverman，and’tisatruecomfortforustohavesuchashepherd，’
murmuredJosephPoorgrass，inasoftcadence。`Weoughttofeelfillo’
thanksgivingthathe’snotaplayerofba’dysongsinsteadofthesemerrytunes；for’twouldhavebeenjustaseasyforGodtohavemadetheshepherdalooselowman-amanofiniquity，sotospeakit-aswhatheis。Yes，forourwives’anddaughters’sakesweshouldfeelrealthanksgiving。’
`True，true-realthanksgiving！’dashedinMarkClarkconclusively，notfeelingittobeofanyconsequencetohisopinionthathehadonlyheardaboutawordandthree-quartersofwhatJosephhadsaid。
`Yes，’addedJoseph，beginningtofeellikeamanintheBible；`forevildothrivesointhesetimesthatyemaybeasmuchdeceivedintheclanestshavedandwhitestshirtedmanasintheraggedesttrampupontheturnpike，ifImaytermitso。’
`Ay，Icanmindyerfacenow，shepherd，’saidHeneryFray，criticizingGabrielwithmistyeyesasheentereduponhissecondtune。`Yes-nowIsee’eeblowingintothefluteIknow’eetobethesamemanIseeplayatCasterbridge，foryermouthwerescrimpedupandyereyesastaringoutlikeastrangledman’s-justastheybenow。’
`’Tisapitythatplayingthefluteshouldmakeamanlooksuchascarecrow，observedMrMarkClark，withadditionalcriticismofGabriel’scountenance，thelatterpersonjerkingout，withtheghastlygrimacerequiredbytheinstrument，thechorusof`DameDurden’：——`TwasMoll’andBet’，andDoll’andKate’，AndDorothyDrag’-gleTail’。`Ihopeyoudon’tmindthatyoungman’sbadmannersinnamingyourfeatures？’
whisperedJosephtoGabriel。
`Notatall，’saidMrOak。
`Forbynatureyebeaveryhandsomeman，shepherd，’continuedJosephPoorgrasswithwinningsuavity。
`Ay，thatyebe，shepherd，’saidthecompany。
`Thankyouverymuch，’saidOak，inthemodesttonegoodmannersdemanded，thinking，however，thathewouldneverletBathshebaseehimplayingtheflute；inthisresolveshowingadiscretionequaltothatrelatedofitssagaciousinventress，thedivineMinervaherself。
`Ah，whenIandmywifeweremarriedatNorcombeChurch，’saidtheoldmaltster，notpleasedatfindinghimselfleftoutofthesubject，`wewerecalledthehandsomestcoupleintheneighbourhoodeverybodysaidso。’
`Dangedifyebain’talterednow，malter，’saidavoicewiththevigournaturaltotheenunciationofaremarkableevidenttruism。Itcamefromtheoldmaninthebackground，whoseoffensivenessandspitefulwayswerebarelyatonedforbytheoccasionalchucklehecontributedtogenerallaughs。
`Ono，no，’saidGabriel。
`Don’tyeplaynomore，shepherd，’saidSusanTall’shusband，theyoungmarriedmanwhohadspokenoncebefore。`Imustbemoving，andwhenthere’stunesgoingonIseemasifhunginwires。IfIthoughtafterI’dleftthatmusicwasstillplaying，andInotthere，Ishouldbequitemelancholy-like。’
`What’syerhurrythen，Laban？’inquiredCoggan。`Youusedtobideaslateasthelatest。’
`Well，yesee，neighbours，Iwaslatelymarriedtoawoman，andshe’smyvocationnow，andsoyesee——’Theyoungmanhaltedlamely。
`Newlordsnewlaws，asthesayingis，Isuppose，’remarkedCoggan。
`Ay，’ab’lieve-ha，ha！’saidSusanTall’shusband，inatoneintendedtoimplyhishabitualreceptionofjokeswithoutmindingthematall。Theyoungmanthenwishedthemgood-nightandwithdrew。
HeneryFraywasthefirsttofollow。ThenGabrielaroseandwentoffwithJanCoggan，whohadofferedhimalodging。Afewminuteslater，whentheremainingoneswereontheirlegsandabouttodepart，Fraycamebackagaininahurry。Flourishinghisfingerominouslyhethrewagazeteemingwithtidingsjustwherehiseyealightedbyaccident，whichhappenedtobeinJosephPoorgrass’sface。
`O-what’sthematter，what’sthematter，Henery？’saidJoseph，startingback。
`What’sa-brewing，Henery？’askedJacobandMarkClark。`BailyPennyways-BailyPennyways-Isaidso；yes，Isaidso！’
`What，foundoutstealinganything？’
`Stealingitis。Thenewsis，thatafterMissEverdenegothomeshewentoutagaintoseeallwassafe，assheusuallydo，andcorninginfoundBailyPennywayscreepingdownthegranarystepswithhalfabushelofbarley。
Shefleedathimlikeacat-neversuchatomboyassheis-ofcourseIspeakwithcloseddoors？’
`Youdo-youdo，Henery。’
`Shefleedathim，and，tocutalongstoryshort，heownedtohavingcarriedofffivesackaltogether，uponherpromisingnottopersecutehim。
Well，he’sturnedoutneckandcrop，andmyquestionis，who’sgoingtobebailynow？’
ThequestionwassuchaprofoundonethatHenerywasobligedtodrinkthereandthenfromthelargecuptillthebottomwasdistinctlyvisibleinside。Beforehehadreplaceditonthetable，incametheyoungman，SusanTall’shusband，inastillgreaterhurry。
`Haveyeheardthenewsthat’salloverparish？’
`AboutBailyPennyways？’
`Butbesidesthat？’
`No-notamorselofit！’theyreplied，lookingintotheverymidstofLabanTallasiftomeethiswordshalfwaydownhisthroat。
`Whatanightofhorrors！’murmuredJosephPoorgrass，wavinghishandsspasmodically。`I’vehadthenews-bellringinginmyleftearquitebadenoughforamurder，andI’veseenamagpieallalone！’
`FannyRobin-MissEverdene’syoungestservant-can’tbefound。They’vebeenwantingtolockupthedoorthesetwohours，butsheisn’tcomein。
Andtheydon’tknowwhattodoaboutgoingtobedforfearoflockingherout。Theywouldn’tbesoconcernedifshehadn’tbeennoticedinsuchlowspiritstheselastfewdays，andMaryannd’thinkthebeginningofacrowner’sinquesthashappenedtothepoorgirl。’
`O——’tisburned-’tisburned！’camefromJosephPoorgrass’sdrylips。
`No——’tisdrowned！’saidTall。
`Or’tisherfather’srazor！’suggestedBillySmallburywithavividsenseofdetail。
`Well-MissEverdenewantstospeaktooneortwoofusbeforewegotobed。Whatwiththistroubleaboutthebaily，andnowaboutthegirl，mis’essisalmostwild。’
Theyallhastenedupthelanetothefarmhouse，exceptingtheoldmaltster，whomneithernews，fire，rain，northundercoulddrawfromhishole。There，astheothers’footstepsdiedaway，hesatdownagain，andcontinuedgazingasusualintothefurnacewithhisred，blearedeyes。
FromthebedroomwindowabovetheirheadsBathsheba’sheadandshoulders，robedinmysticwhite，weredimlyseenextendedintotheair。`Areanyofmymenamongyou？’shesaidanxiously。`Yes，ma’am，several，’saidSusanTall’shusband。
`TomorrowmorningIwishtwoorthreeofyoutomakeinquiriesinthevillagesroundiftheyhaveseensuchapersonasFannyRobin。Doitquietly；
thereisnoreasonforalarmasyet。Shemusthaveleftwhilstwewereallatthefire。’
`Ibegyerpardon，buthadsheanyyoungmancourtingherintheparish，ma’am？’askedJacobSmallbury。
`Idon’tknow，’saidBathsheba。
`I’veneverheardofanysuchthing，ma’am，’saidtwoorthree。
`Itishardlylikely，either，’continuedBathsheba。`Foranyloverofhersmighthavecometothehouseifhehadbeenarespectablelad。Themostmysteriousmatterconnectedwithherabsence-indeed，theonlythingwhichgivesmeseriousalarm-isthatshewasseentogooutofthehousebyMaryannwithonlyherindoorworkinggownon-notevenabonnet。’
`Andyoumean，ma’am，excusingmywords，thatayoungwomanwouldhardlygotoseeheryoungmanwithoutdressingup，’saidJacob，turninghismentalvisionuponpastexperiences。`That’strue-shewouldnot，ma’am。’
`Shehad，Ithink，abundle，thoughIcouldn’tseeverywell，’saidafemalevoicefromanotherwindow，whichseemedthatofMaryann。`Butshehadnoyoungmanabouthere。HerslivesinCasterbridge，andIbelievehe’sasoldier。’
`Doyouknowhisname？’Bathshebasaid。
`No，mistress；shewasverycloseaboutit。’
`PerhapsImightbeabletofindoutifIwenttoCasterbridgebarracks，’
saidWilliamSmallbury。
`Verywell；ifshedoesn’treturntomorrow，mindyougothereandtrytodiscoverwhichmanitis，andseehim。IfeelmoreresponsiblethanIshouldifshehadhadanyfriendsorrelationsalive。Idohopeshehascometonoharmthroughamanofthatkind。Andthenthere’sthisdisgracefulaffairofthebailiff-butIcan’tspeakofhimnow。’
Bathshebahadsomanyreasonsforuneasinessthatitseemedshedidnotthinkitworthwhiletodwelluponanyparticularone。`DoasItoldyou，then，’shesaidinconclusion，closingthecasement。
`Ay，ay，mistress；wewill，’theyreplied，andmovedaway。
ThatnightatCoggan’sGabrielOak，beneaththescreenofclosedeyelids，wasbusywithfancies，andfillofmovement，likeariverflowingrapidlyunderitsice。NighthadalwaysbeenthetimeatwhichhesawBathshebamostvividly，andthroughtheslowhoursofshadowhetenderlyregardedherimagenow。Itisrarelythatthepleasuresoftheimaginationwillcompensateforthepainofsleeplessness，huttheypossiblydidwithOakto-night，forthedelightofmerelyseeinghereffacedforthetimehisperceptionofthegreatdifferencebetweenseeingandpossessing。
HealsothoughtofplansforfetchinghisfewutensilsandbooksfromNorcombe。TheYoungMan’sBestCompanionTheFarriersSureGuide，TheVeterinarySurgeon，ParadiseLost，ThePilgrimsProgress，RobinsonCrusoe，Ash’sDictionary，andWalkingame’sArithmetic，constitutedhislibrary；andthoughalimitedseries，itwasonefromwhichhehadacquiredmoresoundinformationbydiligentperusalthanmanyamanofopportunitieshasdonefromafurlongofladenshelves。
CHAPTERNINETheHomestead-AVisitor-Half-ConfidencesBydaylight，thebowerofOak’snew-foundmistress，BathshebaEverdene，presenteditselfasahoarybuilding，oftheearlystageofClassicRenaissanceasregardsitsarchitecture，andofaproportionwhichtoldataglancethat，asissofrequentlythecase，ithadoncebeenthemanorialhalluponasmallestatearoundit，nowaltogethereffacedasadistinctproperty，andmergedinthevasttractofanon-residentlandlord，whichcomprisedseveralsuchmodestdemesnes。
Flutedpilasters，workedfromthesolidstone，decorateditsfront，andabovetheroofthechimneyswerepanelledorcolumnar，somecopedgableswithfinialsandlikefeaturesstillretainingtracesoftheirGothicextraction。
Softbrownmosses，likefadedvelveteen，formedcushionsuponthestonetiling，andtuftsofthehouseleekorsengreensproutedfromtheeavesofthelowsurroundingbuildings。Agravelwalkleadingfromthedoortotheroadinfrontwasencrustedatthesideswithmoremoss-hereitwasasilver-greenvariety，thenut-brownofthegravelbeingvisibletothewidthofonlyafootortwointhecentre。Thiscircumstance，andthegenerallysleepyairofthewholeprospecthere，togetherwiththeanimatedandcontrastingstateofthereversefaç；ade，suggestedtotheimaginationthatontheadaptationofthebuildingforfarmingpurposesthevitalprincipleofthehousehadturnedroundinsideitsbodytofacetheotherway。Reversalsofthiskind，strangedeformities，tremendousparalyses，areoftenseentobeinflictedbytradeuponedifices-eitherindividualorintheaggregateasstreetsandtowns-whichwereoriginallyplannedforpleasurealone。
Livelyvoiceswereheardthismorningintheupperrooms，themainstaircasetowhichwasofhardoak，thebalusters，heavyasbed-posts，beingturnedandmouldedinthequaintfashionoftheircentury，thehandrailasstoutasaparapet-top，andthestairsthemselvescontinuallytwistingroundlikeapersontryingtolookoverhisshoulder。Goingup，thefloorsabovewerefoundtohaveaveryirregularsurface，risingtoridges，sinkingintovalleys；andbeingjustthenuncarpeted，thefaceoftheboardswasseentobeeatenintoinnumerablevermiculations。Everywindowrepliedbyaclangtotheopeningandshuttingofeverydoor，atremblefollowedeverybustlingmovement，andacreakaccompaniedawalkeraboutthehouse，likeaspirit，whereverhewent。
IntheroomfromwhichtheconversationproceededBathshebaandherservant-companion，LiddySmallbury，weretobediscoveredsittinguponthefloor，andsortingacomplicationofpapers，books，bottles，andrubbishspreadoutthereon-remnantsfromthehouseholdstoresofthelateoccupier。
Liddy，themaltster’sgreat-granddaughter，wasaboutBathsheba’sequalinage，andherfacewasaprominentadvertisementofthelightheartedEnglishcountrygirl。Thebeautyherfeaturesmighthavelackedinformwasamplymadeupforbyperfectionofhue，whichatthiswinter-timewasthesoftenedruddinessonasurfaceofhighrotunditythatwemeetwithinaTerburgoraGerardDouw；and，likethepresentationsofthosegreatcolourists，itwasafacewhichkeptwellbackfromtheboundarybetweencomelinessandtheideal。ThoughelasticinnatureshewaslessdaringthanBathsheba，andoccasionallyshowedsomeearnestness，whichconsistedhalfofgenuinefeeling，andhalfofmannerlinesssuperaddedbywayofduty。
Throughapartly-openeddoorthenoiseofascrubbing-brushleduptothecharwoman，MaryannMoney，apersonwhoforafacehadacirculardisc，harrowedlessbyagethanbylonggazesofperplexityatdistantobjects。
Tothinkofherwastogetgood-humoured；tospeakofherwastoraisetheimageofadriedNormandypippin。
`Stopyourscrubbingamoment，’saidBathshebathroughthedoortoher。
`Ihearsomething。’
Maryannsuspendedthebrush。
Thetrampofahorsewasapparent，approachingthefrontofthebuilding。
Thepacesslackened，turnedinatthewicker，and，whatwasmostunusual，cameupthemossypathclosetothedoor。Thedoorwastappedwiththeendofacroporstick。
`Whatimpertinence！’saidLiddy，inalowvoice。`Torideupthefoot-pathlikethat！Whydidn’thestopatthegate？lord！’tisagentleman！Iseethetopofhishat。’
`Bequiet！’saidBathsheba。
ThefurtherexpressionofLiddy’sconcernwascontinuedbyaspectinsteadofnarrative。
`Whydoesn’tMrsCoggangotothedoor？’Bathshebacontinued。
Rat-tat-tat-tatresoundedmoredecisivelyfromBathsheba’soak。
`Maryann，yougo！’saidshe，flutteringundertheonsetofacrowdofromanticpossibilities。
`Oma’am-see，here’samess！’
TheargumentwasunanswerableafteraglanceatMaryann。`Liddy-youmust，’saidBathsheba。
Liddyheldupherhandsandarms，coatedwithdustfromtherubbishtheyweresorting，andlookedimploringlyathermistress。
`There-MrsCogganisgoing！’saidBathsheba，exhalingherreliefintheformofalongbreathwhichhadlaininherbosomaminuteormore。
Thedooropened，andadeepvoicesaid——
`IsMissEverdeneathome？’
`I’llsee，sir，’saidMrsCoggan，andinaminuteappearedintheroom。
`Dear，whatathirtoverplacethisworldis！’continuedMrsCogganawholesome-lookingladywhohadavoiceforeachclassofremarkaccordingtotheemotioninvolved；whocouldtossapancakeortwirlamopwiththeaccuracyofpuremathematics，andwhoatthismomentshowedhandsshaggywithfragmentsofdoughandarmsencrustedwithflour。`Iamneveruptomyelbows，Miss，inmakingapuddingbutoneoftwothingsdohappen-eithermynosemustneedsbegintickling，andIcan’tlivewithoutscratchingit，orsomebodyknocksatthedoor。Here’sMrBoldwoodwantingtoseeyou，MissEverdene。’
Awoman’sdressbeingapartofhercountenance，andanydisorderintheonebeingofthesamenaturewithamalformationorwoundintheother，Bathshebasaidatonce——
`Ican’tseehiminthisstate。WhatevershallIdo？’
Not-at-homeswerehardlynaturalizedinWeatherburyfarmhouses，soLiddysuggested-`Sayyou’reafrightwithdust，andcan’tcomedown。’
`Yes-thatsoundsverywell，’saidMrsCoggancritically。`SayIcan’tseehim-thatwilldo。’
MrsCogganwentdownstairs，andreturnedtheanswerasrequested，adding，however，onherownresponsibility，`Missisdustingbottles，sir，andisquiteaobject-that’swhy’tis。’
`Oh，verywell，’saidthedeepvoiceindifferently。`AllIwantedtoaskwas，ifanythinghadbeenheardofFannyRobin？’
`Nothing，sir-butwemayknowto-night。WilliamSmallburyisgonetoCasterbridge，whereheryoungmanlives，asissupposed，andtheothermenbeinquiringabouteverywhere。’
Thehorse’strampthenrecommencedandretreated，andthedoorclosed。
`WhoisMrBoldwood？’saidBathsheba。
`Agentleman-farmeratLittleWeatherbury。’
`Married？’
`No，miss。’
`Howoldishe？’
`FortyIshouldsay-veryhandsome-ratherstern-looking-andrich。’
`Whatabotherthisdustingis！Iamalwaysinsomeunfortunateplightorother，’Bathshebasaidcomplainingly。`WhyshouldheinquireaboutFanny？’
`Oh，because，asshehadnofriendsinherchildhood，hetookherandputhertoschool，andgotherherplacehereunderyouruncle。He’saverykindmanthatway，butlord-there！’
`What？’
`Neverwassuchahopelessmanforawoman！He’sbeencourtedbysixesandsevens-allthegirls，gentleandsimple，formilesround，havetriedhim。JanePerkinsworkedathimfortwomonthslikeaslave，andthetwoMissTaylorsspentayearuponhim，andhecostFarmerIves’sdaughternightsoftearsandtwentypounds’worthofnewclothes；butlord-themoneymightaswellhavebeenthrownoutofthewindow。’
Alittleboycameupatthismomentandlookedinuponthem。ThischildwasoneoftheCoggans，who，withtheSmallburys，wereascommonamongthefamiliesofthisdistrictastheAvonandDerwentsamongourrivers。
Healwayshadaloosenedtoothoracutfingertoshowtoparticularfriends，whichhedidwithanairofbeingtherebyelevatedabovethecommonherdofafflictionlesshumanity-towhichexhibitionpeoplewereexpectedtosay`Poorchild！’withadashofcongratulationaswellaspity。
`I’vegotapen-nee！’saidMasterCogganinascanningmeasure。
`Well-whogaveityou，Teddy？’saidLiddy。
`Mis-terrBold-wood！Hegaveittomeforopeningthegate。’
`Whatdidhesay？’
`Hesaid，“Whereareyougoing，mylittleman？“andIsaid，“ToMissEverdene’s，please“；andhesaid，“Sheisastaidwoman，isn’tshe，mylittleman？“andIsaid，“Yes。”’
`Younaughtychild！Whatdidyousaythatfor？’
`’Causehegavemethepenny！’
`Whatapuckereverythingisin！’saidBathshebadiscontentedly，whenthechildhadgone。`Getaway，Maryann，orgoonwithyourscrubbing，ordosomething！Yououghttobemarriedbythistime，andnotheretroublingme！’
`Ay，mistress-soIdid。ButwhatbetweenthepoormenIwon’thave，andtherichmenwhowon’thaveme，Istandasapelicaninthewilderness！’
`Didanybodyeverwanttomarryyou，miss？’Liddyventuredtoaskwhentheywereagainalone。`lotsof’em，Idaresay？’
Bathshebapaused，asifabouttorefuseareply，butthetemptationtosayyes，sinceitreallywasinherpower，wasirresistiblebyaspiringvirginity，inspiteofherspleenathavingbeenpublishedasold。
`Amanwantedtoonce，’shesaid，inahighlyexperiencedtone，andtheimageofGabrielOak，asthefarmer，rosebeforeher。
`Howniceitmustseem！’saidLiddy，withthefixedfeaturesofmentalrealization。`Andyouwouldn’thavehim？’
`Hewasn’tquitegoodenoughforme。’
`Howsweettobeabletodisdain，whenmostofusaregladtosay，“Thankyou！“IseemIhearit。“Nosir-I’myourbetter。”or“Kissmyfoot，sir；
myfaceisformouthsofconsequence。”Anddidyoulovehim，miss？’
`Oh，no。ButIratherlikedhim。’
`Doyounow？’
`Ofcoursenot-whatfootstepsarethoseIhear？’
Liddylookedfromabackwindowintothecourtyardbehind，whichwasnowgettinglow-tonedanddimwiththeearliestfilmsofnight。Acrookedfileofmenwasapproachingthebackdoor。Thewholestringoftrailingindividualsadvancedinthecompletestbalanceofintention，liketheremarkablecreaturesknownasChainSalpaewhich，distinctlyorganizedinotherrespects，haveonewillcommontoawholefamily。Somewere，asusual，insnow-whitesmock-frocksofRussiaduck，andsomeinwhitey-brownonesofdrabbet-
markedonthewrists，breasts，backs，andsleeveswithhoneycomb-work。
Twoorthreewomeninpattensbroughtuptherear。
`ThePhilistinesbeuponus，’saidLiddy，makinghernosewhiteagainsttheglass。
`Oh，verywell。Maryann，godownandkeeptheminthekitchentillI
amdressed，andthenshowthemintomeinthehall。’
CHAPTERTENMistressandMenHalf-an-hourlaterBathsheba，infinisheddress，andfollowedbyLiddy，enteredtheupperendoftheoldhalltofindthathermenhadalldepositedthemselvesonalongformandasettleatthelowerextremity。Shesatdownatatableandopenedthetime-book，peninherhand，withacanvasmoney-bagbesideher。Fromthisshepouredasmallheapofcoin。Liddychoseapositionatherelbowandbegantosew，sometimespausingandlookinground，or，withtheairofaprivilegedperson，takinguponeofthehalf-sovereignslyingbeforeher，andsurveyingitmerelyasaworkofart，whilestrictlypreventinghercountenancefromexpressinganywishtopossessitasmoney。
`Now，beforeIbegin，men，’saidBathsheba，`Ihavetwomatterstospeakof。Thefirstisthatthedismissedforthieving，andthatIhaveformedaresolutiontohavenobailiffatall，buttomanageeverythingwithmyownheadandhands。’
Themenbreathedanaudiblebreathofamazement。
`Thenextmatteris，haveyouheardanythingofFanny？’
`Nothing，ma’am。’
`Haveyoudoneanything？’
`ImetFarmerBoldwood，’saidJacobSmallbury，`andIwentwithhimandtwoofhismen，anddraggedNewmillPond，butwefoundnothing。’
`AndthenewshepherdhavebeentoBuck’sHead，byYalbury，thinkingshehadgonethere，butnobodyhadseedher，’saidLabanTall。
`Hasn’tWilliamSmallburybeentoCasterbridge？’
`Yes，ma’am，buthe’snotyetcomehome。Hepromisedtobebackbysix。’
`Itwantsaquartertosixatpresent，’saidBathsheba，lookingatherwatch。`Idaresayhe’llbeindirectly。Well，nowthen’-shelookedintothebook-`JosephPoorgrass，areyouthere？’
`Yes，sir-ma’amImane，’saidthepersonaddressed。`IbethepersonalnameofPoorgrass。’
`Andwhatareyou？’
`Nothinginmyowneye。Intheeyeofotherpeople-well，Idon’tsayit；thoughpublicthoughtwillout。’
`Whatdoyoudoonthefarm？’
`Idodocartingthingsalltheyear，andinseedtimeIshootstherooksandsparrows，andhelpsatpig-killing，sir。’
`Howmuchtoyou？’
`Pleasenineandninepenceandagoodhalfpennywhere’twasabadone，sir-ma’amImane。’
`Quitecorrect。Nowherearetenshillingsinadditionasasmallpresent，asIamanewcomer。’
Bathshebablushedslightlyatthesenseofbeinggenerousinpublic，andHeneryFray，whohaddrawnuptowardsherchair，liftedhiseyebrowsandfingerstoexpressamazementonasmallscale。
`HowmuchdoIoweyou-thatmaninthecorner-what’syourname？’
continuedBathsheba。
`MatthewMoon，ma’am，’saidasingularframeworkofclotheswithnothingofanyconsequenceinsidethem，whichadvancedwiththetoesinnodefinitedirectionforwards，butturnedinoroutastheychancedtoswing。
`MatthewMark，didyousay？-speakout-Ishallnothurtyou，’inquiredtheyoungfarmerkindly。
`MatthewMoon，mem，’saidHeneryFray，correctingly，frombehindherchair，towhichpointhehadedgedhimself。
`MatthewMoon，’murmuredBathsheba，turningherbrighteyestothebook。
`Tenandtwopencehalfpennyisthesumputdowntoyou，Isee？’
`Yes，mis’ess，’saidMatthew，astherustleofwindamongdeadleaves。
`Hereitis，andtenshillings。Nowthenext-AndrewRandle，youareanewman，Ihear。Howcameyoutoleaveyourlastfarm？’
`P-p-p-p-p-pl-pl-pl-pl-l-l-l-l-ease，ma’am，p-p-p-p-pl-pl-pl-pl-please，ma’am-please’m-please’m——’
`’A’sastammeringman，mem，’saidHeneryFrayinanundertone，`andtheyturnedhimawaybecausetheonlytimeheeverdidspeakplainhesaidhissoulwashisown，andotheriniquities，tothesquire。’Acancuss，mem，aswellasyouorI，but’acan’tspeakacommonspeechtosavehislife。’
`AndrewRandle，here’syours-finishthankingmeinadayortwo。TemperanceMiller-oh，here’sanother，Soberness-bothwomen，Isuppose？’
`Yes’m。Herewebe，’ab’lieve，’wasechoedinshrillunison。`Whathaveyoubeendoing？’
`Tendingthrashing-machine，andwimblinghaybonds，andsaying“Hoosh！“
tothecocksandhenswhentheygouponyourseeds，andplantingEarlyFlourballsandThompson’sWonderfulswithadibble。’
`Yes-Isee。Aretheysatisfactorywomen？’sheinquiredsoftlyofHeneryFray。
`Omem-don’taskme！Yieldingwomen-asscarletapairaseverwas！’
groanedHeneryunderhisbreath。
`Sitdown。’
`Who，mem？’
`Sitdown。’
JosephPoorgrass，inthebackground，twitched，andhislipsbecamedrywithfearofsometerribleconsequences，ashesawBathshebasummarilyspeaking，andHeneryslinkingofftoacorner。
`Nowthenext。LabanTall，you’llstayonworkingforme？’
`Foryouoranybodythatpaysmewell，ma’am，’repliedtheyoungmarriedman。
`True-themanmustlive！’saidawomaninthebackquarter，whohadjustenteredwithclickingpattens。
`Whatwomanisthat？’Bathshebaasked。
`Ibehislawfulwife！’continuedthevoicewithgreaterprominenceofmannerandtone。Thisladycalledherselffive-and-twenty，lookedthirty，passedasthirty-five，andwasforty。Shewasawomanwhonever，likesomenewlymarried，showedconjugaltendernessinpublic，perhapsbecauseshehadnonetoshow。
`Oh，youare，’saidBathsheba。`Well，Laban，willyoustayon？’
`Yes，he’llstay，ma’am！’saidagaintheshrilltongueofLaban’slawfulwife。
`Well，hecanspeakforhimself，Isuppose。’
`OLord，nothe，ma’am！Asimpletool。`Wellenough，butapoorgawkhammermortal，’thewifereplied。
`Heh-heh-heh！’laughedthemarriedman，withahideouseffortofappreciation，forhewasasirrepressiblygood-humouredunderghastlysnubsasaparliamentarycandidateonthehustings。
Thenamesremainingwerecalledinthesamemanner。
`NowIthinkIhavedonewithyou，’saidBathsheba，closingthebookandshakingbackastraytwineofhair。`HasWilliamSmallburyreturned？’
`No’ma’am。’
`Thenewshepherdwillwantamanunderhim，’suggestedHeneryFray，tryingtomakehimselfofficialagainbyasidewayapproachtowardsherchair。
`Oh-hewill。Whocanhehave？’
`YoungCainBallisaverygoodlad，’Henerysaid，`andShepherdOakdon’tmindhisyouth？’headded，turningwithanapologeticsmiletotheshepherd，whohadjustappearedonthescene，andwasnowleaningagainstthedoorpostwithhisarmsfolded。
`No’Idon’tmindthat，’saidGabriel。
`HowdidCaincomebysuchaname？’askedBathsheba。
`Ohyousee，mem，hisporemother，notbeingaScripture-readwoman，madeamistakeathischristening，thinking’twasAbelkilledCain，andcalledenCain，meaningAbelallthetime。Theparsonputitright，but’twastoolate，forthenamecouldneverbegotridofintheparish。’Tisveryunfortunatefortheboy。’
`Itisratherunfortunate。’
`Yes。However，wesoftenitdownasmuchaswecan，andcallhimCainy。
Ah，porewidow-woman！shecriedherheartoutaboutitalmost。Shewasbroughtupbyaveryheathenfatherandmother，whoneversenthertochurchorschool，anditshowshowthesinsoftheparentsarevisiteduponthechildren，mem。’
MrFrayheredrewuphisfeaturestothemilddegreeofmelancholyrequiredwhenthepersonsinvolvedinthegivenmisfortunedonotbelongtoyourownfamily。
`Verywellthen，CainyBalltobeunder-shepherd。Andyouquiteunderstandyourduties？-youImean，GabrielOak？’
`Quitewell，Ithankyou，MissEverdene，’saidShepherdOakfromthedoorpost。`IfIdon’t，I’llinquire。’Gabrielwasratherstaggeredbytheremarkablecoolnessofhermanner。CertainlynobodywithoutpreviousinformationwouldhivedreamtthatOakandthehandsomewomanbeforewhomhestoodhadeverbeenotherthanstrangers。Butperhapsherairwastheinevitableresultofthesocialrisewhichhadadvancedherfromacottagetoalargehouseandfields。Thecaseisnotunexampledinhighplaces。When，inthewritingsofthelaterpoets，JoveandhisfamilyarefoundtohavemovedfromtheircrampedquartersonthepeakofOlympusintothewideskyaboveit，theirwordsshowaproportionateincreaseofarroganceandreserve。
Footstepswereheardinthepassage，combiningintheircharacterthequalitiesbothofweightandmeasure，ratherattheexpenseofvelocity。
All。`Here’sBillySmallburycomefromCasterbridge。’
`Andwhat’sthenews？’saidBathsheba，asWilliam，aftermarchingtothemiddleofthehall，tookahandkerchieffromhishatandwipedhisforeheadfromitscentretoitsremoterboundaries。
`Ishouldhavebeensooner，miss，’hesaid，`ifithadn’tbeenfortheweather。’Hethenstampedwitheachfootseverely，andonlookingdownhisbootswereperceivedtobecloggedwithsnow。
`Comeatlast，isit？’saidHenery。
`Well，whataboutFanny？’saidBathsheba。
`Well，ma’am，inroundnumbers，she’srunawaywiththesoldiers，’saidWilliam。
`No；notasteadygirllikeFanny！’
`I’lltellyeallparticulars。`WhenIgottoCasterbridgeBarracks，theysaid，“TheEleventhDragoonGuardsbegoneaway，andnewtroopshavecome。”TheEleventhleftlastweekforMelchesterandonwards。TheRoutecamefromGovernmentlikeathiefinthenight。”asishisnatureto，andaforetheEleventhknewitalmost，theywereonthemarch。Theypassednearhere。’
Gabrielhadlistenedwithinterest。`Isawthemgo’hesaid。
`Yes，’continuedWilliam，`theypranceddownthestreetplaying“TheGirlILeftBehindMe“，so’tissaid，ingloriousnotesoftriumph。Everylooker-on’sinsideshookwiththeblowsofthegreatdrumtohisdeepestvitals，andtherewasnotadryeyethroughoutthetownamongthepublic-housepeopleandthenamelesswomen！’
`Butthey’renotgonetoanywar？’
`No’ma’am；buttheybegonetotaketheplacesofthemwhomay，whichisverycloseconnected。AndsoIsaidtomyself，Fanny’syoungmanwasoneoftheregiment，andshe’sgoneafterhim。There，ma’am，that’sitinblackandwhite。’
`Didyoufindouthisname？’
`No，nobodyknewit。Ibelievehewashigherinrankthanaprivate。’
Gabrielremainedmusingandsaidnothing，forhewasindoubt。
`Well，wearenotlikelytoknowmoreto-night，atanyrate，’saidBathsheba。
`ButoneofyouhadbetterrunacrosstoFarmerBoldwood’sandtellhimthatmuch。’
Shethenrose；butbeforeretiring，addressedafewwordstothemwithaprettydignity，towhichhermourningdressaddedasobernessthatwashardlytobefoundinthewordsthemselves：
`Nowmind，youhaveamistressinsteadofamaster。Idon’tyetknowmypowersormytalentsinfarming；butIshalldomybest，andifyouservemewell，soshallIserveyou。Don’tanyunfaironesamongyouifthereareanysuch，butIhopenotsupposethatbecauseI’mawomanI
don’tunderstandthedifferencebetweenbadgoings-onandgood。’
All。`No’m！’
Liddy。`Excellentwellsaid。’
`Ishallbeupbeforeyouareawake；Ishallbeafieldbeforeyouareup；andIshallhavebreakfastedbeforeyouareafield。Inshort，Ishallastonishyouall。’
All。`Yes’m！’
`Andsogood-night。’
All。`Good-night，ma’am。’
Thenthissmallthesmothetesteppedfromthetable，andsurgedoutofthehall，herblacksilkdresslickingupafewstrawsanddraggingthemalongwithascratchingnoiseuponthefloor。Liddy，elevatingherfeelingstotheoccasionfromasenseofgrandeur，floatedoffbehindBathshebawithamilderdignitynotentirelyfreefromtravesty，andthedoorwasclosed。
CHAPTERELEVENOutsidetheBarracks-Snow-AMeetingFordrearinessnothingcouldsurpassaprospectintheoutskirtsofacertaintownandmilitarystation，manymilesnorthofWeatherburyatalaterhouronthissamesnowyevening-ifthatmaybecalledaprospectofwhichthechiefconstituentwasdarkness。
Itwasanightwhensorrowmaycometothebrightestwithoutcausinganygreatsenseofincongruity：when，withimpressiblepersons，lovebecomessolicitousness，hopesinkstomisgiving，andfaithtohope：whentheexerciseofmemorydoesnotstirfeelingsofregretatopportunitiesforambitionthathavebeenpassedby，andanticipationdoesnotprompttoenterprise。
Thescenewasapublicpath，borderedonthelefthandbyariver，behindwhichroseahighwall。Ontherightwasatractofland，partlymeadowandpartlymoor，reaching，atitsremoteverge，toawideundulatingupland。
Thechangesoftheseasonsarelessobtrusiveonspotsofthiskindthanamidwoodlandscenery。Still，toacloseobserver，theyarejustasperceptible；thedifferenceisthattheirmediaofmanifestationarelesstriteandfamiliarthansuchwell-knownonesastheburstingofthebudsorthefalloftheleaf。Manyarenotsostealthyandgradualaswemaybeapttoimagineinconsideringthegeneraltorpidityofamoororwaste。
Winter，incomingtothecountryhereabout，advancedinwell-markedstages，whereinmighthavebeensuccessivelyobservedtheretreatofthesnakes。
Thetransformationoftheferns，thefillingofthepools，arisingoffogs，theembrowningbyfrost，thecollapseofthefungi，andanobliterationbysnow。
Thisclimaxoftheserieshadbeenreachedtonightontheaforesaidmoor，andforthefirsttimeintheseasonitsirregularitieswereformswithoutfeatures；suggestiveofanything，proclaimingnothing，andwithoutmorecharacterthanthatofbeingthelimitofsomethingelse-thelowestlayerofafirmamentofsnow。Fromthischaoticskyfulofcrowdingflakesthemeadandmoormomentarilyreceivedadditionalclothing，onlytoappearmomentarilymorenakedthereby。Thevastarchofcloudabovewasstrangelylow，andformedasitweretheroofofalargedarkcavern，graduallysinkinginuponitsfloor；fortheinstinctivethoughtwasthatthesnowliningtheheavensandthatencrustingtheearthwouldsoonuniteintoonemasswithoutanyinterveningstratumofairatall。
Weturnourattentiontotheleft-handcharacteristics；whichwereflatnessinrespectoftheriver，verticalityinrespectofthewallbehindit，anddarknessastoboth。Thesefeaturesmadeupthemass。Ifanythingcouldbedarkerthanthesky，itwasthewall，andifanythingcouldbegloomierthanthewallitwastheriverbeneath。Theindistinctsummitofthefacadewasnotchedandprolongedbychimneyshereandthere，anduponitsfacewerefaintlysignifiedtheoblongshapesofwindows，thoughonlyintheupperpart。Below，downtothewater’sedge，theflatwasunbrokenbyholeorprojection。
Anindescribablesuccessionofdullblows，perplexingintheirregularity，senttheirsoundwithdifficultythroughthefluffyatmosphere。Itwasaneighbouringclockstrikingten。Thebellwasintheopenair，andbeingoverlaidwithseveralinchesofmuffingsnow，hadlostitsvoiceforthetime。
Aboutthishourthesnowabated：tenflakesfellwheretwentyhadfallen，thenonehadtheroomoften。Notlongafteraformmovedbythebrinkoftheriver。
Byitsoutlineuponthecolourlessbackgroundacloseobservermighthaveseenthatitwassmall。Thiswasallthatwaspositivelydiscoverable，thoughitseemedhuman。
Theshapewentslowlyalong，butwithoutmuchexertion，forthesnow，thoughsudden，wasnotasyetmorethantwoinchesdeep。Atthistimesomewordswerespokenaloud：——
`One。Two。Three。Four。Five。’
Betweeneachutterancethelittleshapeadvancedabouthalf-a-dozenyards。Itwasevidentnowthatthewindowshighinthewallwerebeingcounted。Theword`Five’representedthefifthwindowfromtheendofthewall。
Herethespotstopped，anddwindledsmaller。Thefigurewasstooping。
Thenamorselofsnowflewacrosstherivertowardsthefifthwindow。Itsmackedagainstthewallatapointseveralyardsfromitsmark。Thethrowwastheideaofamanconjoinedwiththeexecutionofawoman。Nomanwhohadeverseenbird，rabbitorsquirrelinhischildhood，couldpossiblyhavethrownwithsuchutterimbecilityaswasshownhere。
Anotherattempt，andanother；tillbydegreesthewallmusthavebecomepimpledwiththeadheringlumpsofsnow。Atlastonefragmentstruckthefifthwindow。
Theriverwouldhavebeenseenbydaytobeofthatdeepsmoothsortwhichracesmiddleandsideswiththesameglidingprecision，anyirregularitiesofspeedbeingimmediatelycorrectedbyasmallwhirlpool。Nothingwasheardinreplytothesignalbutthegurgleandcluckofoneoftheseinvisiblewheels-togetherwithafewsmallsoundswhichasadmanwouldhavecalledmoans，andahappymanlaughter-causedbytheflappingofthewatersagainsttriflingobjectsinotherpartsofthestream。
Thewindowwasstruckagaininthesamemanner。
Thenanoisewasheard，apparentlyproducedbytheopeningofthewindow。
Thiswasfollowedbyavoicefromthesamequarter：
`Who’sthere？’
Thetonesweremasculine，andnotthoseofsurprise。Thehighwallbeingthatofabarrack，andmarriagebeinglookeduponwithdisfavourinthearmy，assignationsandcommunicationshadprobablybeenmadeacrosstheriverbeforetonight。
`IsitSergeantTroy？*’saidtheblurredspotinthesnow，tremulously。
Thispersonwassomuchlikeamereshadeupontheearth，andtheotherspeakersomuchapartofthebuilding，thatonewouldhavesaidthewallwasholdingaconversationwiththesnow。
`Yes，’camesuspiciouslyfromtheshadow。`Whatgirlareyou？’
`O，Frank-don’tyouknowme？’saidthespot。`Yourwife，FannyRobin。’
`Fanny！’saidthewall，inutterastonishment。
`Yes，’saidthegirl，withahalf-suppressedgaspofemotion。
Therewassomethinginthewoman’stonewhichisnotthatofthewife，andtherewasamannerinthemanwhichisrarelyahusband’s。Thedialoguewenton：
`Howdidyoucomehere？’
`Iaskedwhichwasyourwindow。Forgiveme！’
`Ididnotexpectyoutonight。Indeed，Ididnotthinkyouwouldcomeatall。Itwasawonderyoufoundmehere。Iamorderlytomorrow。’
`YousaidIwastocome。’
`Well-Isaidthatyoumight。’
`Yes，’ImeanthatImight。Youaregladtoseeme，Frank？’
`Oyes-ofcourse。’
`Canyou-cometome？’
`MydearFan，no！Thebuglehassounded，thebarrackgatesareclosed，andIhavenoleave。`Weareallofusasgoodasinthecountygaoltilltomorrowmorning。’
`ThenIshan’tseeyoutillthen！’Thewordswereinafalteringtoneofdisappointment。
`HowdidyougetherefromWeatherbury？’
`Iwalked-somepartoftheway-therestbythecarriers。’
`Iamsurprised。’
`Yes-soamI。AndFrank，whenwillitbe？’
`What？’
`Thatyoupromised。’
`Idon’tquiterecollect。’
`Oyoudo！Don’tspeaklikethat。Itweighsmetotheearth。Itmakesmesaywhatoughttobesaidfirstbyyou。’
`Nevermind-sayit。’
`O，mustI？-itis，whenshallwebemarried，Frank？’
`Oh，Isee。Well-youhavetogetproperclothes。’
`Ihavemoney。Willitbebybannsorlicense？’*
`Banns，Ishouldthink。’
`Andweliveintwoparishes。’
`Dowe？Whatthen？’
`MylodgingsareinStMary’s，andthisisnot。Sotheywillhavetobepublishedinboth。’
`Isthatthelaw？’
`Yes。OFrank-youthinkmeforward，Iamafraid！Don’t，dearFrank-willyou-forIloveyouso。Andyousaidlotsoftimesyouwouldmarryme，and-andI-I-I——’
`Don’tcry，now！Itisfoolish。IfIsaidso，ofcourseIwill。’
`AndshallIputupthebannsinmyparish，andwillyouinyours？’
`Yes。’
`To-morrow？’
`Nottomorrow。We’llsettleinafewdays。’
`Youhavethepermissionoftheofficers？’
`No-notyet。
`O-howisit？YousaidyoualmosthadbeforeyouleftCasterbridge。’
`Thefactis，Iforgottoask。Yourcominglikethisissosuddenandunexpected。’
`Yes-yes-itis。Itwaswrongofmetoworryyou。I’llgoawaynow。
WillyoucomeandseemetomorrowatMrsTwills’s，inNorthStreet？Idon’tliketocometotheBarracks。Therearebadwomenabout，andtheythinkmeone。’
`Quiteso。I’llcometoyou，mydear。Good-night。’
`Good-night，Frank-good-night！’
Andthenoisewasagainheardofawindowclosing。Thelittlespotmovedaway。Whenshepassedthecornerasubduedexclamationwasheardinsidethewall。
`Ho-ho-Sergeant-ho-ho！’Anexpostulationfollowed，butitwasindistinct；anditbecamelostamidalowpealoflaughter，whichwashardlydistinguishablefromthegurgleofthetinywhirlpoolsoutside。
CHAPTERTWELVEFarmers-ARule-AnExceptionThefirstpublicevidenceofBathsheba’sdecisiontobeafirmerinherownpersonandbyproxynomorewasherappearancethefollowingmarket-dayinthecornmarketatCasterbridge。
Thelowthoughextensivehall，supportedbybeamsandpillars，andlatterlydignifiedbythenameofCornExchange，wasthrongedwithhotmenwhotalkedamongeachotherintwosandthrees，thespeakeroftheminutelookingsidewaysintohisauditor’sfaceandconcentratinghisargumentbyacontractionofoneeyelidduringdelivery。Thegreaternumbercarriedintheirhandsground-ashsaplings，usingthempartlyaswalking-sticksandpartlyforpokinguppigs，sheep，neighbourswiththeirbacksturned，andrestfulthingsingeneral，whichseemedtorequiresuchtreatmentinthecourseoftheirperegrinations。Duringconversationseachsubjectedhissaplingtogreatvarietiesofusage-bendingitroundhisback，forminganarchofitbetweenhistwohands，overweightingitonthegroundtillitreachednearlyasemicircle；orperhapsitwashastilytuckedunderthearmwhilstthesample-bagwaspulledforthandahandfulofcornpouredintothepalm，which，aftercriticism，wasflunguponthefloor，anissueofeventsperfectlywellknowntohalf-a-dozenacutetown-bredfowlswhichhadasusualcreptintothebuildingunobserved，andwaitedthefulfilmentoftheiranticipationswithahigh-stretchedneckandobliqueeye。
Amongtheseheavyyeomenafemininefigureglided，thesingleoneofhersexthattheroomcontained。Shewasprettilyandevendaintilydressed。
Shemovedbetweenthemasachaisebetweencarts，washeardafterthemasaromanceaftersermons，wasfeltamongthemlikeabreezeamongfurnaces。
Ithadrequiredalittledetermination-farmorethanshehadatfirstimagined-totakeupapositionhere，foratherfirstentrythelumberingdialogueshadceased，nearlyeveryfacehadbeenturnedtowardsher，andthosethatwerealreadyturnedrigidlyfixedthere。
TwoorthreeonlyofthefarmerswerepersonallyknowntoBathsheba，andtotheseshehadmadeherway。Butifshewastobethepracticalwomanshehadintendedtoshowherself，businessmustbecarriedon，introductionsornone，andsheultimatelyacquiredconfidenceenoughtospeakandreplyboldlytomenmerelyknowntoherbyhearsay。Bathshebatoohadhersample-bags，andbydegreesadoptedtheprofessionalpourintothehand-holdingupthegrainsinhernarrowpalmforinspection，inperfectCasterbridgemanner。
Somethingintheexactarchofherupperunbrokenrowofteeth，andinthekeenlypointedcornersofherredmouthwhen，withpartedlips，shesomewhatdefiantlyturnedupherfacetoargueapointwithatallman，suggestedthattherewaspotentialityenoughinthatlitheslipofhumanityforalarmingexploitsofsex，anddaringenoughtocarrythemout。Buthereyeshadasoftness-invariablyasoftness-which，hadtheynotbeendark，wouldhaveseemedmistiness；astheywere，itloweredanexpressionthatmighthavebeenpiercingtosimpleclearness。
Strangetosayofawomaninfullbloomandvigour，shealwaysallowedherinterlocutorstofinishtheirstatementsbeforerejoiningwithhers。
Inarguingonpricessheheldtoherownfirmly，aswasnaturalinadealer，andreducedtheirspersistently，aswasinevitableinawoman。Buttherewasanelasticityinherfirmnesswhichremoveditfromobstinacy，astherewasanaï；veté；inhercheapeningwhichsaveditfrommeanness。
Thoseofthefarmerswithwhomshehadnodealingsbyfarthegreaterpartwerecontinuallyaskingeachother，`Whoisshe？’Thereplywouldbe——
`FarmerEverdene’sniece；tookonWeatherburyUpperFarm；turnedawaythebaily，andswearsshe’lldoeverythingherself。’
Theothermanwouldthenshakehishead。
`Yes，’tisapityshe’ssoheadstrong，’thefirstwouldsay。`Butweoughttobeproudofherhere-shelightensuptheoldplace。’tissuchashapelymaid，however，thatshe’llsoongetpickedup。’
Itwouldbeungallanttosuggestthatthenoveltyofherengagementinsuchanoccupationhadalmostasmuchtodowiththemagnetismashadthebeautyofherfaceandmovements。However，theinterestwasgeneral，andthisSaturday’sdé；butintheforum，whateveritmayhavebeentoBathshebaasthebuyingandsellingfarmer，wasunquestionablyatriumphtoherasthemaiden。Indeed，thesensationwassopronouncedthatherinstinctontwoorthreeoccasionswasmerelytowalkasaqueenamongthesegodsofthefallow，likealittlesisterofalittleJove，andtoneglectclosingpricesaltogether。
Thenumerousevidencesofherpowertoattractwereonlythrownintogreaterreliefbyamarkedexception。Womenseemtohaveeyesintheirribbonsforsuchmattersasthese。Bathsheba，withoutlookingwithinarightangleofhim，wasconsciousofablacksheepamongtheflock。
Itperplexedherfirst。Iftherehadbeenarespectableminorityoneitherside，thecasewouldhavebeenmostnatural。Ifnobodyhadregardedher，shewouldhavetakenthematterindifferently-suchcaseshadoccurred。
Ifeverybody，thismanincluded，shewouldhavetakenitasamatterofcourse-peoplehaddonesobefore。Butthesmallnessoftheexceptionmadethemystery。
Shesoonknewthusmuchoftherecusant’sappearance。Hewasagentlemanlyman，withfullanddistinctlyoutlinedRomanfeatures，theprominencesofwhichglowedinthesunwithabronze-likerichnessoftone。Hewaserectinattitude，andquietindemeanour。Onecharacteristicpre-eminentlymarkedhim-dignity。
Apparentlyhehadsometimeagoreachedthatentrancetomiddleageatwhichaman’saspectnaturallyceasestoalterforthetermofadozenyearsorsoand，artificially，awoman’sdoeslikewise。Thirty-fiveandfiftywerehislimitsofvariation-hemighthavebeeneither，oranywherebetweenthetwo。
Itmaybesaidthatmarriedmenoffortyareusuallyreadyandgenerousenoughtoflingpassingglancesatanyspecimenofmoderatebeautytheymaydiscernbytheway。Probably，aswithpersonsplayingwhistforlove，theconsciousnessofacertainimmunityunderanycircumstancesfromthatworstpossibleultimate，thehavingtopay，makesthemundulyspeculative。
Bathshebawasconvincedthatthisunmovedpersonwasnotamarriedman。
Whenmarketingwasover，sherushedofftoLiddy，whowaswaitingforherbesidetheyellowgiginwhichtheyhaddriventotown。Thehorsewasputin，andontheytrotted-Bathsheba’ssugar，tea，anddraperyparcelsbeingpackedbehind，andexpressinginsomeindescribablemanner，bytheircolour，shape，andgenerallineaments，thattheywerethatyounglady-farmer’sproperty，andthegrocer’sanddraper’snomore。
`I’vebeenthroughit，Liddy，anditisover。Ishan’tminditagain，fortheywillallhavegrownaccustomedtoseeingmethere；butthismorningitwasasbadasbeingmarried-eyeseverywhere！’
`Iknoweditwouldbe，’Liddysaid。`Menbesuchaterribleclassofsocietytolookatabody。’
`Buttherewasonemanwhohadmoresensethantowastehistimeuponme。’TheinformationwasputinthisformthatLiddymightnotforamomentsupposehermistresswasatallpiqued。`Averygood-lookingman，’shecontinued，`upright；aboutforty，Ishouldthink。Doyouknowatallwhohecouldbe？’
Liddycouldn’tthink。
`Can’tyouguessatall？’saidBathshebawithsomedisappointment。`I
haven’tanotion；besides，’tisnodifference，sincehetooklessnoticeofyouthananyoftherest。Now，ifhe’dtakenmore，itwouldhavematteredagreatdeal。’
Bathshebawassufferingfromthereversefeelingjustthen，andtheybowledalonginsilence。Alowcarriage，bowlingalongstillmorerapidlybehindahorseofunimpeachablebreed，overtookandpassedthem。
`Why，thereheis！’shesaid。
Liddylooked。`That！That’sFarmerBoldwood-ofcourse’tis-themanyoucouldn’tseetheotherdaywhenhecalled。’
`Oh，FarmerBoldwood，’murmuredBathsheba，andlookedathimasheoutstrippedthem。Thefarmerhadneverturnedhisheadonce，butwitheyesfixedonthemostadvancedpointalongtheroad，passedasunconsciouslyandabstractedlyasifBathshebaandhercharmswerethinair。
`He’saninterestingman-don’tyouthinkso？’sheremarked。`Oyes，very。Everybodyownsit，’repliedLiddy。
`Iwonderwhyheissowraptupandindifferent，andseeminglysofarawayfromallheseesaroundhim。’
`Itissaid-butnotknownforcertain-thathemetwithsomebitterdisappointmentwhenhewasayoungmanandmerry。Awomanjiltedhim，theysay。’
`Peoplealwayssaythat-andweknowverywellwomenscarcelyeverjiltmen；’tisthemenwhojiltus。Iexpectitissimplyhisnaturetobesoreserved。’
`Simplyhisnature-Iexpectso，miss-nothingelseintheworld。’
`Still，’tismoreromantictothinkhehasbeenservedcruelly，poorthing！Perhaps，afterall，hehas。’
`Dependuponithehas。Oyes，miss，hehas！Ifeelhemusthave。’
`However，weareveryapttothinkextremesofpeople。Ishouldn’twonderafterallifitwasn’talittleofboth-justbetweenthetwo-rathercruellyusedandratherreserved。’
`Odearno，miss-Ican’tthinkitbetweenthetwo！’
`That’smostlikely。’
`Well，yes，soitis。Iamconvinceditismostlikely。Youmaytakemyword，miss，thatthat’swhat’sthematterwithhim。’
CHAPTERTHIRTEENSortesSanctorum-TheValentineItwasSundayafternooninthefarmhouse，onthethirteenthofFebruary。