`Ihavenotfalleninlovewithyou，MrBoldwood-certainlyImustsaythat。’Sheallowedaverysmallsmiletocreepforthefirsttimeoverherseriousfaceinsayingthis，andthewhiterowofupperteeth，andkeenly-cutlipsalreadynoticed，suggestedanideaofheartlessness，whichwasimmediatelycontradictedbythepleasanteyes。
`Butyouwilljustthink-inkindnessandcondescensionthink-ifyoucannotbearwithmeasahusband！IfearIamtoooldforyou，butbelievemeIwilltakemorecareofyouthanwouldmanyamanofyourownage。Iwillprotectandcherishyouwithallmystrength-Iwillindeed！
Youshallhavenocares-beworriedbynohouseholdaffairs，andlivequiteatease，MissEverdene。Thedairysuperintendenceshallbedonebyaman-Icanafforditwell-youshallneverhavesomuchastolookoutofdoorsathaymakingtime，ortothinkofweatherintheharvest。
Iratherclingtothechaise，becauseitisthesamemypoorfatherandmotherdrove，butifyoudon’tlikeitIwillsellit，andyoushallhaveapony-carriageofyourown。Icannotsayhowfaraboveeveryotherideaandobjectonearthyouseemtome-nobodyknows-Godonlyknows-howmuchyouaretome！’
Bathsheba’sheartwasyoung，anditswelledwithsympathyforthedeep-naturedmanwhospokesosimply。
`Don’tsayit：don’t！Icannotbearyoutofeelsomuch，andmetofeelnothing。AndIamafraidtheywillnoticeus，MrBoldwood。Willyouletthematterrestnow？Icannotthinkcollectedly。Ididnotknowyouweregoingtosaythistome。O，Iamwickedtohavemadeyousufferso！’Shewasfrightenedaswellasagitatedathisvehemence。
`Saythen，thatyoudon’tabsolutelyrefuse。Donotquiterefuse？’
`Icandonothing。Icannotanswer。
`Imayspeaktoyouagainonthesubject？’
`Yes。’
`Imaythinkofyou？’
`Yes，Isupposeyoumaythinkofme。’
`Andhopetoobtainyou？’
`No-donothope！Letusgoon。’
`Iwillcalluponyouagaintomorrow。’
`No-pleasenot。Givemetime。’
`Yes-Iwillgiveyouanytime，’hesaidearnestlyandgratefully。
`Iamhappiernow。’
`No-Ibegyou！Don’tbehappierifhappinessonlycomesfrommyagreeing。
Beneutral，MrBoldwood！Imustthink。’
`Iwillwait，’hesaid。
Andthensheturnedaway。Boldwooddroppedhisgazetotheground，andstoodlonglikeamanwhodidnotknowwherehewas。Realitiesthenreturneduponhimlikethepainofawoundreceivedinanexcitementwhicheclipsesit，andhe，too，thenwenton。
CHAPTERTWENTYPerplexity-bindingtheShears-AQuarrel`HeissodisinterestedandkindtooffermeallthatIcandesire，’Bathshebamused。
YetFarmerBoldwood，whetherbynaturekindorthereversetokind，didnotexercisekindnesshere。Therarestofferingsofthepurestlovesarebutaself-indulgence，andnogenerosityatall。
Bathsheba，notbeingtheleastinlovewithhim，waseventuallyabletolookcalmlyathisoffer。Itwasonewhichmanywomenofherownstationintheneighbourhood，andnotafewofhigherrank，wouldhavebeenwildtoacceptandproudtopublish。Ineverypointofview，rangingfrompolitictopassionate，itwasdesirablethatshe，alonelygirlshouldmarry，andmarrythisearnest，well-to-do，andrespectedman。Hewasclosetoherdoors：hisstandingwassufficient：hisqualitieswereevensupererogatory。
Hadshefelt，whichshedidnot，anywishwhateverforthemarriedstateintheabstract，shecouldnotreasonablyhaverejectedhim，beingawomanwhofrequentlyappealedtoherunderstandingfordeliverancefromherwhims。
Boldwoodasameanstomarriagewasunexceptionable：sheesteemedandlikedhim，yetshedidnotwanthim。Itappearsthatordinarymentakewivesbecausepossessionisnotpossiblewithoutmarriage，andthatordinarywomenaccepthusbandsbecausemarriageisnotpossiblewithoutpossession；
withtotallydifferingaimsthemethodisthesameonbothsides。Buttheunderstoodincentiveonthewoman’spartwaswantinghere。Besides，Bathsheba’spositionasabsolutemistressofafarmandhousewasanovelone，andthenoveltyhadnotyetbeguntowearoff。
Butadisquietfilledherwhichwassomewhattohercredit，foritwouldhaveaffectedfew。Beyondthementionedreasonswithwhichshecombatedherobjections，shehadastrongfeelingthat，havingbeentheonewhobeganthegame，sheoughtinhonestytoaccepttheconsequences。Stillthereluctanceremained。ShesaidinthesamebreaththatitwouldbeungenerousnottomarryBoldwood，andthatshecouldn’tdoittosaveherlife。
Bathsheba’swasanimpulsivenatureunderadeliberateaspect。AnElizabethinbrainandaMaryStuartinspirit，sheoftenperformedactionsofthegreatesttemeritywithamannerofextremediscretion。Manyofherthoughtswereperfectsyllogisms；unluckilytheyalwaysremainedthoughts。Onlyafewwereirrationalassumptions；but，unfortunately，theyweretheoneswhichmostfrequentlygrewintodeeds。
ThenextdaytothatofthedeclarationshefoundGabrielOakatthebottomofhergarden，grindinghisshearsforthesheep-shearing。Allthesurroundingcottagesweremoreorlessscenesofthesameoperation；thescurrofwhettingspreadintotheskyfromallpartsofthevillageasfromanarmouryprevioustoacampaign。Peaceandwarkisseachotherattheirhoursofpreparation-sickles，scythes，shears，andpruning-hooksrankingwithswords，bayonets，andlances，intheircommonnecessityforpointandedge。
CainyBallturnedthehandleofGabriel’sgrindstone，hisheadperformingamelancholysee-sawupanddownwitheachturnofthewheel。OakstoodsomewhatasErosisrepresentedwhenintheactofsharpeninghisarrows：
hisfigureslightlybent，theweightofhisbodythrownoverontheshears，andhisheadbalancedsideways，withacriticalcompressionofthelipsandcontractionoftheeyelidstocrowntheattitude。
Hismistresscameupandlookedupontheminsilenceforaminuteortwo；thenshesaid——
`Cain，gotothelowermeadandcatchthebaymare。I’llturnthewinchofthegrindstone。Iwanttospeaktoyou，Gabriel。’
Caindeparted，andBathshebatookthehandle。Gabrielhadglancedupinintensesurprise，quelleditsexpression，andlookeddownagain。Bathshebaturnedthewinch，andGabrielappliedtheshears。
Thepeculiarmotioninvolvedinturningawheelhasawonderfultendencytobenumbthemind。ItisasortofattenuatedvarietyofIxion’spunishment，andcontributesadismalchaptertothehistoryofgaols。Thebraingetsmuddled，theheadgrowsheavy，andthebody’scentreofgravityseemstosettlebydegreesinaleadenlumpsomewherebetweentheeyebrowsandthecrown。Bathshebafelttheunpleasantsymptomsaftertwoorthreedozenturns。
`Willyouturn，Gabriel，andletmeholdtheshears？’shesaid。`Myheadisinawhirl，andIcan’ttalk。’
Gabrielturned。Bathshebathenbegan，withsomeawkwardness，allowingherthoughtstostrayoccasionallyfromherstorytoattendtotheshears，whichrequiredalittlenicetyinsharpening。
`IwantedtoaskyouifthemenmadeanyobservationsonmygoingbehindthesedgewithMrBoldwoodyesterday？’
`Yes，theydid，’saidGabriel。`Youdon’tholdtheshearsright，miss-Iknewyouwouldn’tknowtheway-holdlikethis。’
Herelinquishedthewinch，andenclosinghertwohandscompletelyinhisowntakingeachaswesometimesclaspachild’shandinteachinghimtowrite，graspedtheshearswithher。`Inclinetheedgeso’hesaid。
Handsandshearswereinclinedtosuitthewords，andheldthusforapeculiarlylongtimebytheinstructorashespoke。
`Thatwilldo，’exclaimedBathsheba。`Loosemyhands。Iwon’thavethemheld！Turnthewinch。’
Gabrielfreedherhandsquietly，retiredtohishandle，andthegrindingwenton。
`Didthementhinkitodd？’shesaidagain。
`Oddwasnottheidea，miss。’
`Whatdidtheysay？’
`ThatFarmerBoldwood’snameandyourownwerelikelytobeflungoverpulpittogetherbeforetheyearwasout。’
`Ithoughtsobythelookofthem！Why，there’snothinginit。Amorefoolishremarkwasnevermade，andIwantyoutocontradictit：that’swhatIcamefor。’
Gabriellookedincredulousandsad，butbetweenhismomentsofincredulity，relieved。
`Theymusthaveheardourconversation，’shecontinued。
`Well，then，Bathsheba！’saidOak，stoppingthehandle，andgazingintoherfacewithastonishment。
`MissEverdene，youmean，’shesaidwithdignity。
`Imeanthis，thatifMrBoldwoodreallyspokeofmarriage，Ibain’tgoingtotellastoryandsayhedidn’ttopleaseyou。Ihavealreadytriedtopleaseyoutoomuchformyowngood！’
Bathshebaregardedhimwithround-eyedperplexity。Shedidnotknowwhethertopityhimfordisappointedloveofher，ortobeangrywithhimforhavinggotoverit-histonebeingambiguous。
`IsaidIwantedyoujusttomentionthatitwasnottrueIwasgoingtobemarriedtohim，’shemurmured，withaslightdeclineinherassurance。
`Icansaythattothemifyouwish，MissEverdene。AndIcouldlikewisegiveanopinionto’eeonwhatyouhavedone。’
`Idaresay。ButIdon’twantyouropinion。’
`Isupposenot，’saidGabrielbitterly，andgoingonwithhisturning；
hiswordsrisingandfallinginaregularswellandcadenceashestoopedorrosewiththewinch，whichdirectedthem，accordingtohisposition，perpendicularlyintotheearth，orhorizontallyalongthegarden，hiseyesbeingfixedonaleafupontheground。
WithBathshebaahastenedactwasarashact；but，asdoesnotalwayshappen，timegainedwasprudenceensured。Itmustbeadded，however，thattimewasveryseldomgained。AtthisperiodthesingleopinionintheparishonherselfandherdoingsthatshevaluedassounderthanherownwasGabrielOak’s。Andtheoutspokenhonestyofhischaracterwassuchthatonanysubject，eventhatofherlovefor，ormarriagewith，anotherman，thesamedisinterestednessofopinionmightbecalculatedon，andbehadfortheasking。Thoroughlyconvincedoftheimpossibilityofhisownsuit，ahighresolveconstrainedhimnottoinjurethatofanother。Thisisalover’smoststoicalvirtue，asthelackofitisalover’smostvenialsin。Knowinghewouldreplytrulysheaskedthequestion，painfulasshemusthaveknownthesubjectwouldbe。Suchistheselfishnessofsomecharmingwomen。Perhapsitwansomeexcuseforherthustorturinghonestytoherownadvantage，thatshehadabsolutelynoothersoundjudgementwithineasyreach。
`Well，whatisyouropinionofmyconduct，’shesaidquietly。
`Thatitisunworthyofanythoughtful，andmeek，andcomelywoman。’
InaninstantBathsheba’sfacecolouredwiththeangrycrimsonofaDanbysunset。Butsheforboretoutterthisfeeling，andthereticenceofhertongueonlymadetheloquacityofherfacethemorenoticeable。
ThenextthingGabrieldidwastomakeamistake。
`Perhapsyoudon’tliketherudenessofmyreprimandingyou，forIknowitisrudeness；butIthoughtitwoulddogood。’
Sheinstantlyrepliedsarcastically——
`Onthecontrary，myopinionofyouissolow，thatIseeinyourabusethepraiseofdiscerningpeople！’
`Iamgladyoudon’tmindit，forIsaidithonestlyandwitheveryseriousmeaning。’
`Isee。But，unfortunately，whenyoutrynottospeakinjestyouareamusing-justaswhenyouwishtoavoidseriousnessyousometimessayasensibleword。’
Itwasahardhit，butBathshebahadunmistakablylosthertemper，andonthataccountGabrielhadneverinhislifekepthisownbetter。Hesaidnothing。Shethenbrokeout——
`Imayask，Isuppose，whereinparticularmyunworthinesslies？Inmynotmarryingyou，perhaps！’
`Notbyanymeans，’saidGabrielquietly。`Ihavelonggivenupthinkingofthatmatter。’
`Orwishingit，Isuppose，’shesaid；anditwasapparentthatsheexpectedanunhesitatingdenialofthissupposition。
WhateverGabrielfelt，hecoollyechoedherwords——
`Orwishingiteither。’
Awomanmaybetreatedwithabitternesswhichissweettoher，andwitharudenesswhichisnotoffensive。BathshebawouldhavesubmittedtoanindignantchastisementforherlevityhadGabrielprotestedthathewaslovingheratthesametime；theimpetuosityofpassionunrequitedisbearable，evenifitstingsandanathematizes-thereisatriumphinthehumiliation，andatendernessinthestrife。Thiswaswhatshehadbeenexpecting，andwhatshehadnotgot。Tobelecturedbecausethelecturersawherinthecoldmorninglightofopen-shuttereddisillusionwasexasperating。
Hehadnotfinished，either。Hecontinuedinamoreagitatedvoice：——
`MyopinionissinceyouaskitthatyouaregreatlytoblameforplayingpranksuponamanlikeMrBoldwood，merelyasapastime。Leadingonamanyoudon’tcareforisnotapraiseworthyaction。Andeven，MissEverdene，ifyouseriouslyinclinedtowardshim，youmighthavelethimfinditoutinsomewayoftrueloving-kindness，andnotbysendinghimavalentine’sletter。’
Bathshebalaiddowntheshears。
`Icannotallowanymanto-tocriticizemyprivateconduct！’sheexclaimed。
`NorwillIforaminute。Soyou’llpleaseleavethefarmattheendoftheweek！’
Itmayhavebeenapeculiarity-atanyrateitwasafact-thatwhenBathshebawasswayedbyanemotionofanearthlysortherlowerliptrembled；
whenbyarefinedemotion，herupperorheavenwardone。Hernetherlipquiverednow。
`Verywell，soIwill，’saidGabrielcalmly。Hehadbeenheldtoherbyabeautifulthreadwhichitpainedhimtospoilbybreaking，ratherthanbyachainhecouldnotbreak。`Ishouldbeevenbetterpleasedtogoatonce，’headded。
`Goatoncethen，inHeaven’sname！’saidshe，hereyesflashingathidthoughnevermeetingthem。`Don’tletmeseeyourfaceanymore。’
`Verywell，MissEverdene-soitshallbe。’
Andhetookhisshearsandwentawayfromherinplaciddignity，asMosesleftthepresenceofPharaoh。
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONETroublesintheFold-AMessageGabrielOakhadceasedtofeedtheWeatherburyflockforaboutfour-and-twentyhours，whenonSundayafternoontheelderlygentlemenJosephPoorgrass，MatthewMoon，Fray，andhalf-a-dozenothers，camerunninguptothehouseofthemistressoftheUpperFarm。
`Whateveristhematter，men？’shesaid，meetingthematthedoorjustasshewascomingoutonherwaytochurch，andceasinginamomentfromtheclosecompressionofhertworedlips，withwhichshehadaccompaniedtheexertionofpullingonatightglove。
`Sixty！’saidJosephPoorgrass。
`Seventy！’saidMoon。
`Fifty-nine！’saidSusanTall’shusband。
`-Sheephavebrokefence，’saidFray。
`-Andgotintoafieldofyoungclover，’saidTall。
`-Youngclover！’saidMoon。
`-Clover！’saidJosephPoorgrass。
`Andtheybegettingblasted，’saidHeneryFray。
`Thattheybe，’saidJoseph。
`Andwillalldieasdeadasnits，iftheybain’tgotoutandcured！’
saidTall。
Joseph’scountenancewasdrawnintolinesandpuckersbyhisconcern。
Fray’sforeheadwaswrinkledbothperpendicularlyandcrosswise，afterthepatternofaportcullis，expressiveofadoubledespair。LabanTall’slipswerethin，andhisfacewasrigid。Matthew’sjawssank，andhiseyesturnedwhicheverwaythestrongestmusclehappenedtopullthem。
`Yes，’saidJoseph，`andIwassittingathomelookingforEphesians，andsaysItomyself，“’TisnothingbutCorinthiansandThessaloniansinthisdangedTestament。”whenwhoshouldcomeinbutHenerythere：“Joseph。”
hesaid，“thesheephaveblastedtheirselves-“’
WithBathshebaitwasamomentwhenthoughtwasspeechandspeechexclamation。
Moreover，shehadhardlyrecoveredherequanimitysincethedisturbancewhichshehadsufferedfromOak’sremarks。
`That’senough-that’senough-Oyoufools！’shecried，throwingtheparasolandPrayer-bookintothepassage，andrunningoutofdoorsinthedirectionsignified。’tocometome，andnotgoandgetthemoutdirectly！
O，thestupidnumskulls！’
Hereyeswereattheirdarkestandbrightestnow。Bathsheba’sbeautybelongingrathertothedemonianthantotheangelicschool，sheneverlookedsowellaswhenshewasangry-andparticularlywhentheeffectwasheightenedbyaratherdashingvelvetdresscarefullyputonbeforeaglass。
Alltheancientmenraninajumbledthrongafterhertothecloverfield，Josephsinkingdowninthemidstwhenabouthalfway，likeanindividualwitheringinaworldwhichwasmoreandmoreinsupportable。Havingoncereceivedthestimulusthatherpresencealwaysgavethemtheywentroundamongthesheepwithawill。Themajorityoftheafflictedanimalswerelyingdown，andcouldnotbestirred。Thesewerebodilyliftedout，andtheothersdrivenintotheadjoiningfield。Here，afterthelapseofafewminutes，severalmorefelldown，andlayhelplessandlividastherest。
Bathsheba，withasad，burstingheart，lookedattheseprimestspecimensofherprimeflockastheyrolledthere——SwolnwithwindandtherankmisttheydrewManyofthemfoamedatthemouth，theirbreathingbeingquickandshort，whilstthebodiesofallwerefearfullydistended。
`O，whatcanIdo’whatcanIdo！’saidBathsheba，helplessly。`Sheeparesuchunfortunateanimals！-there’salwayssomethinghappeningtothem！
Ineverknewaflockpassayearwithoutgettingintosomescrapeorother。’
`There’sonlyonewayofsavingthem，’saidTall。
`Whatway？Tellmequick！’
`Theymustbepiercedinthesidewithathingmadeonpurpose。
`Canyoudoit？CanI？’
`No’ma’am。Wecan’t，noryouneither。Itmustbedoneinaparticularspot。Ifyegototherightorleftbutaninchyoustabtheeweandkillher。Notevenashepherdcandoit，asarule。’
`Thentheymustdie，’shesaid，inaresignedtone。
`Onlyonemanintheneighbourhoodknowstheway，’saidJoseph，nowjustcomeup。Hecouldcure’emallifhewerehere。’
`Whoishe？Let’sgethim！’
`ShepherdOak，’saidMatthew。`Ah，he’saclevermanintalents！’
`Ah，thatheisso！’saidJosephPoorgrass。
`True-he’stheman，’saidLabanTall。
`Howdareyounamethatmaninmypresence！’shesaidexcitedly。`I
toldyounevertoalludetohim，norshallyouifyoustaywithme。Ah！’
sheadded，brightening，`FarmerBoldwoodknows！’
`Ono’ma’am，’saidMatthew。’twoofhisstoreewesgotintosomevetchest’otherday，andwerejustlikethese。Hesentamanonhorsebackherepost-hasteforGable，andGablewentandsaved`em。FarmerBoldwoodhevgotthethingtheydoitwith。’tisahollerpipe，withasharpprickerinside。Isn’tit，Joseph？’
`Ay-ahollerpipe，’echoedJoseph。’that’swhat’tis。’
`Ay，sure-that’sthemachine，’chimedinHeneryFrayreflectively，withanOrientalindifferencetotheflightoftime。
`Well，’burstoutBathsheba，`don’tstandtherewithyour“ayes“andyour“sures“，talkingatme！Getsomebodytocurethesheepinstantly！’
Allthenstalkedoffinconsternation，togetsomebodyasdirected，withoutanyideaofwhoitwastobe。Inaminutetheyhadvanishedthroughthegate，andshestoodalonewiththedyingflock。
`NeverwillIsendforhim-never！’shesaidfirmly。
Oneoftheewesherecontracteditsmuscleshorribly，extendeditself，andjumpedhighintotheair。Theleapwasanastonishingone。Theewefellheavily，andlaystill。
Bathshebawentuptoit。Thesheepwasdead。
`O，whatshallIdo-whatshallIdo’sheagainexclaimed，wringingherhands。`Iwon’tsendforhim。No，Iwon’t！’
Themostvigorousexpressionofaresolutiondoesnotalwayscoincidewiththegreatestvigouroftheresolutionitself。Itisoftenflungoutasasortofproptosupportadecayingconvictionwhich，whilststrong，requirednoenunciationtoproveitso。The`No，’Iwon’t’ofBathshebameantvirtually，`IthinkImust。’
Shefollowedherassistantsthroughthegate，andliftedherhandtooneofthem。Labanansweredtohersignal。
`WhereisOakstaying？’
`AcrossthevalleyatNestCottage。
`Jumponthebaymare，andrideacross，andsayhemustreturninstantly-thatIsayso。
Tallscrambledofftothefield，andintwominuteswasonPoll，thebay，bare-backed，andwithonlyahalterbywayofrein。Hediminisheddownthehill。
Bathshebawatched。Sodidalltherest。TallcanteredalongthebridlepaththroughSixteenAcres，Sheeplands，MiddleField，TheFlats，CappelsPiece，shrankalmosttoapoint，crossedthebridge，andascendedfromthevalleythroughSpringmeadandWhitepitsontheotherside。ThecottagetowhichGabrielhadretiredbeforetakinghisfinaldeparturefromthelocalitywasvisibleasawhitespotontheoppositehill，backedbybluefirs。Bathshebawalkedupanddown。Themenenteredthefieldandendeavouredtoeasetheanguishofthedumbcreaturesbyrubbingthem。Nothingavailed。
Bathshebacontinuedwalking。Thehorsewasseendescendingthehill，andthewearisomeserieshadtoberepeatedinreverseorder：Whitepits，Springmead，Cappel’sPiece，TheFlats，MiddleField，Sheeplands，SixteenAcres。ShehopedTallhadhadpresenceofmindenoughtogivethemareuptoGabriel，andreturnhimselfonfoot。Theridernearedthem。ItwasTall。
`Owhatfolly！’saidBathsheba。
Gabrielwasnotvisibleanywhere。
`Perhapsheisalreadygone！’shesaid。
Tallcameintotheinclosure，andleaptoffhisfacetragicasMorton’safterthebattleofShrewsbury。
`Well？’saidBathsheba，unwillingtobelievethatherverballettre-de-cachetcouldpossiblyhavemiscarried。
`Hesaysbeggarsmustn’tbechoosers，’repliedLaban。
`What！’saidtheyoungfarmer，openinghereyesanddrawinginherbreathforanoutburst。JosephPoorgrassretiredafewstepsbehindahurdle。
`Hesaysheshallnotcomeonlessyourequestentocomecivillyandinapropermanner，asbecomesany’oomanbeggingafavour。’
`Oh，oh，that’shisanswer！Wheredoeshegethisairs？WhoamI，then，tobetreatedlikethat？ShallIbegtoamanwhohasbeggedtome？’
Anotheroftheflocksprangintotheair，andfelldead。
Themenlookedgrave，asiftheysuppressedopinion。
Bathshebaturnedaside，hereyesfulloftears。Thestraitshewasinthroughprideandshrewishnesscouldnotbedisguisedlonger：sheburstoutcryingbitterly；theyallsawit；andsheattemptednofurtherconcealment。
`Iwouldn’tcryaboutit，miss，’saidWilliamSmallburycompassionately。
`Whynotaskhimsofterlike？I’msurehe’dcomethen。Gableisatruemaninthatway。
Bathshebacheckedhergriefandwipedhereyes。`O，itisawickedcrueltytome-itis-itis！’shemurmured。`AndhedrivesmetodowhatIwouldn’t；
yes，hedoes！-Tall，comeindoors。’
Afterthiscollapse，notverydignifiedfortheheadofanestablishment，shewentintothehouse，Tallatherheels。Hereshesatdownandhastilyscribbledanotebetweenthesmallconvulsivesobsofconvalescencewhichfollowafitofcryingasaground-swellfollowsastorm。Thenotewasnonethelesspoliteforbeingwritteninahurry。Shehelditatadistance，wasabouttofoldit，thenaddedthesewordsatthebottom：——`Donotdesertme，Gabriel！’Shelookedalittleredderinrefoldingit，andclosedherlips，asiftherebytosuspendtilltoolatetheactionofconscienceinexaminingwhethersuchstrategywerejustifiable。Thenotewasdespatchedasthemessagehadbeen，andBathshebawaitedindoorsfortheresult。
Itwasananxiousquarterofanhourthatintervenedbetweenthemessenger’sdepartureandthesoundofthehorse’strampagainoutside。Shecouldnotwatchthistime，but，leaningovertheoldbureauatwhichshehadwrittentheletter，closedhereyes，asiftokeepoutbothhopeandfear。
Thecase，however，wasapromisingone。Gabrielwasnotangry：hewassimplyneutral，althoughherfirstcommandhadbeensohaughty。Suchimperiousnesswouldhavedamnedalittlelessbeauty；andontheotherhand，suchbeautywouldhaveredeemedalittlelessimperiousness。
Shewentoutwhenthehorsewasheard，andlookedup。Amounted，figurepassedbetweenherandthesky，anddrewontowardsthefieldofsheep，theriderturninghisfaceinreceding。Gabriellookedather。Itwasamomentwhenawoman’seyesandtonguetelldistinctlyoppositetales。Bathshebalookedhallofgratitude，andshesaid：——
`O，Gabriel，howcouldyouservemesounkindly！’
Suchatenderly-shapedreproachforhispreviousdelaywastheonespeechinthelanguagethathecouldpardonfornotbeingcommendationofhisreadinessnow。
Gabrielmurmuredaconfusedreply，andhastenedon。Sheknewfromthelookwhichsentenceinhernotehadbroughthim。Bathshebafollowedtothefield。
Gabrielwasalreadyamongtheturgid，prostrateforms。Hehadflungoffhiscoat，rolleduphisshirt-sleeves，andtakenfromhispockettheinstrumentofsalvation。Itwasasmalltubeortrochar，withalancepassingdowntheinside；andGabrielbegantouseitwithadexteritythatwouldhavegracedahospital-surgeon。Passinghishandoverthesheep’sleftflank，andselectingtheproperpoint，hepuncturedtheskinandrumenwiththelanceasitstoodinthetube；thenhesuddenlywithdrewthelance，retainingthetubeinitsplace。Acurrentofairrushedupthetube，forcibleenoughtohaveextinguishedacandleheldattheorifice。
Ithasbeensaidthatmereeaseaftertormentisdelightforatime；
andthecountenancesofthesepoorcreaturesexpresseditnow。Forty-nineoperationsweresuccessfullyperformed。Owingtothegreathurrynecessitatedbythefar-gonestateofsomeoftheflock，Gabrielmissedhisaiminonecase，andinoneonly-strikingwideofthemark，andinflictingamortalblowatonceuponthesufferingewe。Fourhaddied；threerecoveredwithoutanoperation。Thetotalnumberofsheepwhichhadthusstrayedandinjuredthemselvessodangerouslywasfifty-seven。
Whenthelove-ledmanhadceasedfromhislaboursBathshebacameandlookedhimintheface。
`Gabriel，willyoustayonwithme？’shesaid，smilingwinningly，andnottroublingtobringherlipsquitetogetheragainattheend，becausetherewasgoingtobeanothersmilesoon。
`Iwill，’saidGabriel。
Andshesmiledonhimagain。
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWOTheGreatBarnandtheSheep-shearersMenthinawaytoinsignificanceandoblivionquiteasoftenbynotmakingthemostofgoodspiritswhentheyhavethemasbylackinggoodspiritswhentheyareindispensable。Gabriellately，forthefirsttimesincehisprostrationbymisfortune，hadbeenindependentinthoughtandvigorousinactiontoamarkedextent-conditionswhich，powerlesswithoutanopportunityasanopportunitywithoutthemisbarren，wouldhavegivenhimasureliftupwardswhenthefavourableconjunctionshouldhaveoccurred。ButthisincurableloiteringbesideBathshebaEverdenestolehistimeruinously。
Thespringtidesweregoingbywithoutfloatinghimoff，andtheneapmightsooncomewhichcouldnot。
ItwasthefirstdayofJune，andthesheep-shearingseasonculminated，thelandscape，eventotheleanestpasture，beingallhealthandcolour。
Everygreenwasyoung，everyporewasopen，andeverystalkwasswollenwithracingcurrentsofjuice。Godwaspalpablypresentinthecountry，andthedevilhadgonewiththeworldtotown。Flossycatkinsofthelaterkinds，fern-sproutslikebishops’croziers，thesquare-headedmoschatel，theoddcuckoo-pint，-likeanapoplecticsaintInanicheofmalachite，-snow-whiteladies’-smocks，thetoothwort，approximatingtohumanflesh，theenchanter’snight-shade，andtheblack-petaleddoleful-bells，wereamongthequainterobjectsofthevegetableworldinandaboutWeatherburyatthisteemingtime；andoftheanimal，themetamorphosedfiguresofMrJanCoggan，themaster-shearer；thesecondandthirdshearers，whotravelledintheexerciseoftheircalling，anddonotrequiredefinitionbyname；
HeneryFraythefourthshearer，SusanTall’shusbandthefifth，JosephPoorgrassthesixth，youngCainBallasassistant-shearer，andGabrielOakasgeneralsupervisor。Noneofthesewereclothedtoanyextentworthmentioning，eachappearingtohavehitinthematterofraimentthedecentmeanbetweenahighandlowcasteHindoo。Anangularityoflineament，andafixityoffacialmachineryingeneral，proclaimedthatseriousworkwastheorderoftheday。
Theyshearedinthegreatbarn，calledforthenoncetheShearing-barn，whichonground-planresembledachurchwithtransepts。Itnotonlyemulatedtheformoftheneighbouringchurchoftheparish，butviedwithitinantiquity。Whetherthebarnhadeverformedoneofagroupofconventualbuildingsnobodyseemedtobeaware；notraceofsuchsurroundingsremained。
Thevastporchesatthesides，loftyenoughtoadmitawaggonladentoitshighestwithcorninthesheaf，werespannedbyheavy-pointedarchesofstone，broadlyandboldlycut，whoseverysimplicitywastheoriginofagrandeurnotapparentinerectionswheremoreornamenthasbeenattempted。
Theduskyfilmed，chestnutroof，bracedandtiedinbyhugecollars，curves，anddiagonals，wasfarnoblerindesign，becausemorewealthyinmaterial，thanninetenthsofthoseinourmodernchurches。Alongeachsidewallwasarangeofstridingbuttresses，throwingdeepshadowsonthespacesbetweenthemwhichwereperforatedbylancetopenings，combiningintheirproportionsthepreciserequirementsbothofbeautyandventilation。
Onecouldsayaboutthisbarn，whatcouldhardlybesaidofeitherthechurchorthecastle，akintoitinageandstyle，thatthepurposewhichhaddictateditsoriginalerectionwasthesamewiththattowhichit`wasstillapplied。Unlikeandsuperiortoeitherofthosetwotypicalremnantsofmediæ；valism，theoldbarnembodiedpracticeswhichhadsufferednomutilationatthehandsoftime。Hereatleastthespiritoftheancientbuilderswasatonewiththespiritofthemodernbeholder。Standingbeforethisabradedpile，theeyeregardeditspresentusage，theminddweltuponitspasthistory，withasatisfiedsenseoffunctionalcontinuitythroughout-afeelingalmostofgratitude，andquiteofpride，atthepermanenceoftheideawhichhadheapeditup。Theactthatfourcenturieshadneitherprovedittobefoundedonamistake，inspiredanyhatredofitsprose，norgivenrisetoanyreactionthathadbattereditdown，investedthissimplegreyeffortofoldmindswitharepose，ifnotagrandeur，whichatoocuriousreflectionwasapttodisturbinitsecclesiasticalandmilitarycompeers。Foroncemediæ；valismandmodernismhadacommonstandpoint。
Thelanceolatewindows，thetime-eatenarch-stonesandchamfers，theorientationoftheaxis，themistychestnutworkoftherafters，referredtonoexplodedfortifyingartofworn-outreligiouscreed。Thedefenceandsalvationofthebodybydailybreadisstillastudy，areligion，andadesire。
Todaythelargesidedoorswerethrownopentowardsthesuntoadmitabountifullighttotheimmediatespotoftheshearers’operations，whichwasthewoodthreshing-floorinthecentre，formedofthickoak，blackwithageandpolishedbythebeatingofflailsformanygenerations，tillithadgrownasslipperyandasrichinhueasthestate-roomfloorsofanElizabethanmansion。Heretheshearersknelt，thesunslantinginupontheirbleachedshirts，tannedarms，andthepolishedshearstheyflourished，causingthesetobristlewithathousandraysstrongenoughtoblindaweak-eyedman。Beneaththemacaptivesheeplaypanting，quickeningitspantsasmisgivingmergedinterror，tillitquiveredlikethehotlandscapeoutside。
Thispictureoftodayinitsframeoffourhundredyearsagodidnotproducethatmarkedcontrastbetweenancientandmodernwhichisimpliedbythecontrastofdate。Incomparisonwithcities，Weatherburywasimmutable。
Thecitizen’sThenistherustic’sNow。InLondon，twentyorthirtyyearsagoareoldtimes；inParistenyears，orfive；inWeatherburythreeorfourscoreyearswereincludedinthemerepresent，andnothinglessthanacenturysetamarkonitsfaceortone。Fivedecadeshardlymodifiedthecutofagaiter，theembroideryofasmockfrock，bythebreadthofahair。Tengenerationsfailedtoaltertheturnofasinglephrase。
IntheseWessexnooksthebusyoutsider’sancienttimesareonlyold；hisoldtimesarestillnew；hispresentisfuturity。
Sothebarnwasnaturaltotheshearers，andtheshearerswereinharmonywiththebarn。
Thespaciousendsofthebuilding，answeringecclesiasticallytonaveandchancelextremities，werefencedoffwithhurdles，thesheepbeingallcollectedinacrowdwithinthesetwoenclosures；andinoneangleacatching-penwasformed，inwhichthreeorfoursheepwerecontinuouslykeptreadyfortheshearerstoseizewithoutlossoftime。Inthebackground，mellowedbytawnyshade，werethethreewomen，MaryannMoney，andTemperanceandSobernessMiller，gatheringupthefleecesandtwistingropesofwoolwithawimblefortyingthemround。Theywereindifferentlywellassistedbytheoldmaltster，who，whenthemaltingseasonfromOctobertoAprilhadpassed，madehimselfusefuluponanyoftheborderingfarmsteads。
BehindallwasBathsheba，carefullywatchingthementoseethattherewasnocuttingorwoundingthroughcarelessness，andthattheanimalswereshornclose。Gabriel，whoflittedandhoveredunderherbrighteyeslikeamoth，didnotshearcontinuously，halfhistimebeingspentinattendingtotheothersandselectingthesheepforthem。Atthepresentmomenthewasengagedinhandingroundamugofmildliquor，suppliedfromabarrelinthecorner，andcutpiecesofbreadandcheese。
Bathsheba，afterthrowingaglancehere，acautionthere，andlecturingoneoftheyoungeroperatorswhohadallowedhislastfinishedsheeptogooffamongtheflockwithoutre-stampingitwithherinitials，cameagaintoGabriel，asheputdowntheluncheontodragafrightenedewetohisshear-station，flingingitoveruponitsbackwithadexteroustwistofthearm。Heloppedoffthetressesaboutitshead，andopeneduptheneckandcollar，hismistressquietlylookingon。
`Sheblushesattheinsult，’murmuredBathsheba，watchingthepinkflushwhicharoseandoverspreadtheneckandshouldersoftheewewheretheywereleftbarebytheclickingshears-aflushwhichwasenviable，foritsdelicacy，bymanyqueensofcoteries，andwouldhavebeencreditable，foritspromptness，toanywomanintheworld。
PoorGabriel’ssoulwasfedwithaluxuryofcontentbyhavingheroverhim，hereyescriticallyregardinghisskilfulshears，whichapparentlyweregoingtogatherupapieceofthefleshateveryclose，andyetneverdidso。LikeGuildenstern，Oakwashappyinthathewasnotoverhappy。
Hehadnowishtoconversewithher：thathisbrightladyandhimselfformedonegroup，exclusivelytheirown，andcontainingnoothersintheworld，wasenough。
Sothechatterwasallonherside。Thereisaloquacitythattellsnothing，whichwasBathsheba’s；andthereisasilencewhichsaysmuch：
thatwasGabriel’s。Fullofthisdimandtemperateblisshewentontoflingtheeweoveruponherotherside，coveringherheadwithhisknee，graduallyrunningtheshearslineafterlineroundherdewlap，thenceaboutherflankandback，andfinishingoverthetail。
`Welldone，anddonequickly！’saidBathsheba，lookingatherwatchasthelastsnipresounded。
`Howlong，miss？’saidGabriel，wipinghisbrow。
`Three-and-twentyminutesandahalfsinceyoutookthefirstlockfromitsforehead。ItisthefirsttimethatIhaveeverseenonedoneinlessthanhalfanhour。’
Theclean，sleekcreaturearosefromitsfleece-howperfectlylikeAphroditerisingfromthefoam’shouldhavebeenseentoberealized-
lookingstartledandshyatthelossofitsgarment，whichlayonthefloorinonesoftcloud，unitedthroughout，theportionvisiblebeingtheinnersurfaceonly，whichneverbeforeexposed，waswhiteassnow，andwithoutflaworblemishoftheminutestkind。
`CainBall！’
`Yes，MisterOak；hereIbe！’
Cainynowrunsforwardwiththetar-pot。`B。E。’isnewlystampedupontheshornskin，andawaythesimpledamleaps，panting，overtheboardintotheshirtlessflockoutside。ThenupcomesMaryann；throwsthelooselocksintothemiddleofthefleece，rollsitup，andcarriesitintothebattlegroundasthree-and-a-halfpoundsofunadulteratedwarmthforthewinterenjoymentofpersonsunknownandfaraway，whowill，however，neverexperiencethesuperlativecomfortderivablefromthewoolasithereexists，newandpure-beforetheunctuousnessofitsnaturewhilstinalivingstatehasdried，stiffened，andbeenwashedout-renderingitjustnowassuperiortoanythingwoollenascreamissuperiortomilk-and-water。
ButheartlesscircumstancecouldnotleaveentireGabriel’shappinessofthismorning。Therams，oldewes，andtwo-sheareweshaddulyundergonetheirstripping，andthemenwereproceedingwiththeshearlingsandhogs，whenOak’sbeliefthatshewasgoingtostandpleasantlybyandtimehimthroughanotherperformancewaspainfullyinterruptedbyFarmerBoldwood’sappearanceintheextremestcornerofthebarn。Nobodyseemedtohaveperceivedhisentry，buttherehecertainlywas。Boldwoodalwayscarriedwithhimasocialatmosphereofhisown，whicheverybodyfeltwhocamenearhim；
andthetalk，whichBathsheba’spresencehadsomewhatsuppressed，wasnowtotallysuspended。
HecrossedovertowardsBathsheba，whoturnedtogreethimwithacarriageofperfectease。Hespoketoherinlowtones，andsheinstinctivelymodulatedherowntothesamepitch，andhervoiceultimatelyevencaughttheinflectionofhis。Shewasfarfromhavingawishtoappearmysteriouslyconnectedwithhim；butwomanattheimpressionableagegravitatestothelargerbodynotonlyinherchoiceofwords，whichisapparenteveryday，buteveninhershadesoftoneandhumourwhentheinfluenceisgreat。
WhattheyconversedaboutwasnotaudibletoGabriel，whowastooindependenttogetnear，thoughtooconcernedtodisregard。Theissueoftheirdialoguewasthetakingofherhandbythecourteousfarmertohelpheroverthespreading-boardintothebrightJunesunlightoutside。Standingbesidethesheepalreadyshorn，theywentontalkingagain。Concerningtheflock？
Apparentlynot。Gabrieltheorized，notwithouttruth，thatinquietdiscussionofanymatterwithinreachofthespeakers’eyes，theseareusuallyfixeduponit。Bathshebademurelyregardedacontemptiblestrawlyingupontheground，inawaywhichsuggestedlessovinecriticismthanwomanlyembarrassment。
Shebecamemoreorlessredinthecheek，thebloodwaveringinuncertainfluxandrefluxoverthesensitivespacebetweenebbandflood。Gabrielshearedon，constrainedandsad。
SheleftBoldwood’sside，andhewalkedupanddownalonefornearlyaquarterofanhour。Thenshereappearedinhernewriding-habitofmyrtle-green，whichfittedhertothewaistasarindfitsitsfruit；andyoungBobCogganledonhermare，Boldwoodfetchinghisownhorsefromthetreeunderwhichithadbeentied。
Oak’seyescouldnotforsakethem；andinendeavouringtocontinuehisshearingatthesametimethathewatchedBoldwood’smanner，hesnippedthesheepinthegroin。Theanimalplunged；Bathshebainstantlygazedtowardsit，andsawtheblood。
`OGabriel！’sheexclaimed，withsevereremonstrance，`youwhoaresostrictwiththeothermen-seewhatyouaredoingyourself’
Toanoutsidertherewasnotmuchtocomplainofinthisremark；buttoOak，whoknewBathshebatobewellawarethatsheherselfwasthecauseofthepoorewe’swound，becauseshehadwoundedtheewe’sshearerinastillmorevitalpart，ithadastingwhichtheabidingsenseofhisinferioritytobothherselfandBoldwoodwasnotcalculatedtoheal。Butamanlyresolvetorecognizeboldlythathehadnolongeralover’sinterestinher，helpedhimoccasionallytoconcealafeeling。
`Bottle！’heshouted，inanunmovedvoiceofroutine。CainyBallranup，thewoundwasanointed，andtheshearingcontinued。
BoldwoodgentlytossedBathshebaintothesaddle，andbeforetheyturnedawaysheagainspokeouttoOakwiththesamedominativeandtantalizinggraciousness。
`IamgoingnowtoseeMrBoldwood’sLeicesters。Takemyplaceinthebarn，Gabriel，andkeepthemencarefullytotheirwork。’
Thehorses’headswereputabout，andtheytrottedaway。
Boldwood’sdeepattachmentwasamatterofgreatinterestamongailaroundhim；but，afterhavingbeenpointedoutforsomanyyearsastheperfectexemplarofthrivingbachelorship，hislapsewasananticlimaxsomewhatresemblingthatofStJohnLong’sdeathbyconsumptioninthemidstofhisproofsthatitwasnotafataldisease。
`Thatmeansmatrimony，’saidTemperanceMiller，followingthemoutofsightwithhereyes。
`Ireckonthat’sthesizeo’t，’saidCoggan，workingalongwithoutlookingup。
`Well，betterwedoverthemixenthanoverthemoor，’saidLabanTall，turninghissheep。
HeneryFrayspoke，exhibitingmiserableeyesatthesametime：`Idon’tseewhyamaidshouldtakeahusbandwhenshe’sboldenoughtofightherownbattles，anddon’twantahome；for’tiskeepinganotherwomanout。
Butletitbe，for’tisapityheandsheshouldtroubletwohouses。’
Asusualwithdecidedcharacters，BathshebainvariablyprovokedthecriticismofindividualslikeHeneryFray。Heremblazonedcultwastobetoopronouncedinherobjections，andnotsufficientlyovertinherlikings。
Welearnthatitisnottherayswhichbodiesabsorb，butthosewhichtheyreject，thatgivethemthecolourstheyareknownby；andinthesamewaypeoplearespecializedbytheirdislikesandantagonisms，whilsttheirgoodwillislookeduponasnoattributeatall。
Henerycontinuedinamorecomplaisantmood：`Ioncehintedmymindtoheronafewthings，asnearlyasabatteredframedaredtodosotosuchafrowardpiece。Youallknow，neighbours，whatamanIbe，andhowIcomedownwithmypowerfulwordswhenmyprideisboilingwi’scarn？’
`Wedo，wedo，Henery。
`SoIsaid，“MissEverdene，there’splacesempty，andthere’sgiftedmenwilling；butthespite“-no’notthespite-Ididn’tsayspite-
“butthevillainyofthecontrarikind。”Isaidmeaningwomankind，“keepsemout。”Thatwasn’ttoostrongforher，say？’
`Passablywellput。’
`Yes；andIwouldhavesaidit，haddeathandsalvationovertookmeforit。SuchismyspiritwhenIhaveamind。’
`Atrueman，andproudasalucifer。’
`Youseetheartfulness？Why，’twasaboutbeingbailyreally；butI
didn’tputitsoplainthatshecouldunderstandmymeaning，soIcouldlayitonallthestronger。Thatwasmydepth！……However，lethermarryanshewill。Perhaps’tishightime。IbelieveFarmerBoldwoodkissedherbehindthespear-bed’atthesheep-washingt’otherday-thatIdo。’
`Whatalie！’saidGabriel。
`Ah，neighbourOak-how’stknow？’saidHenerymildly。
`Becauseshetoldmeallthatpassed，’saidOak，withapharisaicalsensethathewasnotasothershearersinthismatter。
`Yehavearighttobelieveit，’saidHenery，withdudgeon；`averytrueright。ButImidseealittledistanceintothings！Tobelong-headedenoughforabaily’splaceisapoormeretrifle-yetatriflemorethannothing。However，Ilookrounduponlifequitecool。Doyouheedme，neighbours？
Mywords，thoughmadeassimpleasIcan，midberatherdeepforsomeheads。’
`Oyes，Henery，wequiteheedye。’
`Astrangeoldpiece，goodmen-whirledaboutfromheretoyonder，asifIwerenothing！Alittlewarped，too。ButIhavemydepths；ha，andevenmygreatdepths！Imightgirdatacertainshepherd，braintobrain。
Butno-Ono！’
`Astrangeoldpiece，yesay！’interposedthemaltster，inaquerulousvoice。`Atthesametimeyebenooldmanworthnaming-nooldmanatall。Yerteethbain’thalfgoneyet；andwhat’saoldman’sstandingifsobehisteethbain’tgone？Weren’tIstaleinwedlockaforeyewereoutofarms？’tisapoorthingtobesixty，whenthere’speoplefarpastfour-score-aboastweakaswater。’
ItwastheunvaryingcustominWeatherburytosinkminordifferenceswhenthemaltsterhadtobepacified。
`Weakaswater！yes，’saidJanCoggan。`Malter，wefeelyetobeawonderfulveteranman，andnobodycangainsayit。’
`Nobody，’saidJosephPoorgrass。`Yebeaveryrareoldspectacle，malter，andwealladmireyeforthatgift。’
`Ay，andasayoungman，whenmysenseswereinprosperity，Iwaslikewiselikedbyagood-fewwhoknowedme，’saidthemaltster。
`’Ithoutdoubtyouwas——’ithoutdoubt。’
Thebentandhoarymanwassatisfied，andsoapparentlywasHeneryFray。
ThatmattersshouldcontinuepleasantMaryannspoke，who，whatwithherbrowncomplexion，andtheworkingwrapperofrustylinsey，hadatpresentthemellowhueofanoldsketchinoils-notablysomeofNicholasPoussin’s：——
`Doanybodyknowofacrookedman，oralame，oranysecondhandfellowatallthatwoulddoforpoorme？’saidMaryann。`AperfectoneIdon’texpecttogetatmytimeoflife。IfIcouldhearofsuchathing’twoulddomemoregoodthantoastandale。’
Cogganfurnishedasuitablereply。Oakwentonwithhisshearing，andsaidnotanotherword。Pestilentmoodshadcome，andteasedawayhisquiet。
Bathshebahadshownindicationsofanointinghimabovehisfellowsby’
installinghimasthebailiffthatthefarmimperativelyrequired。Hedidnotcovetthepostrelativelytothefarm：inrelationtoherself，asbelovedbyhimandunmarriedtoanother，hehadcovetedit。Hisreadingsofherseemednowtobevapouryandindistinct。Hislecturetoherwas，hethought，oneoftheabsurdestmistakes。FarfromcoquettingwithBoldwood，shehadtrifledwithhimselfinthusfeigningthatshehadtrifledwithanother。
Hewasinwardlyconvincedthat，inaccordancewiththeanticipationsofhiseasy-goingandworse-educatedcomrades，thatdaywouldseeBoldwoodtheacceptedhusbandofMissEverdene。GabrielatthistimeofhislifehadoutgrowntheinstinctivedislikewhicheveryChristianboyhasforreadingtheBible，perusingitnowquitefrequently，andheinwardlysaid，“`Ifindmorebitterthandeaththewomanwhoseheartissnaresandnets！“’
Thiswasmereexclamation-thefrothofthestorm。HeadoredBathshebajustthesame。
`Weworkfolkshallhavesomelordlyjunketingto-night，’saidCainyBall，castingforthhisthoughtsinanewdirection。’thismorningIseeemmakingthegreatpuddensinthemilking-pails-lumpsoffatasbigasyerthumb，MisterOak！I’veneverseedsuchsplendidlargeknobsoffatbeforeinthedaysofmylife-theyneverusedtobebiggerthanahorse-bean。Andtherewasagreatblackcrockuponthebrandisewithhislegsa-stickingout，butIdon’tknowwhatwasinwithin。’
`Andthere’stwobushelsofbiffinsforapple-pies，’saidMaryann。
`Well，Ihopetodomydutybyitall，’saidJosephPoorgrass，inapleasant，masticatingmannerofanticipation。`Yes；victualsanddrinkisacheerfulthing，andgivesnervestothenerveless，iftheformofwordsmaybeused。’tisthegospelofthebody，withoutwhichweperish，sotospeakit。’
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREEEventide-ASecondDeclarationFortheshearing-supperalongtablewasplacedonthegrass-plotbesidethehouse，theendofthetablebeingthrustoverthesillofthewideparlourwindowandafootortwointotheroom。MissEverdenesatinsidethewindow，facingdownthetable。Shewasthusattheheadwithoutminglingwiththemen。
ThiseveningBathshebawasunusuallyexcited，herredcheeksandlipscontrastinglustrouslywiththemazyskeinsofhershadowyhair。Sheseemedtoexpectassistance，andtheseatatthebottomofthetablewasatherrequestleftvacantuntilaftertheyhadbegunthemeal。ShethenaskedGabrieltotaketheplaceandthedutiesappertainingtothatend，whichhedidwithgreatreadiness。
AtthismomentMrBoldwoodcameinatthegate，andcrossedthegreentoBathshebaatthewindow。Heapologizedforhislateness：hisarrivalwasevidentlybyarrangement。
`Gabriel，’saidshe，`willyoumoveagain，please，andletMrBoldwoodcomethere？’
Oakmovedinsilencebacktohisoriginalseat。
Thegentleman-farmerwasdressedincheerfulstyle，inanewcoatandwhitewaistcoat，quitecontrastingwithhisusualsobersuitsofgrey。
Inwardly，toehewasblithe，andconsequentlychattytoanexceptionaldegree。SoalsowasBathshebanowthathehadcome，thoughtheuninvitedpresenceofPennyways，thebailiffwhohadbeendismissedfortheft，disturbedherequanimityforawhile。
Supperbeingended，Cogganbeganonhisownprivateaccount，withoutreferencetolisteners：——I’velostmylove，andIcarenot，I’velostmylove，andIcarenot；
IshallsoonhaveanotherThat’sbetterthant’other；
I’velostmylove，andIcarenot。Thislyric，whenconcluded，wasreceivedwithasilentlyappreciativegazeatthetable，implyingthattheperformance，likeaworkbythoseestablishedauthorswhoareindependentofnoticesinthepapers，wasawell-knowndelightwhichrequirednoapplause。
`Now，MasterPoorgrass，yoursong！’saidCoggan。
`Ibeallbutinliquor，andthegiftiswantinginme，’saidJoseph，diminishinghimself。
`Nonsense；wou’stneverbesoungrateful，Joseph-never！’saidCoggan，expressinghurtfeelingsbyaninflectionofvoice。`Andmistressislookinghardatye，asmuchastosay，“Singatonce，JosephPoorgrass。”’
`Faith，sosheis；well，Imustsufferit！……Justeyemyfeatures，andseeifthetell-talebloodoverheatsmemuch，neighbours？’
`No，yerblushesbequitereasonable，’saidCoggan。
`Ialwaystriestokeepmycoloursfromrisingwhenabeauty’seyesgetfixedonme，’saidJosephdiffidently；`butifsobe’tiswilledtheydo，theymust。
`Now，Joseph，yoursong，please，’saidBathshebafromthewindow。`Well，really，ma’am，’herepliedinayieldingtone。`Idon’tknowwhattosay。
Itwouldbeapoorplainballetofmyowncomposure。’
`Hear，hear！’saidthesupper-party。
Poorgrass，thusassured，trilledforthaflickeringyetcommendablepieceofsentiment，thetuneofwhichconsistedofthekey-noteandanother，thelatterbeingthesoundchieflydweltupon。Thiswassosuccessfulthatherashlyplungedintoasecondinthesamebreath，afterafewfalsestarts：——Isow’-edth’-e……
Isow’-ed。
Isow’-edtheeseeds’of’love’，I-itwas’all’i’-intheespring’，I-inApril’，Ma’-ay，a’-ndsunny’June’，`Whensma’-allbi’-irdsthey’do’sing；`Wellputoutofhand，’saidCoggan，attheendoftheverse。“`Theydosing“wasaverytakingparagraph。’
`Ay；andtherewasaprettyplaceat“seedsoflove“，and’twaswellheavedout。Though“love“isanastyhighcornerwhenaman’svoiceisgettingcrazed。Nextverse，MasterPoorgrass。’
ButduringthisrenderingyoungBobCogganexhibitedoneofthoseanomalieswhichwillafflictlittlepeoplewhenotherpersonsareparticularlyserious：
intryingtocheckhislaughter，hepusheddownhisthroatasmuchofthetableclothashecouldgetholdofwhen，aftercontinuinghermeticallysealedforashorttime，hismirthburstoutthroughhisnose。Josephperceivedit，andwithhecticcheeksofindignationinstantlyceasedsinging。CogganboxedBob’searsimmediately。
`Goon，Joseph-goon，andnevermindtheyoungscamp，’saidCoggan。
`’Tisaverycatchingballet。Nowthenagain-thenextbar；I’llhelpyetoflourishuptheshrillnoteswhereyerwindisratherwheezy：thewi’-il-lo’-owtree’will’twist’，Andthewil’-low’tre’-eewi’-illtwineButthesingercouldnotbesetgoingagain。BobCogganwassenthomeforhisillmanners，andtranquillitywasrestoredbyJacobSmallbury，whovolunteeredaballadasinclusiveandinterminableasthatwithwhichtheworthytoperoldSilenusamusedonasimilaroccasiontheswainsChromisandMnasylus，andotherjollydogsofhisday。
Itwasstillthebeamingtimeofevening，thoughnightwasstealthilymakingitselfvisiblelowdownupontheground，thewesternlinesoflightrakingtheearthwithoutalightinguponittoanyextent，orilluminatingthedeadlevelsatall。Thesunhadcreptroundthetreeasalasteffortbeforedeath，andthenbegantosink，theshearers’lowerpartsbecomingsteepedinembrowningtwilight，whilsttheirheadsandshoulderswerestillenjoyingday，touchedwithayellowofself-sustainedbrilliancythatseemedinherentratherthanacquired。
Thesunwentdowninanochreousmist；buttheysat，andtalkedon，andgrewasmerryasthegodsinHomer’sheaven。Bathshebastillremainedenthronedinsidethewindow，andoccupiedherselfinknitting，fromwhichshesometimeslookeduptoviewthefadingsceneoutside。Theslowtwilightexpandedandenvelopedthemcompletelybeforethesignsofmovingwereshown。
GabrielsuddenlymissedFarmerBoldwoodfromhisplaceatthebottomofthetable。HowlonghehadbeengoneOakdidnotknow；buthehadapparentlywithdrawnintotheencirclingdusk。WhilsthewasthinkingofthisLiddybroughtcandlesintothebackpartoftheroomoverlookingtheshearers，andtheirlivelynewflamesshonedownthetableandoverthemen，anddispersedamongthegreenshadowsbehind。
Bathsheba’sform，stillinitsoriginalposition，wasnowagaindistinctbetweentheireyesandthelight，whichrevealedthatBoldwoodhadgoneinsidetheroom，andwassittingnearher。
Nextcamethequestionoftheevening。WouldMissEverdenesingtothemthesongshealwayssangsocharmingly-`TheBanksofAllanWater’-beforetheywenthome？
Afteramoment’sconsiderationBathshebaassented，beckoningtoGabriel，whohastenedupintothecovetedatmosphere。
`Haveyoubroughtyourflute？’shewhispered。
`Yes，miss。’
`Playtomysinging，then。’
Shestoodupinthewindow-opening，facingthemen，thecandlesbehindher。Gabrielonherrighthand，immediatelyoutsidethesashframe。Boldwoodhaddrawnuponherleft，withintheroom。Hersingingwassoftandrathertremulousatfirst，butitsoonswelledtoasteadyclearness。Subsequenteventscausedoneoftheversestoberememberedformanymonths，andevenyears，bymorethanoneofthosewhoweregatheredthere：Forhisbrideasoldiersoughther，Andawinningtonguehadhe：
OnthebanksofAllanWaterNonewasgayasshe！InadditiontothedulcetpipingofGabriel’sfluteBoldwoodsuppliedabassinhiscustomaryprofoundvoice，utteringhisnotessosoftly，however，astoabstainentirelyfrommakinganythinglikeanordinaryduetofthesong；theyratherformedarichunexploredshadow，whichthrewhertonesintorelief。Theshearersreclinedagainsteachotherasatsuppersintheearlyagesoftheworld，andsosilentandabsorbedweretheythatherbreathingcouldalmostbeheardbetweenthebars；andattheendoftheballad，whenthelasttoneloiteredontoaninexpressibleclose，therearosethatbuzzofpleasurewhichistheattarofapplause。
ItisscarcelynecessarytostatethatGabrielcouldnotavoidnotingthefarmer’sbearingtonighttowardstheirentertainer。Yettherewasnothingexceptionalinhisactionsbeyondwhatappertainedtohistimeofperformingthem。ItwaswhentherestwerealllookingawaythatBoldwoodobservedher；whentheyregardedherheturnedaside；whentheythankedorpraisedhewassilent；whentheywereinattentivehemurmuredhisthanks。Themeaninglayinthedifferencebetweenactionsnoneofwhichhadanymeaningofitselfandthenecessityofbeingjealous，whichloversaretroubledwith，didnotleadOaktounderestimatethesesigns。
Bathshebathenwishedthemgood-night，withdrewfromthewindow，andretiredtothebackpartoftheroom，Boldwoodthereuponclosingthesashandtheshutters，andremaininginsidewithher。Oakwanderedawayunderthequietandscentedtrees。RecoveringfromthesofterimpressionsproducedbyBathsheba’svoice，theshearersrosetoleave，CogganturningtoPennywaysashepushedbackthebenchtopassout：
`Iliketogivepraisewherepraiseisdue，andthemandeservesit-that`adoso，’heremarked，lookingattheworthythiefasifhewerethemasterpieceofsomeworld-renownedartist。
`I’msureIshouldneverhavebelieveditifwehadn’tprovedit，sotoallude，’hiccuppedJosephPoorgrass，`thateverycup，everyoneofthebestknivesandforks，andeveryemptybottlebeintheirplaceasperfectnowasatthebeginning，andnotonestoleatall。’
`I’msureIdon’tdeservehalfthepraiseyougiveme，’saidthevirtuousthiefgrimly。
`Well，I’llsaythisforPennyways，’addedCoggan，`thatwheneverhedoreallymakeuphismindtodoanoblethingintheshapeofagoodaction，asIcouldseebyhisfacehedidto-nightaforesittingdown，he’sgenerallyabletocarryitout。Yes，I’mproudtosay，neighbours，thathe’sstolenothingatall。’
`Well，’tisanhonestdeed，andwethankyeforit，Pennyways，’saidJoseph；towhichopiniontheremainderofthecompanysubscribedunanimously。
Atthistimeofdeparture，whennothingmorewasvisibleoftheinsideoftheparlourthanathinandstillchinkoflightbetweentheshutters，apassionatescenewasincourseofenactmentthere。
MissEverdeneandBoldwoodwerealone。Hercheekshadlostagreatdealoftheirhealthfulfirefromtheveryseriousnessofherposition；buthereyewasbrightwiththeexcitementofatriumph-thoughitwasatriumphwhichhadratherbeencontemplatedthandesired。
Shewasstandingbehindalowarm-chair，fromwhichshehadjustrisen，andhewaskneelinginit-inclininghimselfoveritsbacktowardsher，andholdingherhandinbothherown。Hisbodymovedrestlessly，anditwaswithwhatKeatsdaintilycallsatoohappyhappiness。Thisunwontedabstractionbyloveofalldignityfromamanofwhomithadeverseemedthechiefcomponent，was，initsdistressingincongruity，apaintoherwhichquenchedmuchofthepleasureshederivedfromtheproofthatshewasidolized。
`Iwilltrytoloveyou，’shewassaying，inatremblingvoicequiteunlikeherusualself-confidence。`AndifIcanbelieveinanywaythatIshallmakeyouagoodwifeIshallindeedbewillingtomarryyou。But，MrBoldwood，hesitationonsohighamatterishonourableinanywoman，andIdon’twanttogiveasolemnpromisetonight。Iwould，ratheraskyoutowaitafewweekstillIcanseemysituationbetter。’
`Butyouhaveeveryreasontobelievethatthen——’
`Ihaveeveryreasontohopethatattheendofthefiveorsixweeks，betweenthistimeandharvest，thatyousayyouaregoingtobeawayfromhome，Ishallbeabletopromisetobeyourwife，’shesaidfirmly。`Butrememberthisdistinctly，Idon’tpromiseyet。’
`Itisenough；Idon’taskmore。Icanwaitonthosedearwords。Andnow，MissEverdene，good-night！’
`Good-night，’shesaidgraciously-almosttenderly；andBoldwoodwithdrewwithaserenesmile。