NowOak，withmarvellousingenuity，hadbeengoingtointroducethegallantsergeantthroughthechannelof`badcharacters’。Butallatoncetheschemebrokedown，itsuddenlyoccurringtohimthatthiswasratheraclumsyway，andtoobarefacedtobeginwith。Hetriedanotherpreamble。
`Andasthemanwhowouldnaturallycometomeetyouisawayfromhome，too-ImeanFarmerBoldwood-why，thinksI，I’llgo，hesaid。
`Ah，yes。’Shewalkedonwithoutturningherhead，andformanystepsnothingfartherwasheardfromherquarterthantherustleofherdressagainsttheheavycorn-ears。Thensheresumedrathertartly——
`Idon’tquiteunderstandwhatyoumeantbysayingthatMrBoldwoodwouldnaturallycometomeetme。
`Imeantonaccountoftheweddingwhichtheysayislikelytotakeplacebetweenyouandhim，miss。Forgivemyspeakingplainly。’
`Theysaywhatisnottrue，’shereturnedquickly。`Nomarriageislikelytotakeplacebetweenus。’
Gabrielnowputforthhisunobscuredopinion，forthemomenthadcome。
`Well，MissEverdene，’hesaid，`puttingasidewhatpeoplesay，Ineverinmylifesawanycourtingifhisisnotacourtingofyou。’
Bathshebawouldprobablyhaveterminatedtheconversationthereandthenbyflatlyforbiddingthesubject，hadnotherconsciousweaknessofpositionalluredhertopalterandargueinendeavourstobetterit。
`Sincethissubjecthasbeenmentioned，’shesaidveryemphatically，`Iamgladoftheopportunityofclearingupamistakewhichiiverycommonandveryprovoking。Ididn’tdefinitelypromiseMrBoldwoodanything。I
havenevercaredforhim。Irespecthim，andhehasurgedmetomarryhim。
ButIhavegivenhimnodistinctanswer。AssoonashereturnsIshalldoso；andtheanswerwillbethatIcannotthinkofmarryinghim。’
`Peoplearefallofmistakes，seemingly。’
`Theyare。’
`Theotherdaytheysaidyouweretriflingwithhim，andyoualmostprovedthatyouwerenot；latelytheyhavesaidthatyoubenot，andyoustraightawaybegintoshow——’
`ThatIam，Isupposeyoumean。’
`Well，Ihopetheyspeakthetruth。’
`Theydo，butwronglyapplied。Idon’ttriflewithhim；butthen，I
havenothingtodowithhim。’
OakwasunfortunatelyledontospeakofBoldwood’srivalinawrongtonetoherafterall。`IwishyouhadnevermetthatyoungSergeantTroy，miss，’hesighed。
Bathsheba’sstepsbecamefaintlyspasmodic。`Why？’sheasked。
`Heisnotgoodenoughfor’ee。’
`Didanyonetellyoutospeaktomelikethis？’
`Nobodyatall。’
`ThenitappearstomethatSergeantTroydoesnotconcernushere，’
shesaidintractably。`YetImustsaythatSergeantTroyisaneducatedman，andquiteworthyofanywoman。Heiswellborn。’
`Hisbeinghigherinlearningandbirththantherucko’soldiersisanythingbutaproofofhisworth。Itshowshiscoursetobedown’ard。’
`Icannotseewhatthishastodowithourconversation。MrTroy’scourseisnotbyanymeansdownward；andhissuperiorityisaproofofhisworth！’
`Ibelievehimtohavenoconscienceatall。AndIcannothelpbeggingyou，miss，tohavenothingtodowithhim。Listentomethisonce-onlythisonce！Idon’tsayhe’ssuchabadmanasIhavefancied-IpraytoGodheisnot。Butsincewedon’texactlyknowwhatheis，whynotbehaveasifhemightbebad，simplyforyourownsafety？Don’ttrusthim，mistress；Iaskyounottotrusthimso。’
`Why，pray？’
`Ilikesoldiers，butthisoneIdonotlike，’hesaidsturdily。`Hisclevernessinhiscallingmayhavetemptedhimastray，andwhatismirthtotheneighboursisruintothewoman。Whenhetriestotalkto’eeagain，whynotturnawaywithashort“Goodday“；andwhenyouseehimcomingoneway，turntheother。Whenhesaysanythinglaughable，failtoseethepointanddon’tsmile，andspeakofhimbeforethosewhowillreportyourtalkas“thatfantasticalman“，or“thatSergeantWhat’s-his-name“，“Thatmanofafamilythathascometothedogs。”Don’tbeunmannerlytowardsen，butharmless-uncivil，andsogetridoftheman。
NoChristmasrobindetainedbyawindow-paneeverpulsedasdidBathshebanow。
`Isay-Isayagain-thatitdoesn’tbecomeyoutotalkabouthim。
Whyheshouldbementionedpassesmequite！’sheexclaimeddesperately。
`Iknowthis，th-th-thatheisathoroughlyconscientiousman-bluntsometimeseventorudeness-butalwaysspeakinghismindaboutyouplaintoyourface！’
`Oh。’
`Heisasgoodasanybodyinthisparish！Heisveryparticular，too，aboutgoingtochurch-yes，heis！’
Iamafeardnobodyeversawhimthere。Ineverdid，certainly。’
`Thereasonofthatis，’shesaideagerly，`thathegoesinprivatelybytheoldtowerdoor，justwhentheservicecommences，andsitsatthebackofthegallery。Hetoldmeso。’
ThissupremeinstanceofTroy’sgoodnessfelluponGabriel’searslikethethirteenthstrokeofacrazyclock。Itwasnotonlyreceivedwithutterincredulityasregardeditself，butthrewadoubtonalltheassurancesthathadprecededit。
Oakwasgrievedtofindhowentirelyshetrustedhim。Hebrimmedwithdeepfeelingasherepliedinasteadyvoice，thesteadinessofwhichwasspoiltbythepalpablenessofhisgreatefforttokeepitso：——
`Youknowmistress，thatIloveyou，andshallloveyoualways。IonlymentionthistobringtoyourmindthatatanyrateIwouldwishtodoyounoharm：beyondthatIputitaside。Ihavelostintheraceformoneyandgoodthings，andIamnotsuchafoolastopretendto’eenowIampoor，andyouhavegotaltogetheraboveme。ButBathsheba，dearmistress，thisIbegyoutoconsider-that，bothtokeepyourselfwellhonouredamongtheworkfolk，andincommongenerositytoanhonourablemanwholovesyouaswellasI，youshouldbemorediscreetinyourbearingtowardsthissoldier。’
`Don’t，don’t，don’t！’sheexclaimed，inachokingvoice。
`Areyenotmoretomethanmyownaffairs，andevenlife！’hewenton。`Come，listentome！Iamsixyearsolderthanyou，andMrBoldwoodistenyearsolderthanI，andconsider-Idobegof’eetoconsiderbeforeitistoolate-howsafeyouwouldbeinhishands！’
Oak’sallusiontohisownloveforherlessened，tosomeextent，herangerathisinterference；butshecouldnotreallyforgivehimforlettinghiswishtomarryherbeeclipsedbyhiswishtodohergood，anymorethanforhisslightingtreatmentofTroy。
`Iwishyoutogoelsewhere，’shecommanded，apalenessoffaceinvisibletotheeyebeingsuggestedbythetremblingwords。`Donotremainonthisfarmanylonger。Idon’twantyou-Ibegyoutogo！’
`That’snonsense，’saidOakcalmly。`Thisisthesecondtimeyouhavepretendedtodismissme；andwhat’stheuseo’it？’
`Pretended！Youshallgo，sir-yourlecturingIwillnothear！Iammistresshere。’
`Go，indeed-whatfollywillyousaynext？TreatingmelikeDick，TomandHarrywhenyouknowthatashorttimeagomypositionwasasgoodasyours！Uponmylife，Bathsheba，itistoobarefaced。Youknow，too，thatIcan’tgowithoutputtingthingsinsuchastraitasyouwouldn’tgetoutofIcan’ttellwhen。Unless，indeed，you’llpromisetohaveanunderstandingmanasbailiff，ormanager，orsomething。I’llgoatonceifyou’llpromisethat。’
`Ishallhavenobailiff，Ishallcontinuetobemyownmanager，’shesaiddecisively。
`Verywell，then；youshouldbethankfultomeforbiding。Howwouldthefarmgoonwithnobodytominditbutawoman？butmindthis，Idon’twish’eetofeelyouowemeanything。NotI。chatIdo，Ido。SometimesIsayIshouldbeasgladasabirdtoleavetheplace-fordon’tsupposeI’mcontenttobeanobody。Iwasmadeforbetterthings。However，Idon’tliketoseeyourconcernsgoingtoruin，astheymustifyoukeepinthismind……Ihatetakingmyownmeasuresoplain，but，uponmylife，yourprovokingwaysmakeamansaywhathewouldn’tdreamofatothertimes！
Iowntobeingratherinterfering。Butyouknowwellenoughhowitis，andwhosheisthatIliketoowell，andfeeltoomuchlikeafoolabouttobeciviltoher！’
Itismorethanprobablethatsheprivatelyandunconsciouslyrespectedhimalittleforthisgrimfidelity，whichhadbeenshowninhistoneevenmorethaninhiswords。Atanyrateshemurmuredsomethingtotheeffectthathemightstayifhewished。Shesaidmoredistinctly，`Willyouleavemealonenow？Idon’torderitasamistress-Iaskitasawoman，andIexpectyounottobesouncourteousastorefuse。’
`CertainlyIwill，MissEverdene，’saidGabrielgently。Hewonderedthattherequestshouldhavecomeatthismoment，forthestrifewasover，andtheywereonamostdesolatehill，farfromeveryhumanhabitation，andthehourwasgettinglate。Hestoodstillandallowedhertogetfaraheadofhimtillhecouldonlyseeherformuponthesky。
Adistressingexplanationofthisanxietytoberidofhimatthatpointnowensued。Afigureapparentlyrosefromtheearthbesideher。TheshapebeyondalldoubtwasTroy’s。Oakwouldnotbeevenapossiblelistener，andatonceturnedbacktillagoodtwohundredyardswerebetweentheloversandhimself。
Gabrielwenthomebywayofthechurchyard。Inpassingthetowerhethoughtofwhatshehadsaidaboutthesergeant’svirtuoushabitofenteringthechurchunperceivedatthebeginningofservice。Believingthatthelittlegallerydooralludedtowasquitedisused，heascendedtheexternalflightofstepsatthetopofwhichitstood，andexaminedit。Thepalelustreyethanginginthenorth-westernheavenwassufficienttoshowthatasprigofivyhadgrownfromthewallacrossthedoortoalengthofmorethanafoot，delicatelytyingthepaneltothestonejamb。ItwasadecisiveproofthatthedoorhadnotbeenopenedatleastsinceTroycamebacktoWeatherbury。
CHAPTERTHIRTYHotCheeksandTearfulEyesHalfanhourlaterBathshebaenteredherownhouse。Thereburntuponherfacewhenshemetthelightofthecandlestheflushandexcitementwhichwerelittlelessthanchronicwithhernow。ThefarewellwordsofTroy，whohadaccompaniedhertotheverydoor，stilllingeredinherears。Hehadbiddenheradieufortwodays，whichwere，sohestated，tobespentatBathinvisitingsomefriends。Hehadalsokissedherasecondtime。
ItisonlyfairtoBathshebatoexplainherealittlefactwhichdidnotcometolighttillalongtimeafterwards：thatTroy’spresentationofhimselfsoaptlyattheroadsidethiseveningwasnotbyanydistinctlypreconcertedarrangement。Hehadhinted-shehadforbidden；anditwasonlyonthechanceofhisstillcomingthatshehaddismissedOak，fearingameetingbetweenthemjustthen。
Shenowsankdownintoachair，wildandperturbedbyallthesenewandfeveringsequences。Thenshejumpedupwithamannerofdecision，andfetchedherdeskfromasidetable。
Inthreeminutes，withoutpauseormodification，shehadwrittenalettertoBoldwood，athisaddressbeyondCasterbridge，sayingmildlybutfirmlythatshehadwellconsideredthewholesubjecthehadbroughtbeforeherandkindlygivenhertimetodecideupon；thatherfinaldecisionwasthatshecouldnotmarryhim。ShehadexpressedtoOakanintentiontowaittillBoldwoodcamehomebeforecommunicatingtohimherconclusivereply。
ButBathshebafoundthatshecouldnotwait。
Itwasimpossibletosendthislettertillthenextday；yettoquellheruneasinessbygettingitoutofherhands，andso，asitwere，settingtheactinmotionatonce，shearosetotakeittoanyoneofthewomenwhomightbeinthekitchen。
Shepausedinthepassage。Adialoguewasgoingoninthekitchen，andBathshebaandTroywerethesubjectofit。
`Ifhemarryher，she’llgieupfarming。’
`’Twillbeagallantlife，butmaybringsometroublebetweenthemirth-sosayI。’
`Well，IwishIhadhalfsuchahusband。’
Bathshebahadtoomuchsensetomindseriouslywhatherservitorssaidabouther；buttoomuchwomanlyredundanceofspeechtoleavealonewhatwassaidtillitdiedthenaturaldeathofunmindedthings。Sheburstinuponthem。
`Whoareyouspeakingof？’sheasked。
Therewasapausebeforeanybodyreplied。AtlastLiddysaidfrankly，`Whatwaspassingwasabitofwordaboutyourself，miss。’
`Ithoughtso！MaryannandLiddyandTemperance-nowIforbidyoutosupposesuchthings。YouknowIdon’tcaretheleastforMrTroy-notI。EverybodyknowshowmuchIhatehim-Yes，’repeatedthefrowardyoungperson，`hatehim！’
`Weknowyoudo，miss，’saidLiddy；`andsodoweall。’
`Ihatehimtoo，’saidMaryann。
`Maryann-Oyouperjuredwoman！Howcanyouspeakthatwickedstory！’
saidBathshebaexcitedly`Youadmiredhimfromyourheartonlythismorningintheveryworld，youdid。Yes，Maryann，youknowit！’
`Yes，miss，butsodidyou。Heisawildscampnow，andyouarerighttohatehim。’
`He’snotawildscamp！Howdareyoutomyface！Ihavenorighttohatehim，noryou，noranybody。ButIamasillywoman！Whatisittomewhatheis？Youknowitisnothing。Idon’tcareforhim；Idon’tmeantodefendhisgoodname，notI。Mindthis，ifanyofyousayawordagainsthimyou’llbedismissedinstantly！’
Sheflungdowntheletterandsurgedbackintotheparlour，withabigheartandtearfuleyes，Liddyfollowingher。
`Omiss！’saidmildLiddy，lookingpitifullyintoBathsheba’sface。
`Iamsorrywemistookyouso！Ididthinkyoucaredforhim；butIseeyoudon’tnow。
`Shutthedoor，Liddy。’
Liddyclosedthedoor，andwenton：`Peoplealwayssaysuchfoolery，miss。I’llmakeanswerhencefor’ard，“OfcoursealadylikeMissEverdenecan’tlovehim“，I’llsayitoutinplainblackandwhite。’
Bathshebaburstout：`OLiddy，areyousuchasimpleton？Can’tyoureadriddles？Can’tyousee？Areyouawomanyourself？’
Liddy’scleareyesroundedwithwonderment。
`Yes，youmustbeablindthing，Liddy！’shesaidinrecklessabandonmentandgrief。`O，Ilovehimtoverydistractionandmiseryandagony！Don’tbefrightenedatme，thoughperhapsIamenoughtofrightenanyinnocentwoman。Comecloser-closer。’SheputherarmsroundLiddy’sneck。`Imustletitouttosomebody；itiswearingmeaway！Don’tyouyetknowenoughofmetoseethroughthatmiserabledenialofmine？OGod，whatalieitwas！Heavenandmyloveforgiveme。Anddon’tyouknowthatawomanwholovesatallthinksnothingofperjurywhenitisbalancedagainstherlove？There，gooutoftheroom；Iwanttobequitealone。’
Liddywenttowardsthedoor。
`Liddy，comehere。Solemnlysweartomethathe’snotafastman；thatitisallliestheysayabouthim！’
`But，miss，howcanIsayheisnotif——’
`Yougracelessgirl！Howcanyouhavethecruelhearttorepeatwhattheysay？Unfeelingthingthatyouare……ButI’llseeifyouoranybodyelseinthevillage，ortowneither，daredosuchathing！’Shestartedoffpacingfromfireplacetodoor，andbackagain。
`No，miss。Idon’t-Iknowitisnottrue！’saidLiddyfrightenedatBathsheba’sunwontedvehemence。
`Isupposeyouonlyagreewithmelikethattopleaseme。ButLiddy，hecannotbebad，asissaid。Doyouhear？’
`Yes，miss，yes。’
`Andyoudon’tbelieveheis？’
`Idon’tknowwhattosay，miss，’saidLiddy，beginningtocry。`IfIsayNo，youdon’tbelieveme；andifIsayYes，yourageatme！’
`Sayyoudon’tbelieveit-sayyoudon’t！’
`Idon’tbelievehimtobesobadastheymakeout。’
`Heisnotbadatall……Mypoorlifeandheart，howweakIam！’shemoaned，inarelaxed，desultoryway，heedlessofLiddy’spresence。`O，howIwishIhadneverseenhim！lovingismiseryforwomenalways。IshallneverforgiveGodformakingmeawoman，anddearlyamIbeginningtopayforthehonourofowningaprettyface。’ShefreshenedandturnedtoLiddysuddenly。`Mindthis，LydiaSmallbury，ifyourepeatanywhereasinglewordofwhatIhavesaidtoyouinsidethiscloseddoor，I’llnevertrustyou，orloveyou，orhaveyouwithmeamomentlonger-notamoment！’
`Idon’twanttorepeatanything，’saidLiddy，withwomanlydignityofadiminutiveorder；`butIdon’twishtostaywithyou。And，ifyouplease，I’llgoattheendoftheharvest，orthisweek，orto-day……I
don’tseethatIdeservetobeputuponandstormedatfornothing！’concludedthesmallwoman，bigly。
`No，no，Liddy；youmuststay！’saidBathsheba，droppingfromhaughtinesstoentreatywithcapriciousinconsequence。`Youmustnotnoticemybeinginatakingjustnow。Youarenotasaservant-youareacompaniontome。Dear，dear-Idon’tknowwhatIamdoingsincethismiserableacheo’myhearthasweightedandwornuponmeso！WhatshallIcometo！IsupposeIshallgetfartherandfartherintotroubles。IwondersometimesifI
amdoomedtodieintheUnion。Iamfriendlessenough，Godknows！’
`Iwon’tnoticeanything，norwillIleaveyou！’sobbedLiddy，impulsivelyputtingupherlipstoBathsheba’s，andkissingher。
ThenBathshebakissedLiddy，andallwassmoothagain。
`Idon’toftencry，doI，Lidd？butyouhavemadetearscomeintomyeyes，’shesaid，asmileshiningthroughthemoisture。`Trytothinkhimagoodman，won’tyou，dearLiddy？’
`Iwill，miss，indeed。’
`Heisasortofsteadymaninawildwayyouknow。That’sbetterthantobeassomeare，wildinasteadyway。Iamafraidthat’showIam。Andpromisemetokeepmysecret-do，Liddy！Anddonotletthemknow`thatIhavebeencryingabouthim，becauseitwillbedreadfulforme，andnogoodtohim，poorthing！’
`Death’sheadhimselfshan’twringitfromme，mistress，ifI’veamindtokeepanything；andI’llalwaysbeyourfriend，’repliedLiddyemphatically，atthesametimebringingafewmoretearsintoherowneyes，notfromanyparticularnecessity，butfromanartisticsenseofmakingherselfinkeepingwiththeremainderofthepicture，whichseemstoinfluencewomenatsuchtimes。`IthinkGodlikesustobegoodfriends，don’tyou？’
`IndeedIdo。’
`And，dearmiss，youwon’tharrymeandstormatme，willyou？becauseyouseemtoswellsotallasalionthen，anditfrightensme！Doyouknow，Ifancyyouwouldbeamatchforanymanwhenyouareinoneofyourtakings。’
`Never！doyou？’saidBathsheba，slightlylaughing，thoughsomewhatseriouslyalarmedbythisAmazonianpictureofherself。`IhopeIamnotaboldsortofmaid-mannish？’shecontinuedwithsomeanxiety。
`Ono，notmannish；butsoalmightywomanish，that’tisgettingonthatwaysometimes。Ah！miss，’shesaid，afterhavingdrawnherbreathverysadlyinandsentitverysadlyout，`IwishIhadhalfyourfailingthatway。’Tisagreatprotectiontoapoormaidintheseillegit’matedays！’
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONEBlame-FuryThenexteveningBathsheba，withtheideaofgettingoutofthewayofMrBoldwoodintheeventofhisreturningtoanswerhernoteinperson，proceededtofulfilanengagementmadewithLiddysomefewhoursearlier。
Bathsheba’scompanion，asagageoftheirreconciliation，hadbeengrantedaweek’sholidaytovisithersister，whowasmarriedtoathrivinghurdlerandcattle-crib-makerlivinginadelightfullabyrinthofhazelcopsenotfarbeyondYalbury。ThearrangementwasthatMissEverdeneshouldhonourthembycomingthereforadayortwotoinspectsomeingeniouscontrivanceswhichthismanofthewoodshadintroducedintohiswares。
LeavingherinstructionswithGabrielandMaryann，thattheyweretoseeeverythingcarefullylockedupforthenight，shewentoutofthehousejustatthecloseofatimelythunder-shower，whichhadrefinedtheair，anddaintilybathedthecoatoftheland，thoughallbeneathwasdryasever。Freshnesswasexhaledinanessencefromthevariedcontoursofbankandhollow，asiftheearthbreathedmaidenbreathandthepleasedbirdswerehymningtothescene。Beforeher，amongtheclouds，therewasacontrastintheshapeoflairsoffiercelightwhichshowedthemselvesintheneighbourhoodofahiddensun，lingeringontothefarthestnorth-westcorneroftheheavensthatthismidsummerseasonallowed。
Shehadwalkednearlytwomilesofherjourney，watchinghowthedaywasretreating，andthinkinghowthetimeofdeedswasquietlymeltingintothetimeofthought，togiveplaceinitsturntothetimeofprayerandsleep，whenshebeheldadvancingoverYalburyhilltheverymanshesoughtsoanxiouslytoelude。Boldwoodwassteppingon，notwiththatquiettreadofreservedstrengthwhichwashiscustomarygait，inwhichhealwaysseemedtobebalancingtwothoughts。Hismannerwasstunnedandsluggishnow。
Boldwoodhadforthefirsttimebeenawakenedtowoman’sprivilegesintergiversationevenwhenitinvolvesanotherperson’spossibleblight。
ThatBathshebawasafirmandpositivegirl，farlessinconsequentthanherfellows，hadbeentheverylungofhishope；forhehadheldthatthesequalitieswouldleadhertoadheretoastraightcourseforconsistency’ssake，andaccepthim，thoughherfancymightnotfloodhimwiththeiridescenthuesofuncriticallove。Buttheargumentnowcamebackassorrygleamsfromabrokenmirror。Thediscoverywasnolessascourgethanasurprise。
Hecameonlookingupontheground，anddidnotsecBathshebatilltheywerelessthanastone’sthrowapart。Helookedupatthesoundofherpit-pat，andhischangedappearancesufficientlydenotedtoherthedepthandstrengthofthefeelingsparalyzedbyherletter。
`Oh；isityou，MrBoldwood？’shefaltered，aguiltywarmthpulsinginherface。
Thosewhohavethepowerofreproachinginsilencemayfinditameansmoreeffectivethanwords。Thereareaccentsintheeyewhicharenotonthetongue，andmoretalescomefrompalelipsthancanenteranear。Itisboththegrandeurandthepainoftheremotermoodsthattheyavoidthepathwayofsound。Boldwood’slookwasunanswerable。
Seeingsheturnedalittleaside，hesaid，`What，areyouafraidofme？’
`Whyshouldyousaythat？’saidBathsheba。
`Ifanciedyoulookedso，’saidhe。`Anditismoststrange，becauseofitscontrastwithmyfeelingforyou。’
Sheregainedself-possession，fixedhereyescalmly，andwaited。
`Youknowwhatthatfeelingis，’continuedBoldwooddeliberately。`A
thingstrongasdeath。Nodismissalbyahastyletteraffectsthat。’
`Iwishyoudidnotfeelsostronglyaboutme，’shemurmured。`Itisgenerousofyou，andmorethanIdeserve，butImustnothearitnow。’
`Hearit？WhatdoyouthinkIhavetosay，then？Iamnottomarryyou，andthat’senough。Yourletterwasexcellentlyplain。Iwantyoutohearnothing-notI。’
Bathshebawasunabletodirectherwillintoanydefinitegrooveforfreeingherselffromthisfearfullyawkwardposition。Sheconfusedlysaid，`Goodevening，’andwasmovingon。Boldwoodwalkeduptoherheavilyanddully。
`Bathsheba-darling-isitfinalindeed？’
`Indeeditis。’
`OBathsheba-havepityuponme！’Boldwoodburstout。`God’ssake，yes-Iamcometothatlow，loweststage-toaskawomanforpity！Still，sheisyou-sheisyou。’
Bathshebacommandedherselfwell。Butshecouldhardlygetaclearvoiceforwhatcameinstinctivelytoherlips：`Thereislittlehonourtothewomaninthatspeech。’Itwasonlywhispered，forsomethingunutterablymournfulnolessthandistressinginthisspectacleofamanshowinghimselftobesoentirelythevaneofapassionenervatedthefeminineinstinctforpunctilios。
`Iambeyondmyselfaboutthis，andammad，’hesaid。`Iamnostoicatalltobesupplicatinghere；butIdosupplicatetoyou。Iwishyouknewwhatisinmeofdevotiontoyou；butitisimpossible，that。Inbarehumanmercytoalonelyman，don’tthrowmeoffnow！’
`Idon’tthrowyouoff-indeed，howcanI？Ineverhadyou。’Inhernoon-clearsensethatshehadneverlovedhimsheforgotforamomentherthoughtlessangleonthatdayinFebruary。
`Buttherewasatimewhenyouturnedtome，beforeIthoughtofyou！
Idon’treproachyou，forevennowIfeelthattheignorantandcolddarknessthatIshouldhavelivedinifyouhadnotattractedmebythatletter-valentineyoucallit-wouldhavebeenworsethanmyknowledgeofyou，thoughithasbroughtthismisery。But，Isay，therewasatimewhenI
knewnothingofyou，andcarednothingforyou，andyetyoudrewmeon。
Andifyousayyougavemenoencouragement，Icannotbutcontradictyou。’
`Whatyoucallencouragementwasthechildishgameofanidleminute。
Ihavebitterlyrepentedofit-ay，bitterly，andintears。Canyoustillgoonremindingme？’
`Idon’taccuseyouofit-Ideploreit。Itookforearnestwhatyouinsistwasjest，andnowthisthatIpraytobejestyousayisawful，wretchedearnest。Ourmoodsmeetatwrongplaces。Iwishyourfeelingwasmorelikemine，ormyfeelingmorelikeyours！O，couldIbuthaveforeseenthetorturethattriflingtrickwasgoingtoleadmeinto，howIshouldhavecursedyou；butonlyhavingbeenabletoseeitsince，Icannotdothat，forIloveyoutoowell！Butitisweak，idledrivellingtogoonlikethis……Bathsheba，youarethefirstwomanofanyshadeornaturethatIhaveeverlookedattolove，anditisthehavingbeensonearclaimingyouformyownthatmakesthisdenialsohardtobear。Hownearlyyoupromisedme！ButIdon’tspeaknowtomoveyourheart，andmakeyougrievebecauseofmypain；itisnouse，that。Imustbearit；mypainwouldgetnolessbypainingyou。’
`ButIdopityyou-deeply-O，sodeeply！’sheearnestlysaid。
`Donosuchthing-donosuchthing。Yourdearlove，Bathsheba，issuchavastthingbesideyourpity，thatthelossofyourpityaswellasyourloveisnogreatadditiontomysorrow，nordoesthegainofyourpitymakeitsensiblyless。Osweet-howdearlyyouspoketomebehindthespear-bedatthewashing-pool，andinthebarnattheshearing，andthatdearestlasttimeintheeveningatyourhome！Whereareyourpleasantwordsallgone-yourearnesthopetobeabletoloveme？Whereisyourfirmconvictionthatyouwouldgettocareformeverymuch？Reallyforgotten？-
really？’
Shecheckedemotion，lookedhimquietlyandclearlyintheface，andsaidinherlow，firmvoice，`MrBoldwood，Ipromisedyounothing。Wouldyouhavehadmeawomanofclaywhenyoupaidmethatfarthest，highestcomplimentamancanpayawoman-tellingherhelovesher？Iwasboundtoshowsomefeeling，ifIwouldnotbeagracelessshrew。Yeteachofthosepleasureswasjustfortheday-thedayjustforthepleasure。HowwasItoknowthatwhatisapastimetoallothermenwasdeathtoyou？
Havereason，do，andthinkmorekindlyofme！’
`Well，nevermindarguing-nevermind。Onethingissure：youwereallbutmine，andnowyouarenotnearlymine。Everythingischanged，andthatbyyoualone，remember。Youwerenothingtomeonce，andIwascontented；
youarenownothingtomeagain，andhowdifferentthesecondnothingisfromthefirst！WouldtoGodyouhadnevertakenmeup，sinceitwasonlytothrowmedown！’
Bathsheba，inspiteofhermettle，begantofeelunmistakablesignsthatshewasinherentlytheweakervessel。Shestrovemiserablyagainstthisfemininitywhichwouldinsistuponsupplyingunbiddenemotionsinstrongerandstrongercurrent。Shehadtriedtoeludeagitationbyfiringhermindonthetrees，sky，anytrivialobjectbeforehereyes，whilsthisreproachesfell，butingenuitycouldnotsavehernow。
`Ididnottakeyouup-surelyIdidnot！’sheansweredasheroicallyasshecould。`Butdon’tbeinthismoodwithme。IcanendurebeingtoldIaminthewrong，ifyouwillonlytellitmegently！Osir，willyounotkindlyforgiveme，andlookatitcheerfully？’
`Cheerfully！Canamanfooledtoutterheart-burningfindareasonforbeingmerry？IfIhavelost，howcanIbeasifIhadwon？Heavens，youmustbeheartlessquite！HadIknownwhatafearfullybittersweetthiswastobe，howIwouldhaveavoidedyou，andneverseenyou，andbeendeaftoyou。Itellyouallthis，butwhatdoyoucare！Youdon’tcare。’
Shereturnedsilentandweakdenialstohischarges，andswayedherheaddesperately，asiftothrustawaythewordsastheycameshoweringaboutherearsfromthelipsofthetremblingmanintheclimaxoflife，withhisbronzedI“omanfaceandfineframe。
`Dearest，dearest，Iamwaveringevennowbetweenthetwooppositesofrecklesslyrenouncingyou，andlabouringhumblyforyouagain。ForgetthatyouhavesaidNo，andletitbeasitwas！Say，Bathsheba，thatyouonlywrotethatrefusaltomeinfan-come，sayittome！’
`Itwouldbeuntrue，andpainfultobothofus。Youoverratemycapacityforlove。Idon’tpossesshalfthewarmthofnatureyoubelievemetohave。
Anunprotectedchildhoodinacoldworldhasbeatengentlenessoutofme。’
Heimmediatelysaidwithmoreresentment：`Thatmaybetrue，somewhat；
butah，MissEverdene，itwon’tdoasareason！Youarenotthecoldwomanyouwouldhavemebelieve。No，no！Itisn’tbecauseyouhavenofeelinginyouthatyoudon’tloveme。Younaturallywouldhavemethinkso-youwouldhidefrommethatyouhaveaburningheartlikemine。Youhaveloveenough，butitisturnedintoanewchannel。Iknowwhere。’
Theswiftmusicofherheartbecamehubbubnow，andshethrobbedtoextremity。HewascomingtoTroy。Hedidthenknowwhathadoccurred！Andthenamefellfromhislipsthenextmoment。
`WhydidTroynotleavemytreasurealone？’heaskedfiercely。`WhenIhadnothoughtofinjuringhim，whydidheforcehimselfuponyournotice！
Beforeheworriedyouyourinclinationwastohaveme；whennextIshouldhavecometoyouyouranswerwouldhavebeenYes。Canyoudenyit-Iask，canyoudenyit？’
Shedelayedthereply，butwastoohonesttowithholdit。`Icannot，’
shewhispered。
`Iknowyoucannot。Buthestoleininmyabsenceandrobbedme。Whydidn’thewinyouawaybefore，whennobodywouldhavebeengrieved？-whennobodywouldhavebeensettale-bearing。Nowthepeoplesneeratme-theveryhillsandskyseemtolaughatmetillIblushshamefullyformyfolly。
Ihavelostmyrespect，mygoodname，mystanding-lostit，nevertogetitagain。Goandmarryyourman-goon！’
`Osir-MrBoldwood！’
`Youmayaswell。Ihavenofartherclaimuponyou。Asforme，Ihadbettergosomewherealone，andhide-andpray。Ilovedawomanonce。I
amnowashamed。WhenIamdeadthey’llsay，Miserablelove-sickmanthathewas。Heaven-heaven-ifIhadgotjiltedsecretly，andthedishonournotknown，andmypositionkept！Butnomatter，itisgone，andthewomannotgained。Shameuponhim-shame！’
Hisunreasonableangerterrifiedher，andsheglidedfromhim，withoutobviouslymoving，asshesaid，`Iamonlyagirl-donotspeaktomeso！’
`Allthetimeyouknew-howverywellyouknew-thatyournewfreakwasmymisery。Dazzledbybrassandscarlet-O，Bathsheba-thisiswoman’sfollyindeed！’
Shefiredupatonce。`Youaretakingtoomuchuponyourself！’shesaidvehemently。`Everybodyisuponme-everybody。Itisunmanlytoattackawomanso！Ihavenobodyintheworldtofightmybattlesforme；butnomercyisshown。Yetifathousandofyousneerandsaythingsagainstme，Iwillnotbeputdown！’
`You’llchatterwithhimdoubtlessaboutme。Saytohim，“Boldwoodwouldhavediedforme。”Yes，andyouhavegivenwaytohim，knowinghimtobenotthemanforyou。Hehaskissedyou-claimedyouashis。Doyouhear-hehaskissedyou。Denyit！’
Themosttragicwomaniscowedbyatragicman，andalthoughBoldwoodwas，invehemenceandglow，nearlyherownselfrenderedintoanothersex，Bathsheba’scheekquivered。Shegasped，`Leaveme，sir-leaveme！Iamnothingtoyou。Letmegoon！’
`Denythathehaskissedyou。’
`Ishallnot。’
`Ha-thenhehas！’camehoarselyfromthefarmer。
`Hehas，’shesaidslowly，and，inspiteofherfear，defiantly，`I
amnotashamedtospeakthetruth。’
`Thencursehim；andcursehim！’saidBoldwood，breakingintoawhisperedfury。`WhilstIwouldhavegivenworldstotouchyourhand，youhaveletarakecomeinwithoutrightorceremonyand-Kissyou！Heaven’smercy-kissyou！……Ah，atimeofhislifeshallcomewhenhewillhavetorepent，andthinkwretchedlyofthepainhehascausedanotherman；andthenmayheache，andwish，andcurse，andyearn-asIdonow！’
`Don’t，don’t，O，don’tpraydowneviluponhim！’sheimploredinamiserablecry。`Anythingbutthat-anything。O，beKindtohim，sir，forIlovehimtrue！’
Boldwood’sideashadreachedthatpointoffusionatwhichoutlineandconsistencyentirelydisappear。Theimpendingnightappearedtoconcentrateinhiseye。Hedidnothearheratallnow。
`I’llpunishhim-bymysoul，thatwillI！I’llmeethim，soldierorno，andI’llhorsewhiptheuntimelystriplingforhisrecklesstheftofmyonedelight。IfhewereahundredmenI’dhorsewhiphim——’Hedroppedhisvoicesuddenlyandunnaturally。`Bathsheba，sweet，lostcoquette，pardonme！I’vebeenblamingyou，threateningyou，behavinglikeachurltoyou，whenhe’sthegreatestsinner。Hestoleyourdearheartawaywithhisunfathomablelies！……Itisafortunatethingforhimthathe’sgonebacktohisregiment-thathe’sawayupthecountry，andnothere！Ihopehemaynotreturnherejustyet。IprayGodhemaynotcomeintomysight，forImaybetemptedbeyondmyself。O，Bathsheba，keephimaway-yes，keephimawayfromme！’
ForamomentBoldwoodstoodsoinertlyafterthisthathissoulseemedtohavebeenentirelyexhaledwiththebreathofhispassionatewords。
Heturnedhisfaceaway，andwithdrew，andhisformwassooncoveredoverbythetwilightashisfootstepsmixedinwiththelowhissoftheleadtrees。
Bathsheba，whohadbeenstandingmotionlessasamodelallthislattertime，flungherhandstoherface，andwildlyattemptedtoponderontheexhibitionwhichhadjustpassedaway。SuchastoundingwellsoffeveredfeelinginastillmanlikeMrBoldwoodwereincomprehensible，dreadful。
Insteadofbeingamantrainedtorepressionhewas-whatshehadseenhim。
Theforceofthefarmer’sthreatslayintheirrelationtoacircumstanceknownatpresentonlytoherself；herloverwascomingbacktoWeatherburyinthecourseoftheverynextdayortwo。TroyhadnotreturnedtohisdistantbarracksasBoldwoodandotherssupposed，buthadmerelygonetovisitsomeacquaintanceinBath，andhadyetaweekormoreremainingtohisfurlough。
Shefeltwretchedlycertainthatifherevisitedherjustatthisnickoftime，andcameintocontactwithBoldwood，afiercequarrelwouldbetheconsequence。ShepantedwithsolicitudewhenshethoughtofpossibleinjurytoTroy。Theleastsparkwouldkindlethefarmer’sswiftfeelingsofrageandjealousy；hewouldlosehisself-masteryashehadthisevening；
Troy’sblithenessmightbecomeaggressive；itmighttakethedirectionofderision，andBoldwood’sangermightthantakethedirectionofrevenge。
Withalmostamorbiddreadofbeingthoughtagushinggirl，thisguidelesswomantoowellconcealedfromtheworldunderamannerofcarelessnessthewarmdepthsofherstrongemotions。Butnowtherewasnoreserve。Inherdistraction，insteadofadvancingfurthershewalkedupanddown，beatingtheairwithherfingers，pressingherbrow，andsobbingbrokenlytoherself。
Thenshesatdownonaheapofstonesbythewaysidetothink。Theresheremainedlong。Abovethedakmarginoftheearthappearedforeshoresandpromontoriesofcopperycloud，boundingagreenandpellucidexpanseinthewesternsky。Amaranthineglossescameoverthemthen，andtheunrestingworldwheeledherroundtoacontrastingprospecteastward，intheshapeofindecisiveandpalpitatingstart。Shegazedupontheirsilentthroesamidtheshadesofspace，butrealizednoneatall。HertroubledspiritwasfarawaywithTroy。
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWONight-HorsestrampingThevillageofWeatherburywasquietasthegraveyardinitsmidst，andthelivingwerelyingwellnighasstillasthedead。Thechurchclockstruckeleven。Theairwassoemptyofothersoundsthatthewhirroftheclock-workimmediatelybeforethestrokeswasdistinct，andsowasalsotheclickofthesameattheirclose。Thenotesflewforthwiththeusualblindobtusenessofinanimatethings-flappingandreboundingamongwalls，undulatingagainstthescatteredclouds，spreadingthroughtheirintersticesintounexploredmilesofspace。
Bathsheba’scranniedandmouldyhallswereto-nightoccupiedonlybyMaryann，Liddybeing，aswasstated，withhersister，whomBathshebahadsetouttovisit。Afewminutesafterelevenhadstruck，Maryannturnedinherbedwithasenseofbeingdisturbed。Shewastotallyunconsciousofthenatureoftheinterruptiontohersleep。Itledtoadream，andthedreamtoanawakening，withanuneasysensationthatsomethinghadhappened。Sheleftherbedandlikedoutofthewindow。Thepaddockabuttedonthisendofthebuilding，andinthepaddockshecouldjustdiscernbytheuncertaingrayamovingfigureapproachingthehorsethatwasfeedingthere。Thefigureseizedthehorsebytheforelock，andledittothecomerofthefield。Hereshecouldseesomeobjectwhichcircumstancesprovedtobeavehicle，forafterafewminutesspentapparentlyinharnessing，sheheardthetrotofthehorsedowntheroad，mingledwiththesoundoflightwheels。
Twovarietiesonlyofhumanitycouldhaveenteredthepaddockwiththeghost-likeglideofthatmysteriousfigure。Theywereawomanandagipsyman。Awomanwasoutofthequestioninsuchanoccupationatthishour，andthecomercouldbenolessthanathief，whomightprobablyhaveknowntheweaknessofthehouseholdonthisparticularnight，andhavechosenitonthataccountforhisdaringattempt。Moreover，toraisesuspiciontoconvictionitself，thereweregipsiesinWeatherburyBottom。
Maryann，whohadbeenafraidtoshoutintherobber’spresence，havingseenhimdeparthadnofear。Shehastilyslippedonherclothes，stumpeddownthedisjointedstaircasewithitshundredcreaks，rantoCoggan’s，thenearesthouse，andraisedanalarm。CoggancalledGabriel，whonowagainlodgedinhishouseasatfirst，andtogethertheywenttothepaddock。
Beyondalldoubtthehorsewasgone。
`Hark！’saidGabriel。
Theylistened。DistinctuponthestagnantaircamethesoundsofatrottinghorsepassingupLongpuddleLane-justblondthegipsies’encampmentinWeatherburyBottom。
`That’sourDainty-I’llsweartoherstep，’saidJan。
`Mightyme！Won’tmis’essstormandcallusstupidswhenshecomesback！’
moanedMaryann。`HowIwishithadhappenedwhenshewasathome，andnoneofushadbeenanswerable！’
`Wemustrideafter，’saidGabrieldecisively。`I’llberesponsibletoMissEvendeneforwhatwedo。Yes，we’llfollow。’
`Faith，Idon’tseehow，’saidCoggan。`Allourhors’saretooheavyforthattrickexceptlittlePoppet，andwhat’sshebetweentwoofus？-
Ifweonlyhadthatpairoverthehedgewemightdosomething。’
`Whichpair？’
`MrBoldwood’sTidyandMoll。’
`ThenwaitheretillIcomehitheragain，’saidGabriel。HerandownthehilltowardsFarmerBoldwood’s。
`FarmerBoldwoodisnotathome，’saidMaryann。
`Allthebetter，’saidCoggan。`Iknowwhathe’sgonefor。’
LessthanfiveminutesbroughtupOakagain，runningatthesamepace，withtwohaltersdanglingfromhishand。
`Wheredidyoufind`em？’saidCoggan，turningroundandleapinguponthehedgewithoutwaitingforananswer。
`Undertheeaves。Iknewwheretheywerekept，’saidGabriel，followinghim。`Coggan，youcanridebare-backed？there’snotimetolookforsaddles。’
`Likeahero！’saidJan。
`Maryann，yougotobed，’Gabrielshoutedtoherfromthetopofthehedge。
SpringingdownintoBoldwood’spastures，eachpocketedhishaltertohideitfromthehorses，who，seeingthemenempty-handed，docilelyallowedthemselvestobeseizedbythemane，whenthehaltersweredexterouslyslippedon。Havingneitherbitnorbridle，OakandCogganextemporizedtheformerbypassingtheropeineachcasethroughtheanimal’smouthandloopingitontheotherside。Oakvaultedastride，andCogganclamberedupbyaidofthebank，whentheyascendedtothegateandgallopedoffinthedirectiontakenbyBathsheba’shorseandtherobber。Whosevehiclethehorsehadbeenharnessedtowasamatterofsomeuncertainty。
WeatherburyBottomwasreachedinthreeorfourminutes。Theyscannedtheshadygreenpatchbytheroadside。Thegipsiesweregone。
`Thevillains！’saidGabriel。`Whichwayhavetheygone，Iwonder？’
`Straighton，assureasGodmadelittleapples，’saidJan。
`Verywell；wearebettermounted，andmustovertake`era，’saidOak。
`Nowonatfallspeed！’
Nosoundoftheriderintheirvancouldnowbediscovered。Theroad-metalgrewsofterandmoreclayeyasWeatherburywasleftbehind，andthelaterainhadwetteditssurfacetoasomewhatplastic，butnotmuddystate。
Theycametocross-roads。CoggansuddenlypulledupMollandslippedoff。
`What’sthematter？’saidGabriel。
`Wemusttrytotrack`era，sincewecan’thear’em，’saidJan，fumblinginhispockets。Hestruckalight，andheldthematchtotheground。Therainhadbeenheavierhere，andallfootandhorsetracksmadeprevioustothestormhadbeenabradedandblurredbythedrops，andtheywerenowsomanylittlescoopsofwater，whichreflectedtheflameofthematchlikeeyes。Onesetoftrackswasfreshandhadnowaterinthem；onepairofrutswasalsoempty，andnotsmallcanals，liketheothers。Thefootprintsformingthisrecentimpressionwerefallofinformationastopace；theywereinequidistantpairs，threeorfourfeetapart，therightandleftfootofeachpairbeingexactlyoppositeoneanother。
`Straighton！’Janexclaimed。`Trackslikethatmeanastiffgallop。
Nowonderwedon’thearhim。Andthehorseisharnessed-lookattheruts。
Ay，that’sourmare，sureenough！’
`Howdoyouknow？’
`OldJimmyHarrisonlyshoedherlastweek，andI’dsweartohismakeamongtenthousand。’
`Therestofthegipsiesmustha’goneonearlier，orsomeotherway，’
saidOak。`Yousawtherewerenoothertracks？’
`True。’Theyrodealongsilentlyforalongwearytime。Coggancarriedanoldpinchbeckrepeaterwhichhehadinheritedfromsomegeniusinhisfamily；anditnowstruckone。Helightedanothermatch，andexaminedthegroundagain。
`’Tisacanternow，’hesaid，throwingawaythelight。`Atwisty，ricketypaceforagig。Thefactis，theyoverdroveheratstarting；weshallcatch`emyet。
Againtheyhastenedon，andenteredBlackmoreVale。Coggan’swatchstrucktwo。Whentheylookedagainthehoof-marksweresospacedastoformasortofzigzagifunited，likethelampsalongastreet。
`That’satrot，Iknow，’saidGabriel。
`Onlyatrotnow，’saidCoggancheerfully。`Weshallovertakehimintime。’
Theypushedrapidlyonforyettwoorthreemiles。`Ah！amoment，’saidJan。`Let’sseehowshewasdrivenupthishill。`Twillhelpus。’Alightwaspromptlystruckuponhisgaitersasbefore，andtheexaminationmade。
`Hurrah！’saidCoggan。`Shewalkeduphere-andwellshemight。Weshallgetthemintwomiles，foracrown。
Theyrodethree，andlistened。Nosoundwastobeheardsaveamillpondtricklinghoarselythroughahatch，andsuggestinggloomypossibilitiesofdrowningbyjumpingin。Gabrieldismountedwhentheycametoaturning。
Thetrackswereabsolutelytheonlyguideastothedirectionthattheynowhad，andgreatcautionwasnecessarytoavoidconfusingthemwithsomeotherswhichhadmadetheirappearancelately。
`Whatdoesthismean？-thoughIguess，’saidGabriel，lookingupatCogganashemovedthematchoverthegroundabouttheturning。Coggan，who，nolessthanthepantinghorses，hadlatterlyshownsignsofweariness，againscrutinizedthemysticcharacters。Thistimeonlythreewereoftheregularhorseshoeshape。Everyfourthwasadot。
Hescreweduphisface，andemittedalong`whew-w-w！’
`Lame，’saidOak。
`Yes。Daintyislamed；thenear-foot-afore，’saidCogganslowlystaringstillatthefootprints。
`We’llpushon，’saidGabriel，remountinghishumidsteed。
Althoughtheroadalongitsgreaterparthadbeenasgoodasanyturnpike-roadinthecountry，itwasnominallyonlyabyway。ThelastturninghadbroughtthemintothehighroadleadingtoBath。Cogganrecollectedhimself。
`Weshallhavehimnow！’heexclaimed。
`Where？’
`ShertonTurnpike。Thekeeperofthatgateisthesleepiestmanbetweenhereandlondon-DanRandall，that’shisname-knowedenforyears，whenhewasatCasterbridgegate。Betweenthelamenessaidthegate’tisadonejob。’
Theynowadvancedwithextremecaution。Nothingwassaiduntil，againstashadybackgroundoffoliage，fivewhitebarswerevisible，crossingtheirroutealittlewayahead。
`Hush-wearealmostclose！’saidGabriel。
`Ambleonuponthegrass，’saidCoggan。
Thewhitebarswereblottedoutinthemidstbyadarkshapeinfrontofthem。Thesilenceofthislonelytimewaspiercedbyanexclamationfromthatquarter。
`Hoy-a-hoy！Gate！’
Itappearedthattherehadbeenapreviouscallwhichtheyhadnotnoticed，forontheircloseapproachthedooroftheturnpike-houseopened，andthekeepercameouthalf-dressed，withacandleinhishand。Theraysilluminedthewholegroup。
`Keepthegateclose！’shoutedGabriel。`Hehasstolenthehorse！’
`Who？’saidtheturnpike-man。
Gabriellookedatthedriverofthegig，andsawawoman-Bathsheba，hismistress。
Onhearinghisvoiceshehadturnedherfaceawayfromthelight。Cogganhad，however，caughtsightofherinthemeanwhile。
`Why，’tismistress-I’lltakemyoath！’hesaid，amazed。
Bathshebaitcertainlywas，andshehadbythistimedonethetrickshecoulddosowellincrisesnotoflove，namely，maskasurprisebycoolnessofmanner。
`Well，Gabriel，’sheinquiredquietly，`whereareyougoing？’
`Wethought——’beganGabriel。
`IamdrivingtoBath，’shesaid，takingforherownusetheassurancethatGabriellacked。`AnimportantmattermadeitnecessaryformetogiveupmyvisittoLiddy，andgooffatonce。What，then，wereyoufollowingme？’
`Wethoughtthehorsewasstole。’
`Well-whatathing！HowveryfoolishofyounottoknowthatIhadtakenthetrapandhorse。IcouldneitherwakeMaryannnorgetintothehouse，thoughIhammeredfortenminutesagainstherwindow-sill。
Fortunately，Icouldgetthekeyofthecoach-house，soItroublednoonefarther。Didn’tyouthinkitmightbeme？’
`Whyshouldwe，miss？’
`Perhapsnot。Why，thoseareneverFarmerBoldwood’shorses！Goodnessmerry！whathaveyoubeendoing-bringingtroubleuponmeinthisway？
What！mustn’taladymoveaninchfromherdoorwithoutbeingdoggedlikeathief？’
`Buthowwaswetoknow，ifyouleftnoaccountofyourdoings？’expostulatedCoggan，`andladiesdon’tdriveatthesehours，miss，asajineralruleofsociety。
`Ididleaveanaccount-andyouwouldhaveseenitinthemorning。
Iwroteinchalkonthecoach-housedoorsthatIhadcomebackforthehorseandgig，anddrivenoff；thatIcouldarousenobody，andshouldreturnsoon。
`Butyou’llconsider，ma’am，thatwecouldn’tseethattillitgotdaylight。’
`True，’shesaid，andthoughvexedatfirstshehadtoomuchsensetoblamethemlongorseriouslyforadevotiontoherthatwasasvaluableasitwasrare。Sheaddedwithaveryprettygrace，`Well，Ireallythankyouheartilyfortakingallthistrouble；butIwishyouhadborrowedanybody’shorsesbutMrBoldwood’s。’
`Daintyislame，miss，’saidCoggan。`Canyegoon？’
`Itwasonlyastoneinhershoe。Igotdownandpulleditoutahundredyardsback。Icanmanageverywell，thankyou。IshallbeinBathbydaylight。
Willyounowreturn，please？’
Sheturnedherhead-thegateman’scandleshimmeringuponherquick，cleareyesasshedidso-passedthroughthegate，andwassoonwrappedintheemboweringshadesofmysterioussummerboughs。CogganandGabrielputabouttheirhorses，andfannedbythevelvetyairofthisJulynight，retracedtheroadbywhichtheyhadcome。
`Astrangevagary，thisofhers，isn’tit，Oak？’saidCoggancuriously。
`Yes，’saidGabrielshortly。`Shewon’tbeinBathbynodaylight！’
`Coggan，supposewekeepthisnight’sworkasquietaswecan？’
`Iamofoneandthesamemind。’
`Verywell。Weshallbehomebythreeo’clockorso，andcancreepintotheparishlikelambs。’
Bathsheba’sperturbedmeditationsbytheroadsidehadultimatelyevolvedaconclusionthattherewereonlytworemediesforthepresentdesperatestateofaffairs。ThefirstwasmerelytokeepTroyawayfromWeatherburytillBoldwood’sindignationhadcooled；thesecondtolistentoOak’sentreaties，andBoldwood’sdenunciations，andgiveupTroyaltogether。
Alas！Couldshegiveupthisnewlove-inducehimtorenounceherbysayingshedidnotlikehim-couldnomorespeaktohim，andbeghim，forhergood，toendhisfurloughinBath，andseeherandWeatherburynomore？
Itwasapicturefallofmisery，butforawhileshecontemplateditfirmly，allowingherself，nevertheless，asgirlswill，todwelluponthehappylifeshewouldhaveenjoyedhadTroybeenBoldwood，andthepathoflovethepathofduty-inflictinguponherselfgratuitoustorturesbyimagininghimtheloverofanotherwomanafterforgettingher；forshehadpenetratedTroy’snaturesofarastoestimatehistendenciesprettyaccurately，butunfortunatelylovedhimnolessinthinkingthathemightsoonceasetoloveher-indeed，considerablymore。
Shejumpedtoherfeet。Shewouldseehimatonce。Yes，shewouldimplorehimbywordofmouthtoassistherinthisdilemma。Alettertokeephimawaycouldnotreachhimintime，evenifheshouldbedisposedtolistentoit。
WasBathshebaaltogetherblindtotheobviousfactthatthesupportofalover’sarmsisnotofakindbestcalculatedtoassistaresolvetorenouncehim？Orwasshesophisticallysensible，withathrillofpleasure，thatbyadoptingthiscourseforgettingridofhimshewasensuringameetingwithhim，atanyrate，oncemore？
Itwasnowdark，andthehourmusthavebeennearlyten。TheonlywaytoaccomplishherpurposewastogiveupherideaofvisitingLiddyatYalbury，returntoWeatherburyFarm，putthehorseintothegig，anddriveatoncetoBath。Theschemeseemedatfirstimpossible；thejourneywasafearfullyheavyone，evenforastronghorse，atherownestimate，。andshemuchunderratedthedistance。Itwasmostventuresomeforawoman，atnight，andalone。
ButcouldshegoontoLiddy’sandleavethingstotaketheircourse？
No，no：anythingbutthat。Bathshebawasfallofastimulatingturbulence，besidewhichcautionvainlyprayedforahearing。Sheturnedbacktowardsthevillage。
Herwalkwasslow，forshewishednottoenterWeatherburytillthecottagerswereinbed，and，particularly，tillBoldwoodwassecure。HerplanwasnowtodrivetoBathduringthenight，seeSergeantTroyinthemorningbeforehesetouttocometoher，bidhimfarewell，anddismisshim；thentorestthehorsethoroughlyherselftoweepthewhile，shethought，startingearlythenextmorningonherreturnjourney。BythisarrangementshecouldtrotDaintygentlyalltheday，reachLiddyatYalburyintheevening，andcomehometoWeatherburywithherwhenevertheychose-sonobodywouldknowshehadbeentoBathatall。
SuchwasBathsheba’sscheme。Butinhertopographicalignoranceasalatercomertotheplace，shemisreckonedthedistanceofherjourneyasnotmuchmorethanhalfwhatitreallywas。Heridea，however，sheproceededtocarryout，withwhatinitialsuccesswehavealreadyseen。
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREEIntheSun-AHarbingerAweekpassed，andtherewerenotidingsofBathsheba；norwasthereanyexplanationofherGilpin’srig。
ThenanotecameforMaryann，statingthatthebusinesswhichhadcalledhermistresstoBathstilldetainedherthere；butthatshehopedtoreturninthecourseofanotherweek。
Anotherweekpassed。Theoat-harvestbegan，andallthemenwereafieldunderamonochromaticLammassky，amidthetremblingairandshortshadowsofnoon。Indoorsnothingwastobeheardsavethedroningofbluebottleflies；out-of-doorsthewhettingofscythesandthehissoftressyoat-earsrubbingtogetherastheirperpendicularstalksofamber-yellowfellheavilytoeachswath。Everydropofmoisturenotinthemen’sbottlesandflagonsintheformofciderwasrainingasperspirationfromtheirforeheadsandcheeks。Droughtwaseverywhereelse。
Theywereabouttowithdrawforawhileintothecharitableshadeofatreeinthefence，whenCoggansawafigureinabluecoatandbrassbuttonsrunningtothemacrossthefield。
`Iwonderwhothatis？’hesaid。
`Ihopenothingiswrongaboutmistress，’saidMaryann，whowithsomeotherwomenwastyingthebundlesoatsbeingalwayssheafedonthisfarm，`butanunluckytokencametomeindoorsthismorning。Iwenttounlockthedooranddroppedthekey，anditfelluponthestonefloorandbrokeintotwopieces。Breakingakeyisadreadfulbodement。Iwishmis’esswashome。’
`’TisCainBall，’saidGabriel，pausingfromwhettinghisreaphook。
Oakwasnotboundbyhisagreementtoassistinthecorn-field；buttheharvestmonthisananxioustimeforafarmer，andthecornwasBathsheba’s，sohelentahand。
`He’sdressedupinhisbestclothes，’saidMatthewMoon。`Hehevbeenawayfromhomeforafewdays，sincehe’shadthatfelonuponhisfinger；
for`asaid，sinceIcan’tworkI’llhaveahollerday’
`Agoodtimeforone-a’excellenttime，’saidJosephPoorgrass，straighteninghisback；forhe，likesomeoftheothers，hadawayofrestingawhilefromhislabouronsuchhotdaysforreasonspreternaturallysmall；ofwhichCainBall’sadventonaweek-dayinhisSunday-clotheswasoneofthefirstmagnitude。`’TwasabadlegallowedmetoreadthePilgrim’sProgress，andMarkClarklearntAll-Fours’inawhitlow。’
`Ay，andmyfatherputhisarmoutofjointtohavetimetogocourting，’
saidJanCoggan，inaneclipsingtone，wipinghisfacewithhisshirt-sleeveandthrustingbackhishatuponthenapeofhisneck。
BythistimeCainywasnearingthegroupofharvesters，andwasperceivedtobecarryingalargesliceofbreadandhaminonehand，fromwhichhetookmouthfulsasheran，theotherbeingwrappedinabandage。Whenhecameclose，hismouthassumedthebellshapeandhebegantocoughviolently。
`Now，Cainy！’saidGabrielsternly。`HowmanymoretimesmustItellyoutokeepfromrunningsofastwhenyoubeeating？You’llchokeyourselfsomeday，that’swhatyou’lldo，CainBall。’
`Hok-hok-hok！’repliedCain。`Acrumbofmyvictualswentthewrongway-hok-hok！That’swhat’tis，MisterOak！AndI’vebeenvisitingtoBathbecauseIhadafelononmythumb；yes，andI’vebeen-ahok-hok！’
DirectlyCainmentionedBath，theyallthrewdowntheirhooksandforksanddrewroundhim。Unfortunatelytheerraticcrumbdidnotimprovehisnarrativepowers，andasupplementaryhindrancewasthatofasneeze，jerkingfromhispockethisratherlargewatch，whichdangledinfrontoftheyoungmanpendulum-wise。
`Yes，’hecontinued，directinghisthoughtstoBathandlettinghiseyesfollow，`I’veseedtheworldatlast-yes-andI’veseedourmis’ess-ahok-hok-hok！’
`Bothertheboy！’saidGabriel。`Somethingisalwaysgoingthewrongwaydownyourthroat，sothatyoucan’ttellwhat’snecessarytobetold。’
`Ahok！there！Please，MisterOak，agnathavejustfleedintomystomachandbroughtthecoughonagain！’
`Yes，that’sjustit。Yourmouthisalwaysopen，youyoungrascal！’
`’Tisterriblebadtohaveagnatflydownyerthroat，poreboy！’saidMatthewMoon。
`Well，atBathyousaw——’promptedGabriel。
`Isawourmistress，’continuedthejuniorshepherd，`andasojer，walkingalong。Andbymebytheygotcloserandcloser，andthentheywentarm-in-crook，likecourtingcompletehok-hok！likecourtingcomplete-hok！-courtingcomplete——’losingthethreadofhisnarrativeatthispointsimultaneouslywithhislossofbreath，theirinformantlookedupanddownthefieldapparentlyforsomecluetoit。`Well，Iseeourmis’essandasoldier-a-ha-a-wk！’
`Damntheboy！’saidGabriel。
`’Tisonlymymanner，MisterOak，ifye’llexcuseit，’saidCainBall，lookingreproachfullyatOak，witheyesdrenchedintheirowndew。
`Here’ssomeciderforhim-that’llcurehisthroat，’saidJanCoggan，liftingaflagonofcider，pullingoutthecork，andapplyingtheholetoCainy’smouth；JosephPoorgrassinthemeantimebeginningtothinkapprehensivelyoftheseriousconsequencesthatwouldfollowCainyBall’sstrangulationinhiscough，andthehistoryofhidBathadventuresdyingwithhim。
`Formypoorself，Ialwayssay“pleaseGod“aforeIdoanything，’saidJoseph，inanunboastfulvoice；`andsoshouldyou，CainBall。’Tisagreatsafeguard，andmightperhapssaveyoufrombeingchokedtodeathsomeday。’
MrCogganpouredtheliquorwithunstintedliberalityatthesufferingCain’scircularmouth；halfofitrunningdownthesideoftheflagon，andhalfofwhatreachedhismouthrunningdownoutsidehisthroat，andhalfofwhatraningoingthewrongway，andbeingcoughedandsneezedaroundthepersonsofthegatheredreapersintheformofaciderfog，whichforamomenthunginthesunnyairlikeasmallexhalation。
`There’sagreatclumsysneeze！Whycan’tyehavebettermanners，youyoungdog！’saidCoggan，withdrawingtheflagon。
`Theciderwentupmynose！’criedCainy，assoonashecouldspeak；
`andnow’tisgonedownmyneck，andintomypoordumbfelon，andovermyshinybuttonsandallmybestcloze！’
`Thepoorlad’scoughisterribleonfortunate，’saidMatthewMoon。`Andagreathistoryonhand，too。Bumphisback，shepherd。’
`’Tismynater，’mournedCain。`MothersaysIalwayswassoexcitablewhenmyfeelingswereworkeduptoapoint！’
`True，true，’saidJosephPoorgrass。`TheBallswerealwaysaveryexcitablefamily。Iknowedtheboy’sgrandfather-atrulynervousandmodestman，eventogenteelrefinery。’Twasblush，blushwithhim，almostasmuchas’tiswithme-notbutthat’tisafaultinme！’
`Notatall，MasterPoorgrass，’saidCoggan。`’Tisavarynoblequalityinye。’