AtfirstTroyresolvedtotakenonoticeandabidebycircumstances。
Thathehadbeenrecognizedbythismanwashighlyprobable；yettherewasroomforadoubt。ThenthegreatobjectionhehadfelttoallowingnewsofhisproximitytoprecedehimtoWeatherburyintheeventofhisreturn，basedonafeelingthatknowledgeofhispresentoccupationwoulddiscredithimstillfartherinhiswife’seyes，returnedinfallforce。
Moreover，shouldheresolvenottoreturnatall，ataleofhisbeingaliveandbeingintheneighbourhoodwouldbeawkward；andhewasanxioustoacquireknowledgeofhiswife’stemporalaffairsbeforedecidingwhichtodo。
InthisdilemmaTroyatoncewentouttoreconnoitre。ItoccurredtohimthattofindPennyways，andmakeafriendofhimifpossible，wouldbeaverywiseact。Hehadputonathickbeardborrowedfromtheestablishment，andinthishewanderedaboutthefair-field。Itwasnowalmostdark，andrespectablepeopleweregettingtheircartsandgigsreadytogohome。
Thelargestrefreshmentboothinthefairwasprovidedbyaninnkeeperfromaneighbouringtown。Thiswasconsideredanunexceptionableplaceforobtainingthenecessaryfoodandrest：HostTrencherashewasjauntilycalledbythelocalnewspaperbeingasubstantialmanofhighreputeforcateringthroughallthecountryround。Thetentwasdividedintofirstandsecond-classcompartments，andattheendofthefirst-classdivisionwasayetfartherenclosureforthemostexclusive，fencedofffromthebodyofthetentbyaluncheon-bar，behindwhichthehosthimselfstood，bustlingaboutinwhiteapronandshirt-sleeves，andlookingasifhehadneverlivedanywherebutundercanvasallhislife。Inthesepenetraliawerechairsandatable，which，oncandlesbeinglighted，madequiteacosyandluxuriousshowwithanurn，platedteaandcoffeepots，chinateacups，andplumcakes。
Troystoodattheentrancetothebooth，whereagipsy-womanwasfryingpancakesoveralittlefireofsticksandsellingthematapennyapiece，andlookedovertheheadsofthepeoplewithin。HecouldseenothingofPennyways，buthesoondiscernedBathshebathroughanopeningintothereservedspaceatthefartherend。Troythereuponretreated，wentroundthetentintothedarkness，andlistened。HecouldhearBathsheba’svoiceimmediatelyinsidethecanvas；shewasconversingwithaman。Awarmthoverspreadhisface；surelyshewasriotsounprincipledastoflirtinafair！Hewonderedif，then，shereckoneduponhisdeathasanabsolutecertaintyTogetattherootofthematter，Troytookapenknifefromhispocketandsoftlymadetwolittlecutscrosswiseinthecloth，which，byfoldingbackthecorners，leftaholethesizeofawafer。Closetothisheplacedhisface，withdrawingitagaininamovementofsurprise，forhiseyehadbeenwithintwelveinchesofthetopofBathsheba’shead。Itwastooneartobeconvenient。Hemadeanotherholealittletoonesideandlowerdown，inashadedplacebesideherchair，fromwhichitwaseasyandsafetosurveyherbylookinghorizontally。
Troytookinthescenecompletelynow。Shewasleaningback，sippingacupofteathatsheheldinherhand，andtheownerofthemalevoicewasBoldwood，whohadapparentlyjustbroughtthecuptoher。Bathsheba，beinginanegligentmood，leantsoidlyagainstthecanvasthatitwaspressedtotheshapeofhershoulder，andshewas，infact，asgoodasinTroy’sarms；andhewasobligedtokeephisbreastcarefullybackwardthatshemightnotfeelitswarmththroughtheclothashegazedin。
Troyfoundunexpectedchordsoffeelingtobestirredagainwithinhimastheyhadbeenstirredearlierintheday。Shewashandsomeasever，andshewashis。Itwassomeminutesbeforehecouldcounteracthissuddenwishtogoin，andclaimher。Thenhethoughthowtheproudgirlwhohadalwayslookeddownuponhimevenwhilstitwastolovehim，wouldhatehimondiscoveringhimtobeastrollingplayer。Werehetomakehimselfknown，thatchapterofhislifemustatallrisksbekeptforeverfromherandfromtheWeatherburypeople，orhisnamewouldbeabywordthroughouttheparish。Hewouldbenicknamed`Turpin’aslongashelived。Assuredlybeforehecouldclaimherthesefewpastmonthsofhisexistencemustbeentirelyblottedout。
`ShallIgetyouanothercupbeforeyoustart，ma’am？’saidFarmerBoldwood。
`Thankyou，’saidBathsheba。`ButImustbegoingatonce。Itwas`greatneglectinthatmantokeepmewaitingheretillsolate。Ishouldhavegonetwohoursago，ifithadnotbeenforhim。Ihadnoideaofcominginhere；butthere’snothingsorefreshingasacupoftea，thoughIshouldneverhavegotoneifyouhadn’thelpedme。’
Troyscrutinizedhercheekaslitbythecandles，andwatchedeachvaryingshadethereon，andthewhiteshell-likesinuositiesofherlittleear。
ShetookoutherpurseandwasinsistingtoBoldwoodonpayingforherteaforherself，whenatthismomentPennywaysenteredthetent。Troytrembled：
herewashisschemeforrespectabilityendangeredatonce。Hewasabouttoleavehisholeofespial，attempttofollowPennyways，andfindoutiftheex-bailiffhadrecognizedhim，whenhewasarrestedbytheconversation，andfoundhewastoolate。
`Excuseme，ma’am，’saidPennyways；`I’vesomeprivateinformationforyourearalone。’
`Icannothearitnow，’shesaidcoldly。ThatBathshebacouldnotendurethismanwasevident；infact，hewascontinuallycomingtoherwithsometaleorother，bywhichhemightcreepintofavourattheexpenseofpersonsmaligned。
`I’llwriteitdown，’saidPennywaysconfidently。Hestoopedoverthetable，pulledaleaffromawarpedpocket-book，andwroteuponthepaper，inaroundhand——
`Yourhusbandishere。I’veseenhim。Who’sthefoolnow？’
Thishefoldedsmall，andhandedtowardsher。Bathshebawouldnotreadit；shewouldnotevenputoutherhandtotakeit。Pennyways，then，withalaughofderision，tosseditintoherlap，and，turningaway，lefther。
FromthewordsandactionofPennyways，Troy，thoughhehadnotbeenabletoseewhattheex-bailiffwrote，hadnotamoment’sdoubtthatthenotereferredtohim。Nothingthathecouldthinkofcouldbedonetochecktheexposure。`Cursemyluck！’hewhispered，andaddedimprecationswhichrustledinthegloomlikeapestilentwind。MeanwhileBoldwoodsaid，takingupthenotefromherlap——
`Don’tyouwishtoreadit，MrsTroy？Ifnot，I’lldestroyit。’
`Oh，well，’saidBathshebacarelessly，`perhapsitisunjustriottoreadit；butIcanguesswhatitisabout。Hewantsmetorecommendhim，oritistotellmeofsomelittlescandaloranotherconcernedwithmywork-people。He’salwaysdoingthat。’
Bathshebaheldthenoteinherrighthand。Boldwoodhandedtowardsheraplateofcutbread-and-butter；when，inordertotakeaslice，sheputthenoteintoherlefthand，whereshewasstillholdingthepurse，andthenallowedherhandtodropbesideherclosetothecanvas。Themomenthadcomeforsavinghisgame，andTroyimpulsivelyfeltthathewouldplaythecard。Foryetanothertimehelookedatthefairhand，andsawthepinkfinger-tips，andtheblueveinsofthewrist，encircledbyabraceletofcoralchippingswhichshewore：howfamiliaritallwastohim！Then，withthelightningactioninwhichhewassuchanadept，henoiselesslyslippedhishandunderthebottomofthetent-cloth，whichwasfarfrombeingpinnedtightlydown，lifteditalittleway，keepinghiseyetothehole，snatchedthenotefromherfingers，droppedthecanvas，andranawayinthegloomtowardsthebankandditch，smilingatthescreamofastonishmentwhichburstfromher。Troythensliddownontheoutsideoftherampart，hastenedroundinthebottomoftheentrenchmenttoadistanceofahundredyards，ascendedagain，andcrossedboldlyinaslowwalktowardsthefrontentranceofthetent。HisobjectwasnowtogettoPennyways，andpreventarepetitionoftheannouncementuntilsuchtimeasheshouldchoose。
Troyreachedthetentdoor，andstandingamongthegroupstheregathered，lookedanxiouslyforPennyways，evidentlynotwishingtomakehimselfprominentbyinquiringforhim。Oneortwomenwerespeakingofadaringattemptthathadjustbeenmadetorobayoungladybyliftingthecanvasofthetentbesideher。Itwassupposedthattheroguehadimaginedaslipofpaperwhichsheheldinherhandtobeabanknote，forhehadseizedit，andmadeoffwithit，leavingherpursebehind。Hischagrinanddisappointmentatdiscoveringitsworthlessnesswouldbeagoodjoke，`itwassaid。However，theoccurrenceseemedtohavebecomeknowntofew，forithadnotinterruptedafiddler，whohadlatelybegunplayingbythedoorofthetent，northefourbowedoldmenwithgrimcountenancesandwalking-sticksinhand，whoweredancing`MajorMalley’sReel’tothetune。BehindthesestoodPennyways。
Troyglideduptohim，beckoned，andwhisperedafewwords；andwithamutualglanceofconcurrencethetwomenwentintothenighttogether。
CHAPTERFIFTY-ONEBathshebatalkswithherOutriderThearrangementforgettingbackagaintoWeatherburyhadbeenthatOakshouldtaketheplaceofPoorgrassinBathsheba’sconveyanceanddriveherhome，itbeingdiscoveredlateintheafternoonthatJosephwassufferingfromhisoldcomplaint，amultiplyingeye，andwas，therefore，hardlytrustworthyascoachmanandprotectortoawoman。ButOakhadfoundhimselfsooccupied，andwasfallofsomanycaresrelativetothoseportionsofBoldwood’sflocksthatwerenotdisposedof，thatBathsheba，withouttellingOakoranybody，resolvedtodrivehomeherselfasshehadmanytimesdonefromCasterbridgeMarket，andtrusttohergoodangelforperformingthejourneyunmolested。ButhavingfalleninwithFarmerBoldwoodaccidentallyonherpartatleastattherefreshment-tentshefounditimpossibletorefusehisoffertorideonhorsebackbesideherasescort。Ithadgrowntwilightbeforeshewasaware，butBoldwoodassuredherthattherewasnocauseforuneasiness，asthemoonwouldbeupinhalfan-hour。
Immediatelyaftertheincidentinthetentshehadrisentogo-nowabsolutelyalarmedandreallygratefulforheroldlover’sprotection-
thoughregrettingGabriel’sabsence，whosecompanyshewouldhavemuchpreferred，asbeingmoreproperaswellasmorepleasant，sincehewasherownmanaging-manandservant。This，however，couldnotbehelped；shewouldnot，onanyconsideration，treatBoldwoodharshly，havingoncealreadyill-usedhim，andthemoonhavingrisen，andthegigbeingready，shedroveacrossthehill-topinthewendingwayswhichleddownwards-toobliviousobscurity，asitseemed，forthemoonandthehillitfloodedwithlightwereinappearanceonalevel，therestoftheworldlyingasavastshadyconcavebetweenthem。Boldwoodmountedhishorse，andfollowedincloseattendancebehind。Thustheydescendedintothelowlands，andthesoundsofthoseleftonthehillcamelikevoicesfromthesky，andthelightswereasthoseofacampinheaven。Theysoonpassedthemerrystragglersintheimmediatevicinityofthehill，traversedKingsbere，andgotuponthehighroad。
ThekeeninstinctsofBathshebahadperceivedthatthefarmer’sstaunchdevotiontoherselfwasstillundiminished，andshesympathizeddeeply。
Thesighthadquitedepressedherthisevening；hadremindedherofherfolly；shewishedanewasshehadwishedmanymonthsago，forsomemeansofmakingreparationforherfault。HenceherpityforthemanwhosopersistentlylovedontohisowninjuryandpermanentgloomhadbetrayedBathshebaintoaninjudiciousconsideratenessofmanner，whichappearedalmostliketenderness，andgavenewvigourtotheexquisitedreamofaJacob’ssevenyears’serviceinpoorBoldwood’smind。
Hesoonfoundanexcuseforadvancingfromhispositionintherear，androdeclosetoherside。Theyhadgonetwoorthreemilesinthemoonlight，speakingdesultorilyacrossthewheelofhergigconcerningthefair，farming，Oak’susefulnesstothemboth，andotherindifferentsubjects，whenBoldwoodsaidsuddenlyandsimply——
`MrsTroy，youwillmarryagainsomeday？’
Thispoint-blankqueryunmistakablyconfusedher，anditwasnottillaminuteormorehadelapsedthatshesaid，`Ihavenotseriouslythoughtofanysuchsubject。’
`Iquiteunderstandthat。Yetyourlatehusbandhasbeendeadnearlyoneyear，and——’
`Youforgetthathisdeathwasneverabsolutelyproved，andmaynothavetakenplace；sothatImaynotbereallyawidow，’shesaid，catchingatthestrawofescapethatthefactafforded。
`Notabsolutelyproved，perhaps，butitwasprovedcircumstantially。
Amansawhimdrowning，too。Noreasonablepersonhasanydoubtofhisdeath；norhaveyou，ma’am，Ishouldimagine。’
`OyesIhave，orIshouldhaveacteddifferently，’shesaidgently。
`FromthefirstIhavehadastrangeunaccountablefeelingthathecouldnothaveperished。ButIhavebeenabletoexplainthatinseveralwayssince。EvenwereIhalfpersuadedthatIshallseehimnomore，Iamfarfromthinkingofmarriagewithanother。Ishouldbeverycontemptibletoindulgeinsuchathought。’
Theyweresilentnowawhile，andhavingstruckintoanunfrequentedtrackacrossacommon，thecreaksofBoldwood’ssaddleandhergigspringswereallthesoundstobeheard。Boldwoodendedthepause。
`DoyourememberwhenIcarriedyoufaintinginmyarmsintotheKing’sArms，inCasterbridge？Everydoghashisday：thatwasmine。’
`Iknow-Iknowitall，’shesaid，hurriedly。
`I，forone，shallneverceaseregrettingthateventssofelloutastodenyyoutome。
`I，too，amverysorry，’shesaid，andthencheckedherself。`Imean，youknow，IamsorryyouthoughtI——’
`Ihavealwaysthisdrearypleasureinthinkingoverthosepasttimeswithyou-thatIwassomethingtoyoubeforehewasanything，andthatyoubelongedalmosttome。Butofcourse，that’snothing。Youneverlikedme。’
`Idid；andrespectedyou，too。’
`Doyounow？’
`Yes。’
`Which？’
`Howdoyoumeanwhich？’
`Doyoulikeme，ordoyourespectme？’
`Idon’tknow-atleast，Icannottellyou。Itisdifficultforawomantodefineherfeelingsinlanguagewhichischieflymadebymentoexpresstheirs。Mytreatmentofyouwasthoughtless，inexcusable，wicked！Ishalleternallyregretit。IftherehadbeenanythingIcouldhavedonetomakeamendsIwouldmostgladlyhavedoneit-therewasnothingonearthI
solongedtodoastorepairtheerror。Butthatwasnotpossible。’
`Don’tblameyourself-youwerenotsofarinthewrongasyousuppose。
Bathsheba，supposeyouhadrealcompleteproofthatyouarewhat，infact，youare-awidow-wouldyourepairtheoldwrongtomebymarryingme？’
`Icannotsay。Ishouldn’tyet，atanyrate。’
`Butyoumightatsomefuturetimeofyourlife？’
`Oyes，Imightatsometime。’
`Well，then，doyouknowthatwithoutfurtherproofofanykindyoumaymarryagaininaboutsixyearsfromthepresent-subjecttonobody’sobjectionorblame？’
`Oyes，’shesaid，quickly。`Iknowallthat。Butdon’ttalkofit-
sevenorsixyears-wheremayweallbebythattime？’
`Theywillsoonglideby，anditwillseemanastonishinglyshorttimetolookbackuponwhentheyarepast-muchlessthantolookforwardtonow。’
`Yes，yes；Ihavefoundthatinmyownexperience。’
`Now，listenoncemore，’Boldwoodpleaded。`IfIwaitthattime，willyoumarryme？Youownthatyouowemeamends-letthatbeyourwayofmakingthem。’
`But，MrBoldwood-sixyears——’
`Doyouwanttobethewifeofanyotherman？’
`Noindeed！Imean，thatIdon’tliketotalkaboutthismatternow。
Perhapsitisnotproper，andIoughtnottoallowit。Letusdropit。
Myhusbandmaybeliving，asIsaid。’
`Ofcourse，I’lldropthesubjectifyouwish。Butproprietyhasnothingtodowithreasons。Iamamiddle-agedman，willingtoprotectyoufortheremainderofourlives。Onyourside，atleast，thereisnopassionorblamablehaste-onmine，perhaps，thereis。ButIcan’thelpseeingthatifyouchoosefromafeelingofpity，and，asyousay，awishtomakeamends，tomakeabargainwithmeforafaraheadtime-anagreementwhichwillsetallthingsrightandmakemehappylatethoughitmaybe-thereisnofaulttobefoundwithyouasawoman。Hadn’tIthefirstplacebesideyou？Haven’tyoubeenalmostmineoncealready？Surelyyoucansaytomeasmuchasthis，youwillhavemebackagainshouldcircumstancespermit？
Now，prayspeak！OBathsheba，promise-itisonlyalittlepromise-thatifyoumarryagain，youwillmarryme！’
Histonewassoexcitedthatshealmostfearedhimitthismoment，evenwhilstshesympathized。Itwasasimplephysicalfear-theweakofthestrong；therewasnoemotionalaversionorinnerrepugnanceShesaid，withsomedistressinhervoice，forsherememberedvividlyhidoutburstontheYalburyRead，andshrankfromarepetitionofhisanger：——
`Iwillnevermarryanothermanwhilstyouwishmetobeyourwife，whatevercomes-buttosaymore-youhavetakenmesobysurprise——’
`Butletitstandinthesesimplewords-thatinsixyears’timeyouwillbemywife？Unexpectedaccidentswe’llnotmention，becausethose，ofcourse，mustbegivenwayto。Now，thistimeIknowyouwillkeepyourword。’
`That’swhyIhesitatetogiveit。’
`Butdogiveit！Rememberthepast，andbekind。’
Shebreathed；andthensaidmournfully：`OwhatshallIdo？Idon’tloveyou，andImuchfearthatInevershallloveyouasmuchasawomanoughttoloveahusband。Ifyou，sir，knowthat，andIcanyetgiveyouhappinessbyamerepromisetomarryattheendofsixyears，ifmyhusbandshouldnotcomeback，itisagreathonourtome。Andifyouvaluesuchanactoffriendshipfromawomanwhodoesn’testeemherselfasshedid，andhaslittleloveleft，whyI-Iwill——’
`Promise！’
`-Consider，ifIcannotpromisesoon。’
`Butsoonisperhapsnever？’
`Ono，itisnot！Imeansoon。Christmas，we’llsay。’
`Christmas！’Hesaidnothingfurthertillheadded：`Well，I’llsaynomoretoyouaboutittillthattime。’
Bathshebawasinaverypeculiarstateofmind，whichshowedhowentirelythesoulistheslaveofthebody，theetherealspiritdependentforitsqualityuponthetangiblefleshandblood。Itishardlytoomuchtosaythatshefeltcoercedbyaforcestrongerthanherownwill，notonlyintotheactofpromisinguponthissingularlyremoteandvaguematter，butintotheemotionoffancyingthatsheoughttopromise。WhentheweeksinterveningbetweenthenightofthisconversationandChristmasdaybeganperceptiblytodiminish，heranxietyandperplexityincreased。
OnedayshewasledbyanaccidentintoanoddlyconfidentialdialoguewithGabrielaboutherdifficulty。Itaffordedheralittlerelief-ofadullandcheerlesskind。Theywereauditingaccounts，andsomethingoccurredinthecourseoftheirlabourswhichledOaktosay，speakingofBoldwood，`He’llneverforgetyou，ma’am，never。
Thenoutcamehertroublebeforeshewasaware；andshetoldhimhowshehadagaingotintothetoils；whatBoldwoodhadaskedher，andhowhewasexpectingherassent。`Themostmournfulreasonofallformyagreeingtoit，’shesaidsadly，`andthetruereasonwhyIthinktodosoforgoodorforevil，isthis-itisathingIhavenotbreathedtoalivingsoulasyet-IbelievethatifIdon’tgivemyword，he’llgooutofhismind。’
`Really，doye？’saidGabriel，gravely。
`Ibelievethis，’shecontinued，withrecklessfrankness；`andHeavenknowsIsayitinaspirittheveryreverseofvain，forIamgrievedandtroubledtomysoulaboutit-IbelieveIholdthatman’sfutureinmyhand。Hiscareerdependsentirelyuponmytreatmentofhim。OGabriel，Itrembleatmyresponsibility，foritisterrible。’
`Well，Ithinkthismuch，ma’am，asItoldyouyearsago，’saidOak，`thathislifeisatotalblankwheneverheisn’thopingfor’ee；butI
can’tsuppose-Ihopethatnothingsodreadfulhangsontoitasyoufancy。
Hisnaturalmannerhasalwaysbeendarkandstrange，youknow。Butsincethecaseissosadandodd-like，whydon’tyegivetheconditionalpromise？
IthinkIwould。’
`Butisitright？Somerashactsofmypastlifehavetaughtmethatawatchedwomanmusthaveverymuchcircumspectiontoretainonlyaverylittlecredit，andIdowantandlongtobediscreetinthis！Andsixyears-whywemayallbeinourgravesbythattime，evenifMrTroydoesnotcomebackagain，whichhemaynotimpossiblydo！Suchthoughtsgiveasortofabsurditytothescheme。Now，isn’titpreposterous，Gabriel？Howeverhecametodreamofit，Icannotthink。Butisitwrong？Youknow-youareolderthanI。’
`Eightyearsolder，ma’am。’
`Yes，eightyears-andisitwrong？’
`Perhapsitwouldbeanuncommonagreementforamanandwomantomake：
Idon’tseeanythingreallywrongaboutit，’saidOak，slowly。`Infacttheverythingthatmakesitdoubtfulifyououghttomarryenunderanycondition，thatis，yournotcaringabouthim-forImaysuppose——’
`Yes，youmaysupposethatloveiswanting，’shesaidshortly。`loveisanutterlybygone，sorry，worn-out，miserablethingwithme-forhimoranyoneelse。’
`Well，yourwantofloveseemstometheonethingthattakesawayharmfromsuchanagreementwithhim。Ifwildheathadtodowi’it，makingyelongtoovercometheawkwardnessaboutyourhusband’svanishing，itmidbewrong；butacold-heartedagreementtoobligeamanseemsdifferent，somehow。Therealsin，ma’aminmymind，liesinthinkingofeverweddingwi’amanyoudon’tlovehonestandtrue。’
`ThatI’mwillingtopaythepenaltyof，’saidBathsheba，firmly。`Youknow，Gabriel，thisiswhatIcannotgetoffmyconscience-thatIonceseriouslyinjuredhiminsheeridleness。IfIhadneverplayedatrickuponhim，hewouldneverhavewantedtomarryme。OifIcouldonlypaysomeheavydamagesinmoneytohimfortheharmIdid，andsogetthesinoffmysoulthatway！Well，there’sthedebt，whichcanonlybedischargedinoneway，andIbelieveIamboundtodoitifithonestlyliesinmypower，withoutanyconsiderationofmyownfutureatall。Whenarakegamblesawayhisexpectations，thefactthatitisaninconvenientdebtdoesn’tmakehimthelessliable。I’vebenarake，andthesinglepointIaskyouis，consideringthatmyownscruples，andthefactthatintheeyeofthelawmyhusbandisonlymissing，willkeepanymanfrommarryingmeuntilsevenyearshavepassed-amItreetoentertainsuchanidea，eventhough’tisasortofpenance-foritwillbethat！Ihatetheactofmarriageundersuchcircumstances，andtheclassofwomenIshouldseemtobelongtobydoingit！’
`Itseemstomethatalldependsuponwhe’ryouthink，aseverybodyelsedo，thatyourhusbandisdead。’
`Ishallgetto，Isuppose，becauseIcannothelpfeelingwhatwouldhavebroughthimbacklongbeforethistimeifhehadlived。’
`Well，then，inareligioussenseyouwillbeasfreetothinko’marryingagainasanyrealwidowofoneyear’sstanding。Butwhydon’tyeaskMrThirdly’sadviceonhowtotreatMrBoldwood？’
`No。WhenIwantabroad-mindedopinionforgeneralenlightenment，distinctfromspecialadvice，Inevergotoamanwhodealsinthesubjectprofessionally。
SoIliketheparson’sopiniononlaw，thelawyer’sondoctoring，thedoctor’sonbusiness，andmybusinessman’s-thatis，yours-onmorals。’
`Andonlove——’
`Myown。’
`I’mafraidthere’sahitchinthatargument，’saidOak，withagravesmile。
Shedidnotreplyatonce，andthensaying，`Goodevening，MrOak，’
wentaway。
Shehadspokenfrankly，andneitheraskednorexpectedanyreplyfromGabrielmoresatisfactorythanthatshehadobtained。Yetinthecentremostpartsofhercomplicatedheartthereexistedatthisminutealittlepangofdisappointment，forareasonshewouldnotallowherselftorecognize。
Oakhadnotoncewishedherfreethathemightmarryherhimself-hadnotoncesaid，`Icouldwaitforyouaswellashe。’Thatwastheinsectsting。Notthatshewouldhavelistenedtoanysuchhypothesis。Ono-
forwasn’tshesayingallthetimethatsuchthoughtsofthefuturewereimproper，andwasn’tGabrielfartoopooramantospeaksentimenttoher？
Yethemighthavejusthintedaboutthatoldloveofhis，andasked，inaplayfuloffhandway，ifhemightspeakofit。Itwouldhaveseemedprettyandsweet，ifnomore；andthenshewouldhaveshownhowkindandinoffensiveawoman’s`No’cansometimesbe。Buttogivesuchcooladvice-theveryadviceshehadaskedfor-itruffledourheroinealltheafternoon。
CHAPTERFIFTY-TWOConvergingCoursesIChristmasEvecame，andapartythatBoldwoodwastogiveintheeveningwasthegreatsubjectoftalkinWeatherbury。ItwasnotthattherarityofChristmaspartiesintheparishmadethisoneawonder，butthatBoldwoodshouldbethegiver。Theannouncementhadhadanabnormalandincongruoussound，asifoneshouldhearofcroquet-playinginacathedralaisle，orthatsomemuch-respectedjudgewasgoinguponthestage。Thatthepartywasintendedtobeatruejovialonetherewasnoroomfordoubt。Alargeboughofmistletoehadbeenbroughtfromthewoodsthatday，andsuspendedinthehallofthebachelor’shome。Hollyandivyhadfollowedinarmfuls。
Fromsixthatmorningtillpastnoonthehugewoodfireinthekitchenroaredandsparkledatitshighest，thekettle，thesaucepan，andthethree-leggedpotappearinginthemidstoftheflameslikeShadrach，Meshach，andAbednego；
moreover，roastingandbastingoperatingswerecontinuallycarriedoninfrontofthegenialblaze。
Asitgrewlaterthefirewasmadeupinthelargelonghallintowhichthestaircasedescended，andallencumbranceswereclearedoutfordancing。
Thelogwhichwastoformtheback-brandoftheeveningfirewastheunclefttrunkofatree，sounwieldythatitcouldheneitherbroughtnorrolledtoitsplace；andaccordinglytwomenweretobeobserveddraggingandheavingitinbychainsandleversasthehourofassemblydrewnear。
Inspiteofallthis，thespiritofrevelrywaswantingintheatmosphereofthehouse。Suchathinghadneverbeenattemptedbeforebyitsowner，anditwasnowdoneasbyawrench。Intendedgaietieswouldinsistuponappearinglikesolemngrandeurs，theorganizationofthewholeeffortwascarriedoutcoldlybyhirelings，andashadowseemedtomoveabouttherooms，sayingthattheproceedingswereunnaturaltotheplaceandthelonemanwholivedtherein，andhencenotgood。IIBathshebawasatthistimeinherroom，dressingfortheevent。Shehadcalledforcandles，andLiddyenteredandplacedoneoneachsideofhermistress’sglass。
`Don’tgoaway，Liddy，’saidBathsheba，almosttimidly。`Iamfoolishlyagitated-Icannottellwhy。IwishIhadnotbeenobligedtogotothisdance；butthere’snoescapingnow。IhavenotspokentoMrBoldwoodsincetheautumn，whenIpromisedtoseehimatChristmasonbusiness，butI
hadnoideatherewastobeanythingofthiskind。’
`ButIwouldgonow，’saidLiddy，whowasgoingwithher；forBoldwoodhadbeenindiscriminateinhisinvitations。
`Yes，Ishallmakemyappearance，ofcourse，’saidBathsheba。`ButI
amthecauseoftheparty，andthatupsetsme！-Don’ttell，Liddy。’
`Ono；ma’am。Youthecauseofit，ma’am？’
`Yes。Iamthereasonoftheparty-I。Ifithadnotbeenforme，therewouldneverhavebeenone。Ican’texplainanymore-there’snomoretobeexplained。IwishIhadneverseenWeatherbury。’
`That’swickedofyou-towishtobeworseoffthanyouare。’
`No，Liddy。IhaveneverbeenfreefromtroublesinceIhavelivedhere，andthispartyislikelytobringmemore。Now，fetchmyblacksilkdress，andseehowitsitsuponme。’
`Butyouwillleaveoffthat，surely，ma’am？Youhavebeenasortofwidowfourteenmonths，andoughttobrightenupalittleonsuchanightasthis。’
`Isitnecessary？No；Iwillappearasusual，forifIweretowearanylightdresspeoplewouldsaythingsaboutme，andIshouldseemtoberejoicingwhenIamsolemnallthetime。Thepartydoesn’tsuitmeabit；butnevermind，stayandhelptofinishmeoff。’IIIBoldwoodwasdressingalsoatthishour。AtailorfromCasterbridgewaswithhim，assistinghimintheoperationoftryingonanewcoatthathadjustbeenbroughthome。
NeverhadBoldwoodbeensofastidious，unreasonableaboutthefit，andgenerallydifficulttoplease。Thetailorwalkedroundandroundhim，tuggedatthewaist，pulledthesleeve，pressedoutthecollar，andforthefirsttimeinhisexperienceBoldwoodwasnotbored。Timeshadbeenwhenthefarmerhadclaimedagainstallsuchnicetiesaschildish，butnownophilosophicorhastyrebukewhateverwasprovokedbythismanforattachingasmuchimportancetoacreaseinthecoatastoanearthquakeinSouthAmerica。
Boldwoodatlastexpressedhimselfnearlysatisfied，andpaidthebill，thetailorpassingoutofthedoorjustasOakcameintoreportprogressfortheday。
`Oh，Oak，’saidBoldwood。`Ishallofcourseseeyouheretonight。
Makeyourselfmerry。Iamdeterminedthatneitherexpensenortroubleshallbespared。’
`I’lltrytobehere，sir，thoughperhapsitmaynotbeveryearly，’
saidGabriel，quietly。`Iamgladindeedtoseesuchachangein’eefromwhatitusedtobe。’
`Yes-Imustownit-Iambrightto-night：cheerfulandmorethancheerful-somuchsothatIamalmostsadagainwiththesensethatallofitispassingaway。Andsometimes，whenIamexcessivelyhopefulandblithe，atroubleisloominginthedistance：sothatIoftengettolookupongloominmewithcontent，andtofearahappymood。Stillthismaybeabsurd-Ifeelthatitisabsurd。Perhapsmydayisdawningatlast。’
`Ihopeit’illbealongandafairone。’
`Thankyou-thankyou。Yetperhapsmycheerfulnessrestsonaslenderhope。AndyetItrustmyhope。Itisfaith，nothope。IthinkthistimeIreckonwithmyhost-Oak，myhandsarealittleshaky，orsomething：
Ican’ttiethisneckerchiefproperly。Perhapsyouwilltieitforme。
Thefactis，Ihavenotbeenwelllately，youknow。’
`Iamsorrytohearthat，sir。’
`Oh，it’snothing。Iwantitdoneaswellasyoucan，please。Isthereanylateknotinfashion，Oak？’
`Idon’tknow，sir，’saidOak。Histonehadsunktosadness。
BoldwoodapproachedGabriel，andasOaktiedtheneckerchiefthefarmerwentonfeverishly——
`Doesawomankeepherpromise，Gabriel？’
`Ifitisnotinconvenienttohershemay。’
`-Orratheranimpliedpromise。’
`Iwon’tanswerforherimplying，’saidOak，withfaintbitterness。
`That’sawordasfallo’holesasasievewiththem。’
`Oak，don’ttalklikethat。Youhavegotquitecynicallately-howisit？Weseemtohaveshiftedourpositions：Ihavebecometheyoungandhopefulman，andyoutheoldandunbelievingone。However，doesawomankeepapromise，nottomarry，buttoenteronanengagementtomarryatsometime？NowyouknowwomenbetterthanI-tellme。’
`Iamafeardyouhonourmyunderstandingtoomuch。However，shemaykeepsuchapromise，ifitismadewithanhonestmeaningtorepairawrong。
`Ithasnotgonefaryet，butIthinkitwillsoon-yes，Iknowitwill，’hesaid，inanimpulsivewhisper。`Ihavepressedheruponthesubject，andsheinclinestobekindtome，andtothinkofmeasahusbandatalongfuturetime，andthat’senoughforme。HowcanIexpectmore？Shehasanotionthatawomanshouldnotmarrywithinsevenyearsofherhusband’sdisappearance-thatherownselfshouldn’t，Imean-becausehisbodywasnotfound。Itmaybemerelythislegalreasonwhichinfluencesher，oritmaybeareligiousone，butsheisreluctanttotalkonthepoint。
Yetshehaspromised-implied-thatshewillratifyanengagementto-night。’
`Sevenyears，’murmuredOak。
`No，no-it’snosuchthing！’hesaid，withimpatience。`Fiveyears，ninemonths，andafewdays。Fifteenmonthsnearlyhavepassedsincehevanished，andisthereanythingsowonderfulinanengagementoflittlemorethanfiveyears？’
`Itseemslonginaforwardview。Don’tbuildtoomuchuponsuchpromises，sir。Remember，youhaveoncebe’ndeceived。Hermeaningmaybegood；butthere-she’syoungyet。’
`Deceived？Never！’saidBoldwood，vehemently。`Sheneverpromisedmeatthatfirsttime，andhenceshedidnotbreakherpromise！Ifshepromisesme，she’llmarryme。Bathshebaisawomantoherword。’IVTroywassittinginacornerofTheWhiteHarttavernatCasterbridge，smokinganddrinkingasteamingmixturefromaglass。Aknockwasgivenatthedoor，andPennywaysentered。
`Well，haveyouseenhim？’Troyinquired，pointingtoachair。
`Boldwood？’
`No-lawyerlong。’
`Hewadn’athome。Iwenttherefirst，too。’
`That’sanuisance。’
`’Tisrather，Isuppose。’
`YetIdon’tseethat，becauseamanappearstobedrownedandwasnot，heshouldbeliableforanything。Ishan’taskanylawyer-notI。’
`Butthat’snotit，exactly。Ifamanchangeshisnameandsoforth，andtakesstepstodeceivetheworldandhisownwife，he’sacheat，andthatintheeyeofthelawisaylessarogue，andthatisaylessalammockenvagabond；andthat’sapunishablesituation。’
`Ha-ha！Welldone，Pennyways。’Troyhadlaughed，butitwaswithsomeanxietythathesaid，`Now，whatIwanttoknowisthis，doyouthinkthere’sreallyanythinggoingonbetweenherandBoldwood？Uponmysoul，Ishouldneverhavebelievedit！Howshemustdetestme！Haveyoufoundoutwhethershehasencouragedhim？’
`Ihaen’tbeenabletolearn。There’sadealoffeelingonhissideseemingly，butIdon’tanswerforher。Ididn’tknowawordaboutanysuchthingtillyesterday，andallIheardthenwasthatshewasgwinetothepartyathishousetonight。Thisisthefirsttimeshehasevergonethere，theysay。Andtheysaythatshe’venotsomuchasspoketohimsincetheywereatGreenhillFair：butwhatcanfolkbelieveo’t？However，she’snotfondofhim-quiteoffishandquitecareless，Iknow。’
`I’mnotsosureofthat……She’sahandsomewoman，Pennyways，isshenot？Ownthatyouneversawafinerormoresplendidcreatureinyourlife。
Uponmyhonour，whenIseteyesuponherthatdayIwonderedwhatIcouldhavebeenmadeoftobeabletoleaveherbyherselfsolong。AndthenIwashamperedwiththatbotheringshow，whichI’mfreeofatlast，thankthestars。’Hesmokedonawhile，andthenadded，`Howdidshelookwhenyoupassedbyyesterday？’
`Oh，shetooknogreatheedofme，yemaywellfancy；butshelookedwellenough，far’sIknow。Justflashedherhaughtyeyesuponmypoorscrambody，andthenletthemgopastmetowhatwasyond，muchasifI’dbeennomorethanaleaflesstree。Shehadjustgotoffhermaretolookatthelastwring-downofciderfortheyear；shehadbeenriding，andsohercolourswereupandherbreathratherquick，sothatherbosomplimmedandfell-plimmedandfell-everytimeplaintomyeye。Ay，andtherewerethefellersroundherwringingdownthecheeseandbustlingaboutandsaying，“Wareo’thepommy，ma’am：’twillspoilyergown。’“Nevermindme。”saysshe。ThenGabebroughthersomeofthenewcider，andshemustneedsgodrinkingitthroughastrawmote，andnotinanateralwayatall。
“Liddy。”saysshe，“bringindoorsafewgallons，andI’llmakesomecider-wine。”
Sergeant，Iwasnomoretoherthanamorselofscroffinthefuel-house！’
`Imustgoandfindheroutatonce-Oyes，Iseethat-Imustgo。
Oakisheadmanstill，isn’the？’
`Yes，’ab’lieve。AndatLittleWeatherburyFarmtoo。Hemanageseverything。’
`’Twillpuzzlehimtomanageher，oranyothermanofhiscompass！’
`Idon’tknowaboutthat。Shecan’tdowithouthim，andknowingitwellhe’sprettyindependent。Andshe’veafewsoftcornerstohermind，thoughI’veneverbeenabletogetintoone，thedevil’sin’t！’
`Ah，baily，she’sanotchaboveyou，andyoumustownit：ahigherclassofanimal-afinertissue。However，sticktome，andneitherthishaughtygoddess，dashingpieceofwomanhood，Juno-wifeofmineJunowasagoddess，youknow，noranybodyelseshallhurtyou。Butallthiswantslookinginto，Iperceive。Whatwithonethingandanother，Iseethatmyworkiswellcutoutforme。’V`HowdoIlookto-night，Liddy？’saidBathsheba，givingafinaladjustmenttoherdressbeforeleadingtheglass。
`Ineversawyoulooksowellbefore。Yes-I’lltellyouwhenyoulookedlikeit-thatnight，ayearandahalfago，whenyoucameinsowild-like，andscoldedusformakingremarksaboutyouandMrTroy。’
`EverybodywillthinkthatIamsettingmyselftocaptivateMrBoldwood，Isuppose，’shemurmured。`Atleastthey’llsayso。Can’tmyhairbebrusheddownalittleflatter？Idreadgoing-yetIdreadtheriskofwoundinghimbystayingaway。’
`Anyhow，ma’am，youcan’twellbedressedplainerthanyouare，unlessyougoinsackclothatonce。’Tisyourexcitementiswhatmakesyoulooksonoticeableto-night。’
`Idon’tknowwhat’sthematter，Ifeelwretchedatonetime，andbuoyantatanother。IwishIcouldhavecontinuedquitealoneasIhavebeenforthelastyearorso，withnohopesandnofears，andnopleasureandnogrief’
`NowjustsupposeMrBoldwoodshouldaskyou-onlyjustsupposeit-torunawaywithhim，whatwouldyoudo，ma’am？’
`Liddy-noneofthat，’saidBathsheba，gravely。`Mind，Iwon’thearjokingonanysuchmatter。Doyouhear？’
`Ibegpardon，ma’am。Butknowingwhatrumthingswewomenbe，Ijustsaid-however，Iwon’tspeakofitagain。’
`Nomarryingformeyetformanyayear；ifever，’twillbeforreasonsvery，verydifferentfromthoseyouthink，orotherswillbelieve！Nowgetmycloakforitistimetogo。’VI`Oak，’saidBoldwood，`beforeyougoIwanttomentionwhathasbeenpassinginmymindlately-thatlittlearrangementwemadeaboutyourshareinthefarmImean。Thatshareissmall，toosmall，consideringhowlittleIattendtobusinessnow，andhowmuchtimeandthoughtyougivetoit。
Well，sincetheworldisbrighteningforme，Iwanttoshowmysenseofitbyincreasingyourproportioninthepartnership。I’llmakeamemorandumofthearrangementwhichstruckmeaslikelytobeconvenient，forIhaven’ttimetotalkaboutitnow；andthenwe’lldiscussitatourleisure。Myintentionisultimatelytoretirefromthemanagementaltogether，anduntilyoucantakealltheexpenditureuponyourshoulders，I’llbeasleepingpartnerinthestock。Then，ifImarryher-andIhope-IfeelIshall，why——’
`Praydon’tspeakofit，sir，’saidOak，hastily。`Wedon’tknowwhatmayhappen。Somanyupsetsmaybefall’ee。There’smanyaslip，astheysay-andIwouldadviseyou-Iknowyou’llpardonmethisonce-nottobetoosure。
`Iknow，Iknow。ButthefeelingIhaveaboutincreasingyourshareisonaccountofwhatIknowofyou。Oak，Ihavelearntalittleaboutyoursecret：yourinterestinherismorethanthatofbailiffforanemployer。
Butyouhavebehavedlikeaman，andI，asasortofsuccessfulrival-
successfulpartlythroughyourgoodnessofheart-shouldlikedefinitelytoshowmysenseofyourfriendshipunderwhatmusthavebeenagreatpaintoyou。
`Othat’snotnecessary，thank’ee，’saidOak，hurriedly。`Imustgetusedtosuchasthat；othermenhave，andsoshallI。’
Oakthenlefthim。HewasuneasyonBoldwood’saccount，forhesawanewthatthisconstantpassionofthefarmermadehimnotthemanheoncehadbeen。
AsBoldwoodcontinuedawhileinhisroomalone-readyanddressedtoreceivehiscompany-themoodofanxietyabouthisappearanceseemedtopassaway，andtobesucceededbyadeepsolemnity。Helookedoutofthewindow，andregardedthedimoutlineofthetreesuponthesky，andthetwilightdeepeningtodarkness。
Thenhewenttoalockedcloset，andtookfromalockeddrawerthereinasmallcircularcasethesizeofapill-box，andwasabouttoputitintohispocket。Buthelingeredtoopenthecoverandtakeamomentaryglanceinside。Itcontainedawoman’sfinger-ring，setallthewayroundwithsmalldiamonds，andfromitsappearancehadevidentlybeenrecentlypurchased。
Boldwood’seyesdweltuponitsmanysparklesalongtime，thoughthatitsmaterialaspectconcernedhimlittlewasplainfromhismannerandmien，whichwerethoseofamindfollowingoutthepresumedthreadofthatjewel’sfuturehistory。
Thenoiseofwheelsatthefrontofthehousebecameaudible。Boldwoodclosedthebox，stoweditawaycarefullyinhispocket，andwentoutuponthelanding。Theoldmanwhowashisindoorfactotumcameatthesamemomenttothefootofthestairs。
`Theybecoming，sir-lotsof’em-a-footanda-driving！’
`Iwascomingdownthismoment。ThosewheelsIheard-isitMrsTroy？’
`No，sir——’tisnotsheyet。’
AreservedandsombreexpressionhadreturnedtoBoldwood’sfaceagain，butitpoorlycloakedhisfeelingswhenhepronouncedBathsheba’sname；
andhisfeverishanxietycontinuedtoshowitsexistencebyagallopingmotionofhisfingersuponthesideofhisthighashewentdownthestairs。VII`Howdoesthiscoverme？’saidTroytoPennyways。`Nobodywouldrecognizemenow，I’msure。’
HewasbuttoningonaheavygreyovercoatofNoachiancut，withcapeandhighcollar，thelatterbeingerectandrigid，likeagirdlingwall，andnearlyreachingtothevergeofatravellingcapwhichwaspulleddownoverhisears。
Pennywayssnuffedthecandle，andthenlookedupanddeliberatelyinspectedTroy。
`You’vemadeupyourmindtogothen？’hesaid。
`Madeupmymind？Yes；ofcourseIhave。’
`Whynotwritetoher？’Tisaveryqueercomerthatyouhavegotinto，sergeant。Yousee，allthesethingswillcometolightifyougoback，andtheywon’tsoundwellatall。Faith，if！wasyouI’devenbideasyoube-asinglemanofthenameofFrancis。Agoodwifeisgood，butthebestwifeisnotsogoodasnowifeatall。Nowthat’smyoutspokemind，andI’vebeencalledalong-headedfellerhereandthere。’
`Allnonsense！’saidTroy，angrily。`Theresheiswithplentyofmoney，andahouseandfarm，andhorses，andcomfort，andhereamIlivingfromhandtomouth-aneedyadventurer。Besides，itisnousetalkingnow；
itistoolate，andIamgladofit；I’vebeenseenandrecognizedherethisveryafternoon。Ishouldhavegonebacktoherthedayafterthefair，ifithadn’tbeenforyoutalkingaboutthelaw，andrubbishaboutgettingaseparation：andIdon’tputitoffanylonger。Whatthedeuceputitintomyheadtorunawayatall，Ican’tthink！Humbuggingsentiment-
that’swhatitwas。Butwhatmanonearthwastoknowthathiswifewouldbeinsuchahurrytogetridofhisname！’
`Ishouldhaveknownit。She’sbadenoughforanything。’
`Pennyways，mindwhoyouaretalkingto。’
`Well，sergeant，allIsayisthis，thatif！wereyouI’dgoabroadagainwhereIcamefrom——’tisn’ttoolatetodoitnow。Iwouldn’tstirupthebusinessandgetabadnameforthesakeoflivingwithher-forallthataboutyourplay-actingissuretocomeout，youknow，althoughyouthinkotherwise。Myeyesandlimbs，there’llbearacketifyougobackjustnow-inthemiddleofBoldwood’sChritmasing！’
`Hm，yes。IexpectIshallnotbeaverywelcomeguestifhehasherthere，’saidthesergeant，withaslightlaugh。`AsortofAlonzotheBrave；
andwhenIgointheguestswillsitinsilenceandfear，andalllaughterandpleasurewillbehushed，andthelightsinthechamberburnblue，andtheworms-Ugh，horrible！-Ringforsomemorebrandy，Pennyways，Ifeltanawfulshudderjustthen！Well，whatistherebesides？Astick-Imusthaveawalking-stick。’
Pennywaysnowfelthimselftobeinsomethingofadifficulty，forshouldBathshebaandTroybecomereconcileditwouldbenecessarytoregainhergoodopinionifhewouldsecurethepatronageofherhusband。`Isometimesthinkshelikesyouyet，andisagoodwomanatbottom，hesaid，asasavingsentence。`Butthere’snotellingtoacertaintyfromabody’soutside。
Well，you’lldoasyoulikeaboutgoing，ofcourse，sergeant，andasforme，I’lldoasyoutellme。’
`Now，letmeseewhatthetimeis，’saidTroy，afteremptyinghisglassinonedraughtashestood。`Half-pastsixo’clock。Ishallnothurryalongtheroad，andshallbetherethenbeforenine。’
CHAPTERFIFTY-THREEConcurritur-Horæ；MomentoOutsidethefrontofBoldwood’shouseagroupofmenstoodinthedark，withtheirfacestowardsthedoor，whichoccasionallyopenedandclosedforthepassageofsomeguestorservant，whenagoldenrodoflightwouldstripethegroundforthemomentandvanishagain，leavingnothingoutsidebuttheglowwormshineofthepalelampamidtheevergreensoverthedoor。
`HewasseeninCasterbridgethisafternoon-sotheboysaid，’oneofthemremarkedinawhisper。`AndIforonebelieveit。Hisbodywasneverfound，youknow。’
`’Tisastrangestory，’saidthenext。`Youmaydependupon’tthatsheknowsnothingaboutit。’
`Notaword。’
`Perhapshedon’tmeanthatsheshall，’saidanotherman。
`Ifhe’saliveandhereintheneighbourhood，hemeansmischief，’saidthefirst。`Pooryoungthing：Idopityher，if’tistrue。He’lldraghertothedogs。’
`Ono；he’llsettledownquietenough，’saidonedisposedtotakeamorehopefulviewofthecase。
`Whatafoolshemusthavebeenevertohavehadanythingtodowiththisman！Sheissoself-willedandindependenttoo，thatoneismoremindedtosayitservesherrightthanpityher。’
`No，no！Idon’tholdwith’eethere。Shewasnootherwisethanagirlmind，andhowcouldshetellwhatthemanwasmadeof？If’tisreallytrue，’tistoohardapunishment，andmorethansheoughttohae-Hullo，who’sthat？’Thiswastosomefootstepsthatwereheardapproaching。
`WilliamSmallbury，’saidadimfigureintheshades，comingupandjoiningthem。`Darkasahedge，to-night，isn’tit？Iallbutmissedtheplankovertheriverath’artthereinthebottom-neverdidsuchathingbeforeinmylife。BeyeanyofBoldwood’sworkfolk？’Hepeeredintotheirfaces。
`Yes-allo’us。Wemethereafewminutesago。’
`Oh，Ihearnow-that’sSamSamway：thoughtIknowedthevoice，too。
Goingin？’
`Presently。ButIsay，William，’Samwaywhispered，`haveyeheardthisstrangetale？’
`What-thataboutSergeantTroybeingseen，d’yemean，souls？’saidSmallbury，alsoloweringhisvoice。
`Ay：inCasterbridge。’
`Yes，Ihave。LabanTallnamedahintofittomebutnow-butIdon’tthinkit。Hark，hereLabancomeshimself，’ab’lieve。’Afootstepdrewnear。
`Laban？’
`Yes，’tisI，’saidTall。
`Haveyeheardanymoreaboutthat？’
`No，’saidTall，joiningthegroup。`AndI’minclinedtothinkwe’dbetterkeepquiet。Ifsobe’tisnottrue，’twillflurryher，anddohermuchharmtorepeatit；andifsobe’tistrue，’twilldonogoodtoforestallhertimeo’trouble。Godsendthatitmidbealie，forthoughHeneryFrayandsomeof’emdospeakagainsther，she’sneverbeenanythingbutfairtome。She’shotandhasty，butshe’sabravegirlwho’llnevertellaliehowevermuchthetruthmayharmher，andI’venocausetowishherevil。’
`Sheneverdotellwomen’slittlelies，that’strue；and’tisathingthatcanbesaidofveryfew。Ay，alltheharmshethinksshesaystoyerface：there’snothingunderhandwi’her。’
Theystoodsilentthen，everymanbusiedwithhisownthoughts，duringwhichintervalsoundsofmerrimentcouldbeheardwithin。Thenthefrontdooragainopened，theraysstreamedout，thewell-knownformofBoldwoodwasseenintherectangularareaoflight，thedoorclosed，andBoldwoodwalkedslowlydownthepath。
`’Tismaster，’oneofthemenwhispered，ashenearedthem。`We’dbetterstandquiet-he’llgoinagaindirectly。Hewouldthinkitunseemlyo’
ustobeloiteringhere。’
Boldwoodcameon，andpassedbythemenwithoutseeingthem，theybeingunderthebushesonthegrass。Hepaused，leantoverthegate，andbreathedalongbreath。Theyheardlowwordscomefromhim。
`IhopetoGodshe’llcome，orthisnightwillbenothingbutmiserytome！Omydarling，mydarling，whydoyoukeepmeinsuspenselikethis？’
Hesaidthistohimself，andtheyalldistinctlyheardit。Boldwoodremainedsilentafterthat，andthenoisefromindoorswasagainjustaudible，until，afewminuteslater，lightwheelscouldbedistinguishedcomingdownthehill。Theydrewnearer，andceasedatthegate。Boldwoodhastenedbacktothedoor，andopenedit；andthelightshoneuponBathshebacomingupthepath。
Boldwoodcompressedhisemotiontomerewelcome：themenmarkedherlightlaughandapologyasshemethim：hetookherintothehouse；andthedoorclosedagain。
`Graciousheaven，Ididn’tknowitwaslikethatwithhim！’saidoneofthemen。`Ithoughtthatfancyofhiswasoverlongago。’
`Youdon’tknowmuchofmaster，ifyouthoughtthat，’saidSamway。`I
wouldn’theshouldknowweheardwhat’asaidfortheworld，’remarkedathird。
`Iwishwehadtoldofthereportatonce，’thefirstuneasilycontinued。
`MoreharmmaycomeofthisthanweknowofPoorMrBoldwood，itwillbeharduponen。IwishTroywasin-Well，Godforgivemeforsuchawish！
Ascoundreltoplayapoorwifesuchtricks。NothinghasprosperedinWeatherburysincehecamehere。AndnowI’venohearttogoin。Let’slookintoWarren’sforafewminutesfirst，shallus，neighbours？’
Samway，Tall，andSmallburyagreedtogotoWarren’s，andwentoutatthegate，theremainingonesenteringthehouse。Thethreesoondrewnearthemalt-house，approachingitfromtheadjoiningorchard，andnotbywayofthestreet。Thepaneofglasswasilluminatedasusual。Smallburywasalittleinadvanceoftherest，when，pausing，heturnedsuddenlytohiscompanionsandsaid，`Hist！Seethere。’
Thelightfromthepanewasnowperceivedtobeshiningnotupontheiviedwallasusual，butuponsomeobjectclosetotheglass。Itwasahumanface。
`Let’scomecloser，’whisperedSamway；andtheyapproachedontip-toe。
Therewasnodisbelievingthereportanylonger。Troy’sfacewasalmostclosetothepane，andhewaslookingin。Notonlywashelookingin，butheappearedtohavebeenarrestedbyaconversationwhichwasinprogressinthemalt-house，thevoicesoftheinterlocutorbeingthoseofOakandthemaltster。
`Thespreeisallinherhonour，isn’tit-hey？’saidtheoldman。
`Althoughhemadebelieve’tisonlykeepingupo’Christmas？’
`Icannotsay，’repliedOak。
`O’tistrueenough，faith。IcannotunderstandFarmerBoldwoodbeingsuchafoolathistimeoflifeastohoandhankerafterthikwomanintheway’ado，andshenotcareabitabouten。’