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。’