第10章

Bathsheba，stillunhappy，wentindoorsagain。InthecourseoftheafternoonshesaidtoLiddy，whohadbeeninformedoftheoccurrence，`WhatwasthecolourofpoorFannyRobin’shair？Doyouknow？Icannotrecollect-I

onlysawherforadayortwo。’

`Itwaslight，ma’am；butsheworeitrathershort，addpackedawayunderhercap，sothatyouwouldhardlynoticeit。ButIhaveseenherletitdownwhenshewasgoingtobed，anditlookedbeautifulthen。Realgoldenhair。’

`Heryoungmanwasasoldier，washenot？’

`Yes。InthesameregimentasMrTroy。Hesaysheknewhimverywell。’

`What，MrTroysaysso？Howcamehetosaythat？’

`OnedayIjustnamedittohim，andaskedhimifheknewFanny’syoungman。Hesaid，“Oyes，heknewtheyoungmanaswellasheknewhimself，andthattherewasn’tamanintheregimenthelikedbetter。”’

`Ah！Saidthat，didhe？’

`Yes；andhesaidtherewasastronglikenessbetweenhimselfandtheotheryoungman，sothatsometimespeoplemistookthem——’

`Liddy，forHeaven’ssakestopyourtalking！’saidBathsheba，withthenervouspetulancethatcomesfromworryingperceptions。

CHAPTERFORTY-TWOJosephandhisBurden-Buck’sHeadAwallboundedthesiteofCasterbridgeUnion-house，exceptalongaportionoftheend。Hereahighgablestoodprominent，anditwascoveredlikethefrontwithamastofivy。Inthisgablewasnowindow，chimney，ornament，orprotuberanceofanykind。Thesinglefeatureappertainingtoit，beyondtheexpanseofdarkgreenleaves，wasasmalldoor。

Thesituationofthedoorwaspeculiar。Thesillwasthreeorfourfeetabovetheground，andforamomentonewasatalossforanexplanationofthisexceptionalaltitude，tillrutsimmediatelybeneathsuggestedthatthedoorwasusedsolelyforthepassageofarticlesandpersonstoandfromthelevelofavehiclestandingontheoutside。Uponthewhole，thedoorseemedtoadvertiseitselfasaspeciesofTraitor’sGatetranslatedtoanothersphere。Thatentryandexitherebywasonlyatrareintervalsbecameapparentonnotingthattuftsofgrasswereallowedtoflourishundisturbedinthechinksofthesill。

AstheclockovertheSouth-streetAlms-housepointedtofiveminutestothree，abluespringwaggon，pickedoutwithred，andcontainingboughsandflowers，passedtheendofthestreet，anduptowardsthissideofthebuilding。Whilstthechimeswereyetstammeringoutashatteredformof`Malbrook’，JosephPoorgrassrangthebell，andreceiveddirectionstobackhiswaggonagainstthehighdoorunderthegable。Thedoorthenopened，andaplainelmcoffinwasslowlythrustforth，andlaidbytwomeninfustianalongthemiddleofthevehicle。

Oneofthementhensteppedupbesideit，tookfromhispocketalumpofchalk，andwroteuponthecoverthenameandafewotherwordsinalargescrawlinghand。(Webelievethattheydothesethingsmoretenderlynow，andprovideaplate。)Hecoveredthewholewithablackcloth，threadbare，butdecent，thetail-boardofthewaggonwasreturnedtoitsplace，oneofthemenhandedacertificateofregistrytoPoorgrass，andbothenteredthedoor，closingitbehindthem。Theirconnectionwithher，shortasithadbeen，wasoverforever。

Josephthenplacedtheflowersasenjoined，andtheevergreensaround，theflowers，tillitwasdifficulttodivinewhatthewaggoncontained；

hesmackedhiswhip，andtheratherpleasingfuneralcarcreptdownthehill，andalongtheroadtoWeatherbury。

Theafternoondrewonapace，and，lookingtotherighttowardstheseaashewalkedbesidethehorse，Poorgrasssawstrangecloudsandscrollsofmistrollingoverthelongridgeswhichgirtthelandscapeinthatquarter。

Theycameinyetgreatervolumes，andindolentlycreptacrosstheinterveningvalleys，andaroundthewitheredpaperyflagsofthemoorandriverbrinks。

Thentheirdankspongyformsclosedinuponthesky。Itwasasuddenovergrowthofatmosphericfungiwhichhadtheirrootsintheneighbouringsea，andbythetimethathorse，man，andcorpseenteredYalburyGreatWood，thesesilentworkingsofoninvisiblehandhadreachedthem，andtheywerecompletelyenveloped，thisbeingthefirstarrivaloftheautumnfogs，andthefirstfogoftheseries。

Theairwasasaneyesuddenlystruckblind。Thewaggonanditsloadrollednolongeronthehorizontaldivisionbetweenclearnessandopacity，butwereimbeddedinanelasticbodyofamonotonouspallorthroughout。

Therewasnoperceptiblemotionintheair，notavisibledropofwaterfelluponaleafofthebeeches，birches，andfirscomposingthewoodoneitherside。Thetreesstoodinanattitudeofintentness，asiftheywaitedlonginglyforawindtocomeandrockthem。Astartlingquietoverhungallsurroundingthings-socompletely，thatthecrunchingofthewaggon-wheelswasasagreatnoise，andsmallrustles，whichhadneverobtainedahearingexceptbynight，weredistinctlyindividualized。

JosephPoorgrasslookedrounduponhissadburdenasitloomedfaintlythroughthefloweringlaurustinus，thenattheunfathomablegloomamidthehightreesoneachhand，indistinct，shadowless，andspectre-likeintheirmonochromeofgrey。Hefeltanythingbutcheerful，andwishedhehadthecompanyevenofachildordog。Stoppingthehorsehelistened。

Notafootsteporwheelwasaudibleanywherearound，andthedeadsilencewasbrokenonlybyaheavyparticlefallingfromatreethroughtheevergreensandalightingwithasmarttapuponthecoffinofpoorFanny。Thefogbythistimehadsaturatedthetrees，andthiswasthefirstdroppingofwaterfromtheoverbrimmingleaves。ThehollowechoofitsfallremindedthewaggonerpainfullyofthegrimLeveller。Thenhardbycamedownanotherdrop，thentwoorthree。Presentlytherewasacontinualtappingoftheseheavydropsuponthedeadleaves，theroad，andthetravellers。Thenearerboughswerebeadedwiththemisttothegreynessofagedmen，andtherusty-redleavesofthebeecheswerehungwithsimilardrops，likediamondsonauburnhair。’

AttheroadsidehamletcalledRoy-Town，justbeyondthiswood，wastheoldinnBuck’sHead。ItwasaboutamileandahalffromWeatherbury，andinthemeridiantimesofstage-coachtravellinghadbeentheplacewheremanycoacheschangedandkepttheirrelaysofhorses。Alltheoldstablingwasnowpulleddown，andlittleremainedbesidesthehabitableinnitself，which，standingalittlewaybackfromtheroad，signifieditsexistencetopeoplefarupanddownthehighwaybyasignhangingfromthehorizontalboughofanelmontheoppositesideoftheway。

Travellers-forthevarietytouristhadhardlydevelopedintoadistinctspeciesatthisdate-sometimessaidinpassing，whentheycasttheireyesuptothesign-bearingtree，thatartistswerefondofrepresentingthesignboardhangingthus，butthattheythemselveshadneverbeforenoticedsoperfectaninstanceinactualworkingorder。ItwasnearthistreethatthewaggonwasstandingintowhichGabrielOakcreptonhisfirstjourneytoWeatherbury；but，owingtothedarkness，thesignandtheinnhadbeenunobserved。

Themannersoftheinnwereoftheold-establishedtype。Indeed，inthemidstofitsfrequenterstheyexistedasunalterableformulæ；：e。g——Rapwiththebottomofyourpintformoreliquor。

Fortobaccoshout。

Incallingforthegirlinwaiting，say，Maid！’

Dittoforthelandlady，`OldSoul！’，etc。，etc。ItwasarelieftoJoseph’sheartwhenthefriendlysignboardcameinview，and，stoppinghishorseimmediatelybeneathit，heproceededtofulfilanintentionmadealongtimebefore。Hisspiritswereoozingoutofhimquite。Heturnedthehorse’sheadtothegreenbank，andenteredthehostelforamugofale。

Goingdownintothekitchenoftheinn，thefloorofwhichwasastepbelowthepassage，whichinitsturnwasastepbelowtheroadoutside，whatshouldJosephseetogladdenhiseyesbuttwocopper-coloureddiscs，intheformofthecountenancesofMrJanCogganandMrMarkClark。Theseownersofthetwomostappreciativethroatsintheneighbourhood，withinthepaleofrespectability，werenowsittingfacetofaceoverathree-leggedcirculartable，havinganironrimtokeepcupsandpotsfrombeingaccidentallyelbowedofftheymighthavebeensaidtoresemblethesettingsunandthefillmoonshiningvis-à；-visacrosstheglobe。

`Why，’tisneighbourPoorgrass！’saidMarkClark。`I’msureyourfacedon’tpraiseyourmistress’stable，Joseph。’

`I’vehadaverypalecompanionforthelastfourmiles，’saidJoseph，indulginginashuddertoneddownbyresignation。`Andtospeakthetruth，’twasbeginningtotelluponme。Iassureye，Iha’n’tseedthecolourofvictualsordrinksincebreakfasttimethismorning，andthatwasnomorethanadew-bitafield。’

`Thendrink，Joseph，anddon’trestrainyourself’saidCoggan，handinghimahoopedmugthree-quartershill。

Josephdrankforamoderatelylongtime，thenforalongertime，saying，asheloweredthejug。`’Tisprettydrinking-veryprettydrinking，andismorethancheerfulonmymelancholyerrand，sotospeakit。’

`True，drinkisapleasantdelight，’saidJan，asonewhorepeatedatruismsofamiliartohisbrainthathehardlynoticeditspassageoverhistongue；and，liftingthecup，Coggantiltedhisheadgraduallybackwards，withclosedeyes，thathisexpectantsoulmightnotbedivertedforoneinstantfromitsblissbyirrelevantsurroundings。

`Well，Imustbeonagain，’saidPoorgrass。`NotbutthatIshouldlikeanothernipwithye；buttheparishmightloseconfidenceinmeifIwasseedhere。’

`Wherebeyetradingo’ttoto-day，then，Joseph？’

`BacktoWeatherbury。I’vegotpoorlittleFannyRobininmywaggonoutside，andImustbeatthechurchyardgatesataquartertofivewithher。’

`Ay-I’veheardofit。Andsoshe’snailedupinparishboardsafterall，andnobodytopaythebellshillingandthegravehalf-crown。’

`Theparishpaysthegravehalf-crown，butnotthebellshilling，becausethebell’saluxery：but’acanhardlydowithoutthegrave，poorbody。

However，Iexpectourmistresswillpayall。’

`AprettymaidaseverIsee！Butwhat’syerhurry，Joseph？Thepoorwoman’sdead，andyoucan’tbringhertolife，andyoumayaswellsitdowncomfortable，andfinishanotherwithus。’

`Idon’tmindtakingjusttheleastthimblefulyecandreamofmorewithye，sonnies。Butonlyafewminutes，because’tisas’tis。’

`Ofcourse，you’llhaveanotherdrop。Aman’stwicethemanafterwards。

Youfeelsowarmandglorious，andyouwhopandslapatyourworkwithoutanytrouble，andeverythinggoesonlikesticksa-breaking。Toomuchliquorisbad，andleadsustothathornedmaninthesmokyhouse；butafterallmanypeoplehaven’tthegiftofenjoyingawet，andsincewebehighlyfavouredwithapowerthatway，weshouldmakethemosto’t。’

`True，’saidMarkClark。“Tisatalentthelordhasmercifullybestoweduponus，andweoughtnottoneglectit。But，whatwiththeparsonsandclerksandschool-peopleandserioustea-parties，themerryoldwaysofgoodlifehavegonetothedogs-uponmycarcase，theyhave！’

`Well，really，Imustbeonwardagainnow，’saidJoseph。

`Now，now，Joseph；nonsense！Thepoorwomanisdead，isn’tshe，andwhat’syourhurry？’

`Well，IhopeProvidencewon’tbeinawaywithmeformydoings，’saidJoseph，againsittingdown。`I’vebeentroubledwithweakmoment’lately，’tistrue。I’vebeendrinkyoncethismonthalreadyandIdidnotgotochurcha-Sunday，andIdroppedacurseortwoyesterday；soIdon’twanttogotoofarformysafety。Yournextworldisyournextworld，andnottobesquanderedoffhand。’

`Ibelieveyetobeachapel-member，Joseph。ThatIdo。’

`Oh，no，no！Idon’tgosofarasthat。’

`Formypart，’saidCoggan，`I’mstaunchChurchofEngland。’

`Ay，andfaith，sobeI，’saidMarkClark。

`Iwon’tsaymuchformyself；Idon’twishto，’Coggancontinued，withthattendencytotalkonprincipleswhichischaracteristicofthebarley-corn。

`ButI’veneverchangedasingledoctrine：I’vestucklikeaplastertotheoldfaithIwasbornin。Yes；there’sthistobesaidfortheChurch，amancanbelongtotheChurchandbideinhischeerfuloldinn，andnevertroubleorworryhismindaboutdoctrinesatall。Buttobeameetinger，youmustgotochapelinallwindsandweathers，andmakeyerselfasfranticasaskitNotbutthatchapel-membersbecleverchapsenoughintheirway。

Theycanliftupbeautifulprayersoutoftheirownheads，allabouttheirfamiliesandshipwracksinthenewspapers。’

`Theycan-theycan，’saidMarkClark，withcorroborativefeeling；

`butweChurchmen，yousee，musthaveitallprintedaforehand，or，dangitall，weshouldnomoreknowwhattosaytoagreatgafferlikethelordthanbabesunborn。

`Chapel-folkbemorehand-in-glovewiththemabovethanwe，’saidJosephthoughtfully。

`Yes，’saidCoggan。`Weknowverywellthatifanybodydogotoheaven，theywill。They’veworkedhardforit，andtheydeservetohaveit，suchas’tis。Ibain’tsuchafoolastopretendthatwewhosticktotheChurchhavethesamechancesasthey，becauseweknowwehavenot。ButIhateafellerwho’llchangehisoldancientdoctrinesforthesakeofgettingtoheaven。I’dassoonturnking’s-evidenceforthefewpoundsyouget。

Why，neighbours，wheneveryoneofmytatieswerefrosted，ourPa’sonThirdlywerethemanwhogavemeasackforseed，thoughhehardlyhadoneforhisownuse，andnomoneytobuy’em。Ifithadn’tbeenforhim，Ishouldn’thaehadatatietoputinmygarden。D’yethinkI’dturnafterthat？No，I’llsticktomyside；andifwebeinthewrong，sobeit：I’llfallwiththefallen！’

`Wellsaid-verywellsaid，’observedJoseph-`However，folks，I

mustbemovingnow：uponmylifeImust。Pa’sonThirdlywillbewaitingatthechurchgates，andthere’sthewomana-bidingoutsideinthewaggon。’

`JosephPoorgrass，don’tbesomiserable！Pa’sonThirdlywon’tmind。

He’sagenerousman；he’sfoundmeintractsforyears，andI’veconsumedagoodmanyinthecourseofalongandshadylife；buthe’sneverbeenthemantocryoutattheexpense。Sitdown。’

ThelongerJosephPoorgrassremained，thelesshisspiritwastroubledbythedutieswhichdevolveduponhimthisafternoon。Theminutesglidedbyuncounted，untiltheeveningshadesbeganperceptiblytodeepen，andtheeyesofthethreewerebutsparklingpointsonthesurfaceofdarkness。

Coggan’srepeaterstrucksixfromhispocketintheunusualstillsmalltones。

Atthatmomenthastystepswereheardintheentry，andthedooropenedtoadmitthefigureofGabrielOak，followedbythemaidoftheinnbearingacandle。Hestaredsternlyattheonelengthyandtworoundfacesofthesitters，whichconfrontedhimwiththeexpressionsofafiddleandacoupleofwarming-pans。JosephPoorgrassblinked，andshrankseveralinchesintothebackground。

`Uponmysoul。I’mashamedofyou；’tisdisgraceful，Joseph，disgraceful！’

saidGabrielindignantly。`Coggan，youcallyourselfaman，anddon’tknowbetterthanthis。’

CogganlookedupindefinitelyatOak，oneorotherofhiseyesoccasionallyopeningandclosingofitsownaccord，asifitwerenotamember，butadozyindividualwithadistinctpersonality。

`Don’ttakeonso，shepherd！’saidMarkClark，lookingreproachfullyatthecandle，whichappearedtopossessspecialfeaturesofinterestforhiseyes。

`Nobodycanhurtadeadwoman，’atlengthsaidCoggan，withtheprecisionofamachine。`Allthatcouldbedoneforherisdone-she’sbeyondus；

andwhyshouldamanputhimselfinatearinghurryforlifelessclaythatcanneitherfeelnorsee，anddon’tknowwhatyoudowithheratall？Ifshe’dbeenalive，Iwouldhavebeenthefirsttohelpher。Ifshenowwantedvictualsanddrink，I’dpayforit，moneydown。Butshe’sdead，andnospeedofourswillbringhertolife。Thewoman’spastus-timespentuponheristhrowedaway；whyshouldwehurrytodowhat’snotrequired？

Drink，shepherd，andbefriends，fortomorrowwemaybelikeher。’

`Wemay，’addedMarkClarkemphatically，atoncedrinkinghimself，torunnofartherriskoflosinghischancebytheeventalludedto，Janmeanwhilemerginghisadditionalthoughtsofto-morrowinasong：——`To-morrowto-morrow！

Andwhilepeaceandplen-tyIfindatmyboard，Withaheartfreefromsick-nessandsor-rowWithmyfriendswillIsharewhatto-daymayaf-ford，Andletthemspreadthetableto-morrowTo-morrowto-mor——’`Doholdthyhorning，Jan！’saidOak；andturninguponPoorgrass，`asforyou，Joseph，whodoyourwickeddeedsinsuchconfoundedlyholyways，youareasdrunkasyoucanstand。’

`No，ShepherdOak，no！Listentoreason，shepherd。Allthat’sthematterwithmeistheafflictioncalledamultiplyingeye，andthat’showitisIlookdoubletoyou-Imean，youlookdoubletome。’

`Amultiplyingeyeisaverybadthing，’saidMarkClark。

`ItalwayscomesonwhenIhavebeeninapublic-housealittletime，’

saidJosephPoorgrassmeekly。`Yes；Iseetwoofeverysort，asifIweresomeholymanlivinginthetimesofKingNoahandenteringintotheark……

Y-y-y-yes，’headded，becomingmuchaffectedbythepictureofhimselfasapersonthrownaway，andsheddingtears；`IfeeltoogoodforEngland：

IoughttohavelivedinGenesisbyrights，liketheothermenofsacrifice，andthenIshouldn’thaveb-b-beencalledad-d-drunkardinsuchaway！’

`Iwishyou’dshowyourselfamanofspirit，andnotsitwhiningthere！’

`Showmyselfamanofspirit？……Ah，well！letmetakethenameofdrunkardhumbly-letmebeamanofcontriteknees-letitbe！IknowthatIalwaysdosay“PleaseGod“aforeIdoanything，frommygettinguptomygoingdownofthesame，andIbewillingtotakeasmuchdisgraceasthereisinthatholyact。Hah，yes！……Butnotamanofspirit？HaveIeverallowedthetoeofpridetobeliftedagainstmyhinderpartswithoutgroaningmanfullythatIquestiontherighttodoso！Iinquirethatqueryboldly？’

`Wecan’tsaythatyouhave，HeroPoorgrass，’admittedJan。

`NeverhaveIallowedsuchtreatmenttopassunquestioned！YettheshepherdsaysinthefaceofthatrichtestimonythatIbenotamanofspirit！

Well，letitpassby，anddeathisakindfriend！’

Gabriel，seeingthatneitherofthethreewasinafitstatetotakechargeofthewaggonfortheremainderofthejourney，madenoreply，but，closingthedooragainuponthem，wentacrosstowherethevehiclestood，nowgettingindistinctinthefogandgloomofthismildewytime。Hepulledthehorse’sheadfromthelargepatchofturfithadeatenbare，readjustedtheboughsoverthecoffin，anddrovealongthroughtheunwholesomenight。

IthadgraduallybecomerumouredinthevillagethatthebodytobebroughtandburiedthatdaywasallthatwasleftoftheunfortunateFannyRobinwhohadfollowedtheEleventhfromCasterbridgethroughMelchesterandonwards。But，thankstoBoldwood’sreticenceandOak’sgenerosity，thelovershehadfollowedhadneverbeenindividualizedasTroy。Gabrielhopedthatthewholetruthofthemattermightnotbepublishedtillatanyratethegirlhadbeeninhergraveforafewdays，whentheinterposingbarriersofearthandtime，andasensethattheeventshadbeensomewhatshutintooblivion，woulddeadenthestingthatrevelationandinvidiousremarkwouldhaveforBathshebajustnow。

BythetimethatGabrielreachedtheoldmanor-house，herresidence，whichlayinhiswaytothechurch，itwasquitedark。Amancamefromthegateandsaidthroughthefog，whichhungbetweenthemlikeblownflour——

`IsthatPoorgrasswiththecorpse？’

Gabrielrecognizedthevoiceasthatoftheparson。

`Thecorpseishere，sir，’saidGabriel。

`IhavejustbeentoinquireofMrsTroyifshecouldtellmethereasonofthedelay。Iamafraiditistoolatenowforthefuneraltobeperformedwithproperdecency。Haveyoutheregistrar’scertificate？’

`No，’saidGabriel。`IexpectPoorgrasshasthat；andhe’sattheBuck’sHead。Iforgottoaskhimforit。’

`Thenthatsettlesthematter。We’llputoffthefuneraltilltomorrowmorning。Thebodymaybebroughtontothechurch，oritmaybelefthereatthefarmandfetchedbythebearersinthemorning。Theywaitedmorethananhour，andhavenowgonehome。’

Gabrielhadhisreasonsforthinkingthelatteramostobjectionableplan，notwithstandingthatFannyhadbeenaninmateofthefarm-houseforseveralyearsinthelifetimeofBathsheba’suncle。Visionsofseveralunhappycontingencieswhichmightarisefromthisdelayflittedbeforehim。Buthiswillwasnotlaw，andhewentindoorstoinquireofhismistresswhatwereherwishesonthesubject。Hefoundherinanunusualmood：hereyesasshelookeduptohimweresuspiciousandperplexedaswithsomeantecedentthought。Troyhadnotyetreturned。AtfirstBathshebaassentedwithamienofindifferencetohispropositionthattheyshouldgoontothechurchatoncewiththeirburden；butimmediatelyafterwards，followingGabrieltothegate，sheswervedtotheextremeofsolicitousnessonFanny’saccount，anddesiredthatthegirlmightbebroughtintothehouse。Oakarguedupontheconvenienceofleavingherinthewaggon，justasshelaynow，withherflowersandgreenleavesabouther，merelywheelingthevehicleintothecoachhousetillthemorning，buttonopurpose。`Itisunkindandunchristian，’shesaid，`toleavethepoorthinginacoach-houseallnight。’

`Verywell，then，’saidtheparson。`AndIwillarrangethatthefuneralshalltakeplaceearlytomorrow。PerhapsMrsTroyisrightinfeelingthatwecannottreatadeadfellow-creaturetoothoughtfully。Wemustrememberthatthoughshemayhaveerredgrievouslyinleavingherhome，sheisstilloursister；anditistobebelievedthatGod’suncovenantedmerciesareextendedtowardsher，andthatsheisamemberoftheflockofChrist。’

Theparson’swordsspreadintotheheavyairwithasadyetunperturbedcadence，andGabrielshedanhonesttear。Bathshebaseemedunmoved。MrThirdlythenleftthem，andGabriellightedalantern。Fetchingthreeothermentoassisthim，theyboretheunconscioustruantindoors，placingthecoffinontwobenchesinthemiddleofalittlesitting-roomnextthehall，asBathshebadirected。

EveryoneexceptGabrielOakthenlefttheroom。Hestillindecisivelylingeredbesidethebody。HewasdeeplytroubledatthewretchedlyironicalaspectthatcircumstanceswereputtingonwithregardtoTroy’swife，andathisownpowerlessnesstocounteractthem。Inspiteofhiscarefulmanoeuvringallthisday，theveryworsteventthatcouldinanywayhavehappenedinconnectionwiththeburialhadhappenednow。Oakimaginedaterriblediscoveryresultingfromthisafternoon’sworkthatmightcastoverBathsheba’slifeashadewhichtheinterpositionofmanylapsingyearsmightbutindifferentlylighten，andwhichnothingatallmightaltogetherremove。

Suddenly，asinalastattempttosaveBathshebafrom，atanyrate，immediateanguish，helookedagain，ashehadlookedbefore，atthechalkwritinguponthecoffinlid。Thescrawlwasthissimpleone，`FannyRobinandchid’。Gabrieltookhishandkerchiefandcarefullyrubbedoutthetwolatterwords，leavingvisibleoneinscription`FannyRobin’

only。Hethenlefttheroom，andwentoutquietlybythefrontdoor。

CHAPTERFORTY-THREEFanny’sRevenge`Doyouwantmeanylonger，ma’am？’inquiredLiddy，atalaterhourthesameevening，standingbythedoorwithachambercandlestickinherhand，andaddressingBathsheba，whosatcheerlessandaloneinthelargeparlourbesidethefirstfireoftheseason。

`Nomoreto-night，Liddy。’

`I’llsitupformasterifyoulike，ma’am。IamnotatallafraidofFanny，ifImaysitinmyownroomandhaveacandle。Shewassuchachildlike，freshyoungthingthatherspiritcouldn’tappeartoanybodyifittried，I’mquitesure。’

`Ono，no！Yougotobed。I’llsitupforhimmyselftilltwelveo’clock，andifhehasnotarrivedbythattime，Ishallgivehimupandgotobedtoo。’

`Itishalf-pasttennow。’

`Oh：isit？’

`Whydon’tyousitupstairs，ma’am？’

`Whydon’tI？’saidBathshebadesultorily。`Itisn’tworthwhile-there’safirehere，Liddy。’Shesuddenlyexclaimedinanimpulsiveandexcitedwhisper，`HaveyouheardanythingstrangesaidofFanny？’Thewordshadnosoonerescapedherthananexpressionofunutterableregretcrossedherface，andsheburstintotears。

`No-notaword！’saidLiddy，lookingattheweepingwomanwithastonishment。

`Whatisitmakesyoucryso，ma’am；hasanythinghurtyou？’ShecametoBathsheba’ssidewithafacehillofsympathy。

`No，Liddy-Idon’twantyouanymore。IcanhardlysaywhyIhavetakensotocryinglately：Ineverusedtocry。Good-night。’

Liddythenlefttheparlourandclosedthedoor。

Bathshebawaslonelyandmiserablenow；notlonelieractuallythanshehadbeenbeforehermarriage；butherlonelinessthenwastothatofthepresenttimeasthesolitudeofamountainistothesolitudeofacave。

Andwithinthelastdayortwohadcomethesedisquietingthoughtsaboutherhusband’spast。HerwaywardsentimentthateveningconcerningFanny’stemporaryresting-placehadbeentheresultofastrangecomplicationofimpulsesinBathsheba’sbosom。Perhapsitwouldbemoreaccuratelydescribedasadeterminedrebellionagainstherprejudices，arevulsionfromalowerinstinctofuncharitableness，whichwouldhavewithheldallsympathyfromthedeadwoman，becauseinlifeshehadprecededBathshebaintheattentionsofamanwhomBathshebahadbynomeansceasedfromloving，thoughherlovewassicktodeathjustnowwiththegravityofafurthermisgiving。

Infiveortenminutestherewasanothertapatthedoor。Liddyreappeared，andcominginalittlewaystoodhesitating，untilatlengthshesaid，`Maryannhasjustheardsomethingverystrange，butIknowitisn’ttrue。

Andweshallbesuretoknowtherightsofitinadayortwo。’

`Whatisit？’

`Oh，nothingconnectedwithyouorus，ma’am。Itis’boutFanny。Thatsamethingyouhaveheard。’

`Ihaveheardnothing。’

`ImeanthatawickedstoryisgottoWeatherburywithinthislasthour-that——’Liddycameclosetohermistressandwhisperedtheremainderofthesentenceslowlyintoherear，incliningherheadasshespokeinthedirectionoftheroomwhereFannylay。

Bathshebatrembledfromheadtofoot。

`Idon’tbelieveit！’shesaidexcitedly`Andthere’sonlyonenamewrittenonthecoffin-cover。’

`NorI，ma’am。Andagoodmanyothersdon’t；forweshouldsurelyhavebeentoldmoreaboutitifithadbeentrue-don’tyouthinkso’ma’am？’

`Wemightorwemightnot。’

Bathshebaturnedandlookedintothefire，thatLiddymightnotseeherface。Findingthathermistresswasgoingtosaynomore，Liddyglidedout，closedthedoorsoftly，andwenttobed。

Bathsheba’sface，asshecontinuedlookingintothefirethatevening，mighthavecitedsolicitousnessonheraccountevenamongthosewholovedherleast。ThesadnessofFannyRobin’sfatedidnotmakeBathsheba’sglorious，althoughshewastheEsthertothispoorVashti，andtheirfatesmightbesupposedtostandinsomerespectsascontraststoeachother。WhenLiddycameintotheroomasecondtimethebeautifuleyeswhichmethershadwornalistless，wearylook。Whenshewentoutaftertellingthestorytheyhadpressedwretchednessinfillactivity。Hersimplecountrynature，fedonold-fashionedprinciples，wastroubledbythatwhichwouldhavetroubledawomanoftheworldverylittle，bothFannyandherchild，ifshehadone，beingdead。

BathshebahadgroundsforconjecturingaconnectionbetweenherownhistoryandthedimlysuspectedtragedyofFanny’sendwhichOakandBoldwoodneverforamomentcreditedherwithpossessing。ThemeetingwiththelonelywomanonthepreviousSaturdaynighthadbeenunwitnessedandunspokenof。OakmayhavehadthebestofintentionsinwithholdingforasmanydaysaspossiblethedetailsofwhathadhappenedtoFanny；buthadheknownthatBathsheba’sperceptionshadalreadybeenexercisedinthematter，hewouldhavedonenothingtolengthentheminutesofsuspenseshewasnowundergoing，whenthecertaintywhichmustterminateitwouldbetheworstfactsuspectedafterall。

Shesuddenlyfeltalongingtospeaktosomeonestrongerthanherself，andsogetstrengthtosustainhersurmisedpositionwithdignityandhercarkingdoubtswithstoicism。Wherecouldshefindsuchafriend？nowhereinthehouse。Shewasbyfarthecoolestofthewomenunderherroof。

Patienceandsuspensionofjudgementforafewhourswerewhatshewantedtolearn，andtherewasnobodytoteachher。MightshebutgotoGabrielOak！-butthatcouldnotbe。WhatawayOakhad，shethought，ofenduringthings。Boldwood，whoseemedsomuchdeeperandhigherandstrongerinfeelingthanGabriel，hadnotyetlearnt，anymorethansheherself，thesimplelessonwhichOakshowedamasteryofbyeveryturnandlookhegave-thatamongthemultitudeofinterestsbywhichhewassurrounded，thosewhichaffectedhispersonalwellbeingwerenotthemostabsorbingandimportantinhiseyes。Oakmeditativelylookeduponthehorizonofcircumstanceswithoutanyspecialregardtohisownstandpointinthemidst。Thatwashowshewouldwishtobe。ButthenOakwasnotrackedbyincertitudeupontheinmostmatterofhisbosom，asshewasatthismoment。OakknewallaboutFannythatshewishedtoknow-shefeltconvincedofthat。Ifsheweretogotohimnowatonceandsaynomorethanthesefewwords，`Whatisthetruthofthestory？’hewouldfeelboundinhonourtotellher。

Itwouldbeaninexpressiblerelief。Nofurtherspeechwouldneedtobeuttered。Heknewhersowellthatnoeccentricityofbehaviourinherwouldalarmhim。

Sheflungacloakroundher，wenttothedoorandopenedit。Everyblade，everytwigwasstill。Theairwasyetthickwithmoisture，thoughsomewhatlessdensethanduringtheafternoon，andasteadysmackofdropsuponthefallenleavesundertheboughswasalmostmusicalinitssoothingregularity。

Itseemedbettertobeoutofthehousethanwithinit，andBathshebaclosedthedoor，andwalkedslowlydownthelanetillshecameoppositetoGabriel’scottage，wherehenowlivedalone，havingleftCoggan’shousethroughbeingpinchedforroom。Therewasalightinonewindowonly，andthatwasdownstairs。Theshutterswerenotclosed，norwasanyblindorcurtaindrawnoverthewindow，neitherrobberynorobservationbeingacontingencywhichcoulddomuchinjurytotheoccupantofthedomicile。Yes，itwasGabrielhimselfwhowassittingup；hewasreading。Fromherstanding-placeintheroadshecouldseehimplainly，sittingquitestill，hislightcurlyheaduponhishand，andonlyoccasionallylookinguptosnuffthecandlewhichstoodbesidehim。Atlengthhelookedattheclock，seemedsurprisedatthelatenessofthehour，closedhisbook，andarose。Hewasgoingtobed，sheknew，andifshetappeditmustbedoneatonce。

Alasforherresolve！Shefeltshecouldnotdoit。Notforworldsnowcouldshegiveahintabouthermiserytohim，muchlessaskhimplainlyforinformationonthecauseofFanny’sdeath。Shemustsuspect，andguess，andchafe，andbearitallalone。

Likeahomelesswanderershelingeredbythebank，asiflulledandfascinatedbytheatmosphereofcontentwhichseemedtospreadfromthatlittledwelling，andwassosadlylackinginherown。Gabrielappearedinanupperroom，placedhislightinthewindow-bench，andthen-kneltdowntopray。Thecontrastofthepicturewithherrebelliousandagitatedexistenceatthissametimewastoomuchforhertobeartolookuponlonger。

Itwasnotforhertomakeatrucewithtroublebyanysuchmeans。Shemusttreadhergiddydistractingmeasuretoitslastnote，asshehadbegunit。Withaswollenheartshewentagainupthelane，andenteredherowndoor。

MorefeverednowbyareactionfromthefirstfeelingswhichOak’sexamplehadraisedinher，shepausedinthehall，lookingatthedooroftheroomwhereinFannylay。Shelockedherfingers，threwbackherhead，andstrainedherhothandsrigidlyacrossherforehead，saying，withahystericalsob，`WouldtoGodyouwouldspeakandtellmeyoursecret，Fanny！……O，Ihopeitisnottruethattherearetwoofyou！……IfIcouldonlylookinuponyouforonelittleminute，Ishouldknowall！’

Afewmomentspassed，andsheadded，slowly，`AndIwill。’

Bathshebainaftertimescouldnevergaugethemoodwhichcarriedherthroughtheactionsfollowingthismurmuredresolutiononthismemorableeveningofherlife。Shewenttothelumber-closetforascrewdriver。Attheendofashortthoughundefinedtimeshefoundherselfinthesmallroom，quiveringwithemotion，amistbeforehereyes，andanexcruciatingpulsationinherbrain，standingbesidetheuncoveredcoffinofthegirlwhoseconjecturedendhadsoentirelyengrossedher，andsayingtoherselfinahuskyvoiceasshegazedwithin——

`Itwasbesttoknowtheworst，andIknowitnow！’

Shewasconsciousofhavingbroughtaboutthissituationbyaseriesofactionsdoneasbyoneinanextravagantdream；offollowingthatideaastomethod，whichhadburstuponherinthehallwithglaringobviousness，byglidingtothetopofthestairs，assuringherselfbylisteningtotheheavybreathingofhermaidsthattheywereasleep，glidingdownagain，turningthehandleofthedoorwithinwhichtheyounggirllay，anddeliberatelysettingherselftodowhat，ifshehadanticipatedanysuchundertakingatnightandalone，wouldhavehorrifiedher，butwhich，whendone，wasnotsodreadfulaswastheconclusiveproofofherhusband’sconductwhichcamewithknowingbeyonddoubtthelastchapterofFanny’sstory。

Bathsheba’sheadsankuponherbosom，andthebreathwhichhadbeenbatedinsuspense，curiosity，andinterest，wasexhalednowintheformofawhisperedwail：`Oh-h-h！’shesaid，andthesilentroomaddedlengthtohermoan。

Hertearsfellfastbesidetheunconsciouspairinthecoffin；tearsofacomplicatedorigin，ofanatureindescribable，almostindefinableexceptasotherthanthoseofsimplesorrow。AssuredlytheirwontedfiresmusthavelivedinFanny’sasheswheneventsweresoshapedastochariotherhitherinthisnatural，unobtrusive，yeteffectualmanner。Theonefeatalone-thatofdying-bywhichameanconditioncouldberesolvedintoagrandone，FannyhadachievedAndtothathaddestinysubjoinedthisrencountertonight，whichhid，inBathsheba’swildimagining，turnedhercompanion’sfailuretosuccess，herhumiliationtotriumph，herlucklessnesstoascendency；ithadthrownoverherselfagarishlightofmockery，andsetuponallthingsaboutheranironicalsmile。

Fanny’sfacewasframedinbythatyellowhairofhers；andtherewasnolongermuchroomfordoubtastotheoriginofthecurlownedbyTroy。

InBathsheba’sheatedfancytheinnocentwhitecountenance-pressedadimtriumphantconsciousnessofthepainshewasretaliatingforherpainwithallthemercilessrigouroftheMosaiclaw；`Burningforburning；

woundforwound；strifeforstrife。’

Bathshebaindulgedincontemplationofescapefromherpositionbyimmediatedeath，which，thoughtshe，thoughitwasaninconvenientandawfulway，hadlimitstoitsinconvenienceandawfulnessthatcouldnotbeoverpassed；

whilsttheshamesoflifeweremeasureless。Yeteventhisschemeofextinctionbydeathwasbuttamelycopyingherrival’smethodwithoutthereasonswhichhadglorifieditinherrival’scase。Sheglidedrapidlyupanddowntheroom，aswasmostlyherhabitwhenexcited，herhandshangingclaspedinfrontofher，asshethoughtandinpartexpressedinbrokenwords：

`O，Ihateher，yetIdon’tmeanthatIhateher，foritisgrievousandwicked；andyetIhateheralittle！Yes，myfleshinsistsuponhatingher，whethermyspiritiswillingorno！……Ifshehadonlylived，Icouldhavebeenangryandcrueltowardsherwithsomejustification；buttobevindictivetowardsapoordeadwomanrecoilsuponmyself。OGod，havemercy！

Iammiserableatallthis！’

Bathshebabecameatthismomentsoterrifiedatherownstateofmindthatshelookedaroundforsomesortofrefugefromherself。ThevisionofOakkneelingdownthatnightrecurredtoher，andwiththeimitativeinstinctwhichanimateswomensheseizedupontheidea，resolvedtokneel，and，ifpossible，pray。Gabrielhadprayed；sowouldshe。

Shekneltbesidethecoffin，coveredherfacewithherhands，andforatimetheroomwassilentasatomb。Whetherfromapurelymechanical，orfromanyothercause，whenBathshebaaroseitwaswithaquietedspirit，andaregretfortheantagonisticinstinctswhichhadseizeduponherjustbefore。

Inherdesiretomakeatonementshetookflowersfromavasebythewindow，andbeganlayingthemaroundthedeadgirl’shead。Bathshebaknewnootherwayofshowingkindnesstopersonsdepartedthanbygivingthemflowers。Sheknewnothowlongsheremainedengagedthus。Sheforgottime，life，whereshewas，whatshewasdoing。Aslammingtogetherofthecoach-housedoorsintheyardbroughthertoherselfagain。Aninstantafter，thefrontdooropenedandclosed，stepscrossedthehall，andherhusbandappearedattheentrancetotheroom，lookinginuponher。

Hebehelditallbydegrees，staredinstupefactionatthescene，asifhethoughtitanillusionraisedbysomefiendishincantation。Bathsheba，pallidasacorpseonend，gazedbackathiminthesamewildway。

Solittleareinstinctiveguessesthefruitofalegitimateinductionthat，atthismoment，ashestoodwiththedoorinhishand，TroyneveroncethoughtofFannyinconnectionwithwhathesaw。Hisfirstconfusedideawasthatsomebodyinthehousehaddied。

`Well-what？’saidTroyblankly。

`Imustgo！Imustgo！’saidBathsheba，toherselfmorethantohim。

Shecamewithadilatedeyetowardsthedoor，topushpasthim。

`What’sthematter，inGod’sname？who’sdead？’saidTroy。`Icannotsay；letmegoout。Iwantair！’shecontinued。

`Butno；stay，Iinsist！’Heseizedherhand，andthenvolitionseemedtoleaveher，andshewentoffintoastateofpassivity。He，stillholdingher，cameuptheroom，andthus，handinhand，TroyandBathshebaapproachedthecoffin’sside。

Thecandlewasstandingonabureauclosebythem，andthelight，slanteddown，distinctlyenkindlingthecoldfeaturesofbothmotherandbabe。

Troylookedin，droppedhiswife’shand，knowledgeofitallcomeoverhiminaluridsheen，andhestoodstill。

Sostillheremainedthathecouldbeimaginedtohaveleftinhimnomotivepowerwhatever。Theclashesoffeelinginalldirectionsconfoundedoneanother，producedaneutrality，andtherewasmotioninnone。

`Doyouknowher？’saidBathsheba，inasmallenclosedecho，asfromtheinteriorofacell。

`Ido，’saidTroy。

`Isitshe？’

`Itis。’

Hehadoriginallystooderect。Andnow，inthewell-nighcongealedimmobilityofhisframecouldbediscernedanincipientmovement，asinthedarkestnightmaybediscernedlightafterawhile。Hewasgraduallysinkingforwards。

Thelinesofhisfeaturessoftened，anddismaymodulatedtoillimitablesadness。Bathshebawasregardinghimfromtheotherside，stillwithpartedlipsanddistractedeyes。Capacityforintensefeelingisproportionatetothegeneralintensityofthenature，andperhapsinallFanny’ssuffering，muchgreaterrelativelytoherstrength，thereneverwasatimewhenshesufferedinanabsolutesensewhatBathshebasufferednow。

WhatTroydidwastosinkuponhiskneeswithanindefinableunionofremorseandreverenceuponhisface，and，bendingeverFannyRobin，gentlykissedher，asonewouldkissaninfantasleeptoavoidawakeningit。

Atthesightandsoundofthat，toher，unendurableact，Bathshebasprangtowardshim。Allthestrongfeelingswhichhadbeenscatteredoverherexistencesincesheknewwhatfeelingwas，seemedgatheredtogetherintoonepulsationnow。Therevulsionfromherindignantmoodalittleearlier，whenshehadmeditateduponcompromisedhonour，forestalment，eclipseinmaternitybyanother，wasviolentandentire。Allthatwasforgotteninthesimpleandstillstrongattachmentofwifetohusband。Shehadsighedforherself-completenessthen，andnowshecriedaloudagainsttheseveranceoftheunionshehaddeplored。SheflungherarmsroundTroy’sneck，exclaimingwildlyfromthedeepestdeepofherheart——

`Don’t-don’tkissthem！O，Frank，Ican’tbearit-Ican’t！Iloveyoubetterthanshedid；kissmetoo，Frank-kissme！YouwillFrank，kissmetoo！’

TherewassomethingsoabnormalandstartlinginthechildlikepainandsimplicityofthisappealfromawomanofBathsheba’scalibreandindependence，thatTroy，looseninghertightlyclaspedarmsfromhisneck，lookedatherinbewilderment。Itwassuchanunexpectedrevelationofallwomenbeingalikeatheart，eventhosesodifferentintheiraccessoriesasFannyandthisonebesidehim，thatTroycouldhardlyseemtobelievehertobehisproudwifeBathsheba。Fanny’sownspiritseemedtobeanimatingherframe。Butthiswasthemoodofafewinstantsonly。Whenthemomentarysurprisehadpassed，hisexpressionchangedtoasilencingimperiousgaze。

`Iwillnotkissyou！’hesaid，pushingheraway。

Hadthewifenowbutgonenofurther。Yet，perhaps，undertheharrowingcircumstances，tospeakoutwastheonewrongactwhichcanbebetterunderstood，ifnotforgiveninher，thantherightandpoliticone，herrivalbeingnowbutacorpse。Allthefeelingshehadbeenbetrayedintoshowingshedrewbacktoherselfagainbyastrenuouseffortofself-command。

`Whathaveyoutosayasyourreason？’sheasked，herbittervoicebeingstrangelylow-quitethatofanotherwomannow。

`IhavetosaythatIhavebeenabad，black-heartedman’heanswered。

`Andthatthiswomanisyourvictim；andInotlessthanshe。’

`Ah！don’ttauntme，madam。Thiswomanismoretome，deadassheis，thaneveryouwere，orare，orcanbe。IfSatanhadnottemptedmewiththatfaceofyours，andthosecursedcoquetries，Ishouldhavemarriedher。Ineverhadanotherthoughttillyoucameinmyway。WouldtoGodthatIhad；butitisalltoolate！Ideservetoliveintormentforthis！’

HeturnedtoFannythen。`Butnevermind，darling，’hesaid；`inthesightofHeavenyouaremyvery，verywife！’

AtthesewordsarosefromBathsheba’slipsalong，lowcryofmeasurelessdespairandindignation，suchawailofanguishashadneverbeforebeenheardwithinthoseold-inhabitedwalls。ItwastheTetelestouofherunionwithTroy。

`Ifshe’s-that，-what-amI？’sheadded，asacontinuationofthesamecry，andsobbingpitifully；andtheraritywithherofsuchabandonmentonlymadetheconditionmoredire。

`Youarenothingtome-nothing，’saidTroyheartlessly。`Aceremonybeforeapriestdoesn’tmakeamarriage。Iamnotmorallyyours。

Avehementimpulsetofleefromhim，torunfromthisplace，hide，andescapehiswordsatanyprice，notstoppingshortofdeathitself，masteredBathshebanow。Shewaitednotaninstant，butturnedtothedoorandranout。

CHAPTERFORTY-FOURUnderaTree-ReactionBathshebawentalongthedarkroad，neitherknowingnorcaringaboutthedirectionorissueofherflight。Thefirsttimethatshedefinitelynoticedherpositionwaswhenshereachedagateleadingintoathicketoverhungbysomelargeoakandbeechtrees。Onlookingintotheplace，itoccurredtoherthatshehadseenitbydaylightonsomepreviousoccasion，andthatwhatappearedlikeanimpassablethicketwasinrealityabrakeoffernnowwitheringfast。Shecouldthinkofnothingbettertodowithherpalpitatingselfthantogoinhereandhide；andenteringshelightedonaspotshelteredfromthedampfogbyarecliningtrunk，whereshesankdownuponatangledcouchoffrondsandstems。Shemechanicallypulledsomearmfulsroundhertokeepoffthebreezes，andclosedhereyes。

WhethershesleptornotthatnightBathshebawasnotclearlyaware。

Butitwaswithafreshenedexistenceandacoolerbrainthat，alongtimeafterwards，shebecameconsciousofsomeinterestingproceedingswhichweregoingoninthetreesaboveherheadandaround。

Acoarse-throatedchatterwasthefirstsound。

Itwasasparrowjustwaking。

Next：`Chee-weeze-weeze-weeze！’fromanotherretreat。

Itwasafinch。

Third：`Tink-tink-tink-tink-a-chink！’fromthehedge。

Itwasarobin。

`Chuck-chuck-chuck！’overhead。

Asquirrel。

Then，fromtheroad，`Withmyra-ta-ta，andmyrum-tum-tum！’

Itwasaploughboy。Presentlyhecameopposite，andshebelievedfromhisvoicethathewasoneoftheboysonherownfarm。Hewasfollowedbyashamblingtrampofheavyfeet，andlookingthroughthefernsBathshebacouldjustdiscerninthewanlightofdaybreakateamofherownhorses。

Theystoppedtodrinkatapondontheothersideoftheway。Shewatchedthemflouncingintothepool，drinking，tossinguptheirheads，drinkingagain，thewaterdribblingfromtheirlipsinsilverthreads。Therewasanotherflounce，andtheycameoutofthepond，andturnedbackagaintowardsthefarm。

Shelookedfurtheraround。Daywasjustdawning，andbesideitscoolairandcoloursherheatedactionsandresolvesofthenightstoodoutinluridcontrast。Sheperceivedthatinherlap，andclingingtoherhair，wereredandyellowleaveswhichhadcomedownfromthetreeandsettledsilentlyuponherduringherpartialsleep。Bathshebashookherdresstogetridofthem，whenmultitudesofthesamefamilylyingroundaboutherroseandflutteredawayinthebreezethuscreated，`likeghostsfromanenchanterfleeing’

Therewasanopeningtowardstheeast，andtheglowfromtheasyetunrisensunattractedhereyesthither。Fromherfeet，andbetweenthebeautifulyellowingfernswiththeirfeatheryarms，thegroundslopeddownwardstoahollow，inwhichwasaspeciesofswamp，dottedwithfungi。Amorningmisthungoveritnow-anoisomeyetmagnificentsilveryveil，filloflightfromthesun，yetsemi-opaque-thehedgebehinditbeinginsomemeasurehiddenbyitshazyluminousness。Upthesidesofthisdepressiongrewsheavesofthecommonrush，andhereandthereapeculiarspeciesofflag，thebladesofwhichglistenedintheemergingsun，likescythes。

Butthegeneralaspectoftheswampwasmalignant。Fromitsmoistandpoisonouscoatseemedtobeexhaledtheessencesofevilthingsintheearth，andinthewatersundertheearth。Thefungigrewinallmannerofpositionsfromrottingleavesandtreestumps，someexhibitingtoherlistlessgazetheirclammytops，otherstheiroozinggills。Someweremarkedwithgreatsplotches，redasarterialblood，othersweresaffronyellow，andotherstallandattenuated，withstemslikemacaroni。Somewereleatheryandofrichestbrowns。Thehollowseemedanurseryofpestilencessmallandgreat，intheimmediateneighbourhoodofcomfortandhealth，andBathshebaarosewithatremoratthethoughtofhavingpassedthenightonthebrinkofsodismalaplace。

Therewerenowotherfootstepstobeheardalongtheroad。Bathsheba’snerveswerestillunstrung：shecroucheddownoutofsightagain，andthepedestriancameintoview。Hewasaschoolboy，withabagslungoverhisshouldercontaininghisdinner，andabookinhishand。Hepausedbythegate，and，withoutlookingup，continuedmurmuringwordsintonesquiteloudenoughtoreachherears。

“`OLord，OLord，OLord，OLord，OLord“：-thatIknowouto’book。

“Giveus，giveus，giveus，giveus，giveus“：-thatIknow。“Gracethat，gracethat，gracethat，gracethat“：-thatIknow。’Otherwordsfollowedtothesameeffect。Theboywasofthedunceclassapparently；thebookwasapsalter，andthiswashiswayoflearningthecollect。Intheworstattacksoftroublethereappearstobealwaysasuperficialfilmofconsciousnesswhichisleftdisengagedandopentothenoticeoftrifles，andBathshebawasfaintlyamusedattheboy’smethod，tillhetoopassedon。

Bythistimestuporhadgivenplacetoanxiety，andanxietybegantomakeroomforhungerandthirst。Aformnowappearedupontheriseontheothersideoftheswamp，half-hiddenbythemist，andcametowardsBathsheba。

Thewoman-foritwasawoman-approachedwithherfaceaskance，asiflookingearnestlyonallsidesofher。Whenshegotalittlefurtherroundtotheleft，anddrewnearer，Bathshebacouldseethenewcomer’sprofileagainstthesunnysky，andknewthewavysweepfromforeheadtochin，withneitheranglenordecisivelineanywhereaboutit，tobethefamiliarcontourofLiddySmallbury。

Bathsheba’sheartboundedwithgratitudeinthethoughtthatshewasnotaltogetherdeserted，andshejumpedup。`O，Liddy！’shesaid，orattemptedtosay；butthewordshadonlybeenframedbyherlips；therecamenosound。

Shehadlosthervoicebyexposuretothecloggedatmosphereallthesehoursofnight。

`O，ma’am！IamsogladIhavefoundyou，’saidthegirl，assoonasshesawBathsheba。

`Youcan’tcomeacross，’Bathshebasaidinawhisper，whichshevainlyendeavouredtomakeloudenoughtoreachLiddy’sears。Liddy，notknowingthis，steppeddownupontheswamp，saying，asshedidso，`Itwillbearmeup，Ithink。’

BathshebaneverforgotthattransientlittlepictureofLiddycrossingtheswamptoherthereinthemorninglight。Iridescentbubblesofdanksubterraneanbreathrosefromthesweatingsodbesidethewaiting-maid’sfeetasshetrod，hissingastheyburstandexpandedawaytojointhevapouryfirmamentabove。Liddydidnotsink，asBathshebahadanticipated。

Shelandedsafelyontheotherside，andlookedupatthebeautifulthoughpaleandwearyfaceofheryoungmistress。

`Poorthing！’saidLiddy，withtearsinhereyes。`Doheartenyourselfupalittle，ma’am。Howeverdid——’

`Ican’tspeakaboveawhisper-myvoiceisgoneforthepresent，’

saidBathshebahurriedly。`Isupposethedampairfromthathollowhastakenitaway。Liddy，don’tquestionme，mind。Whosentyou-anybody？’

`Nobody。Ithought，whenIfoundyouwerenotathome，thatsomethingcruelhadhappened。IfancyIheardhisvoicelatelastnight；andso，knowingsomethingwaswrong——’

`Isheathome？’

`No；heleftjustbeforeIcameout。’

`IsFannytakenaway？’

`Notyet。Shewillsoonbe-atnineo’clock。’

`Wewon’tgohomeatpresent，then。Supposewewalkaboutinthiswood？’

Liddy，withoutexactlyunderstandingeverything，oranything，inthisepisode，assented，andtheywalkedtogetherfurtheramongthetrees。

`Butyouhadbettercomein，ma’am，andhavesomethingtoeat。Youwilldieofachill！’

`Ishallnotcomeindoorsyet-perhapsnever。’

`ShallIgetyousomethingtoeat，andsomethingelsetoputoveryourheadbesidesthatlittleshawl？’

`Ifyouwill，Liddy！’

Liddyvanished，andattheendoftwentyminutesreturnedwithacloak，hat，someslicesofbreadandbutter，atea-cupsandsomehotteainalittlechinajug。

`IsFannygone？’saidBathsheba。

`No，’saidhercompanion，pouringoutthetea。

Bathshebawrappedherselfupandateanddranksparingly。Hervoicewasthenalittleclearer，andatriflingcolourreturnedtoherface。

`Nowwe’llwalkaboutagain，’shesaid。

Theywanderedaboutthewoodfornearlytwohours，BathshebareplyinginmonosyllablestoLiddy’sprattle，forhermindranononesubject，andoneonly。Sheinterruptedwith——

`IwonderifFannyisgonebythistime？’

`Iwillgoandsee。’

Shecamebackwiththeinformationthatthemenwerejusttakingawaythecorpse；thatBathshebahadbeeninquiredfor；thatshehadrepliedtotheeffectthathermistresswasunwellandcouldnotbeseen。

`ThentheythinkIaminmybedroom？’

`Yes。’Liddythenventuredtoadd：`YousaidwhenIfirstfoundyouthatyoumightnevergohomeagain-youdidn’tmeanit，ma’am？’

`No；I’vealteredmymind。Itisonlywomenwithnoprideinthemwhorunawayfromtheirhusbands。Thereisonepositionworsethanthatofbeingfounddeadinyourhusband’shousefromhisill-usage，andthatis，tobefoundalivethroughhavinggoneawaytothehouseofsomebodyelse。

I’vethoughtofitallthismorning，andI’vechosenmycourse。Arunawaywifeisanencumbrancetoeverybody，aburdentoherselfandabyword-

allofwhichmakeupaheapofmiserygreaterthananythatcomesbystayingathome-thoughthismayincludethetriflingitemsofinsult，beating，andstarvation。Liddy，ifeveryoumarry-Godforbidthatyouevershould！-

you’llfindyourselfinafearfulsituation；butmindthis，don’tyouflinch。Standyourground，andbecuttopieces。That’swhatI’mgoingtodo。’

`O，mistress，don’ttalkso！’saidLiddy，takingherhand，`butIknewyouhadtoomuchsensetobideaway。MayIaskwhatdreadfulthingitisthathashappenedbetweenyouandhim？’

`Youmayask；butImaynottell。’

Inabouttenminutestheyreturnedtothehousebyacircuitousroute，enteringattherear。Bathshebaglidedupthebackstairstoadisusedattic，andhercompanionfollowed。

`Liddy，’shesaid，withalighterheart，foryouthandhopehadbeguntoreassertthemselves；`youaretobemyconfidanteforthepresent-

somebodymustbe-andIchooseyou。Well，Ishalltakeupmyabodehereforawhile。Willyougetafirelighted，putdownapieceofcarpet，andhelpmetomaketheplacecomfortable？Afterwards，IwantyouandMaryanntobringupthatlittlestumpbedsteadinthesmallroom，andthebedbelongingtoit，andatable，andsomeotherthings。WhatshallIdotopasstheheavytimeaway？’

`Hemminghandkerchiefsisaverygoodthing，’saidLiddy。

`Ono，no！Ihateneedlework-Ialwaysdid。’

`Knitting？’

`Andthattoo。’

`Youmightfinishyoursampler。Onlythecarnationsandpeacockswantfillingin；andthenitcouldbeframedandglazed，andhungbesideyouraunt’s，ma’am。’

`Samplersareoutofdate-horriblycountrified。No，Liddy，I’llread。

Bringupsomebooks-notnewones。Ihaven’thearttoreadanythingnew。’

`Someofyouruncle’soldones，ma’am？’

`Yes。Someofthosewestowedawayinboxes。’Afaintgleamofhumourpassedoverherfaceasshesaid：`BringBeaumontandFletcher’sMaid’sTragedy；andtheMourningBride；and-letmesee-NightThoughts；andtheVanityofHumanWishes。’

`Andthatstoryoftheblackman，whomurderedhiswifeDesdemona？Itisanicedismalonethatwouldsuityouexcellentjustnow。

`Now，Lidd，you’vebeenlookingintomybooks，withouttellingme；andIsaidyouwerenotto！Howdoyouknowitwouldsuitme？Itwouldn’tsuitmeatall。’

`Butiftheothersdo——’

`No，theydon’t；andIwon’treaddismalbooks。WhyshouldIreaddismalbooks，indeed？BringmeLoveinaVillage，andtheMaidoftheMill；andDoctorSyntax；andsomevolumesoftheSpectator。’

AllthatdayBathshebaandLiddylivedintheatticinastateofbarricade；

aprecautionwhichprovedtobeneedlessasagainstTroy，forhedidnotappearintheneighbourhoodortroublethematall。Bathshebasatatthewindowtillsunset，sometimesattemptingtoread，atothertimeswatchingeverymovementoutsidewithoutmuchpurpose，andlisteningwithoutmuchinteresttoeverysound。

Thesunwentdownalmostblood-redthatnight，andalividcloudreceiveditsraysintheeast。Upagainstthisdarkbackgroundthewestfrontofthechurchtower-theonlypartoftheedificevisiblefromthefarm-housewindows-rosedistinctandlustrous，thevaneuponthesummitbristlingwithrays。Hereabouts，atsixo’clock，theyoungmenofthevillagegathered，aswastheircustom，foragameofPrisoners’base。Thespothadbeenconsecratedtothisancientdiversionfromtimeimmemorial，theoldstocksconvenientlyformingabasefacingtheboundaryofthechurchyard，infrontofwhichthegroundwastroddenhardandbareasapavementbytheplayers。Shecouldseethebrownandblackheadsoftheyoungladsdartingaboutrightandleft，theirwhiteshirt-sleevesgleaminginthesun；whilstoccasionallyashoutandapealofheartylaughtervariedthestillnessoftheeveningair。Theycontinuedplayingforaquarterofanhourorso，whenthegameconcludedabruptly，andtheplayersleaptoverthewallandvanishedroundtotheothersidebehindayew-tree，whichwasalsohalfbehindabeech，nowspreadinginonemassofgoldenfoliage，onwhichthebranchestracedblacklines。

`Whydidthebase-playersfinishtheirgamesosuddenly？’Bathshebainquired，thenexttimethatLiddyenteredtheroom。

`Ithink’twasbecausetwomencamejustthenfromCasterbridgeandbeganputtingupagrandcarvedtombstone，’saidLiddy。`Theladswenttoseewhoseitwas。’

`Doyouknow？’Bathshebaasked。

`Idon’t，’saidLiddy。

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVETroy’sRomanticismWhenTroy’swifehadleftthehouseatthepreviousmidnighthisfirstactwastocoverthedeadfromsight。Thisdoneheascendedthestairs，andthrowinghimselfdownuponthebeddressedashewas，hewaitedmiserablyforthemorning。

Fatehaddealtgrimlywithhimthroughthelastfour-and-twentyhours。

Hisdayhadbeenspentinawaywhichvariedverymateriallyfromhisintentionsregardingit。Thereisalwaysaninertiatobeover-comeinstrikingoutanewlineofconduct-notmoreinourselves，itseems，thanincircumscribingevents，whichappearasifleaguedtogethertoallownonoveltiesinthewayofamelioration。

TwentypoundshavingbeensecuredfromBathsheba，hehadmanagedtoaddtothesumeveryfarthinghecouldmusteronhisownaccount，whichhadbeensevenpoundsten。Withthismoney，twenty-sevenpoundsteninall，hehadhastilydrivenfromthegatethatmorningtokeephisappointmentwithFannyRobin。

OnreachingCasterbridgeheleftthehorseandtrapataninn，andatfiveminutesbeforetencamebacktothebridgeatthelowerendofthetown，andsathimselfupontheparapet。Theclocksstruckthehour，andnoFannyappeared。Infact，atthatmomentshewasbeingrobedinhergrave-clothesbytwoattendantsattheUnionpoorhouse-thefirstandlasttiring-womenthegentlecreaturehadeverbeenhonouredwith。Thequarterwent，thehalf-hour。ArushofrecollectioncameuponTroyashewaited；thiswasthesecondtimeshehadbrokenaseriousengagementwithhim。Inangerhevoweditshouldbethelast，andateleveno’clock，whenhehadlingeredandwatchedthestonesofthebridgetillhekneweverylichenupontheirfaces，andheardthechinkoftheripplesunderneathtilltheyoppressedhim，hejumpedfromhisseat，wenttotheinnforhisgig，andinabittermoodofindifferenceconcerningthepast，andrecklessnessaboutthefuture，droveontoBudmouthraces。

Hereachedtherace-courseattwo-o’clock，andremainedeitherthereorinthetowntillnine。ButFanny’simage，asithadappearedtohiminthesombreshadowsofthatSaturdayevening，returnedtohismind，backedupbyBathsheba’sreproaches。Hevowedhewouldnotbet，andhekepthisvow，foronleavingthetownatnineo’clockintheeveninghehaddiminishedhiscashonlytotheextentofafewshillings。

Hetrottedslowlyhomeward，anditwasnowthathewasstruckforthefirsttimewithathoughtthatFannyhadbeenreallypreventedbyillnessfromkeepingherpromise。Thistimeshecouldhadmadenomistake。HeregrettedthathehadnotremainedinCasterbridgeandmadeinquiries。Reachinghomehequietlyunharnessedthehorseandcameindoors，aswehaveseen，tothefearfulshockthatawaitedhim。

Assoonasitgrewlightenoughtodistinguishobjects；Troyarosefromthecoverletofthebed，andinamoodofabsoluteindifferencetoBathsheba’swhereabouts，andalmostobliviousofherexistence，hestalkeddownstairsandleftthehousebythebackdoor。Hiswalkwastowardsthechurchyard，enteringwhichhesearchedaroundtillhefoundanewlydugunoccupiedgrave-thegravedugthedaybeforeforFanny。Thepositionofthishavingbeenmarked，hehastenedtoCasterbridge，onlypausingandmusingforawhileatthehillwhereonhehadlastseenFannyalive。

Reachingthetown，Troydescendedintoasidestreetandenteredapairofgatessurmountedbyaboardbearingthewords，`Lester，stoneandmarblemason’。Withinwgrelyingaboutstonesofallsizesanddesigns，inscribedasbeingsacredtothememoryofunnamedpersonswhohadnotyetdied。

Troywassounlikehimselfnowinlook，word，anddeed，thatthewantoflikenesswasperceptibleeventohisownconsciousness。Hismethodofengaginghimselfinthisbusinessofpurchasingatombwasthatofanabsolutelyunpractisedman。Hecouldnotbringhimselftoconsider，calculate，oreconomize。Hewaywardlywishedforsomething，andhesetaboutobtainingitlikeachildinanursery。`Iwantagoodtomb，’hesaidtothemanwhostoodinalittleofficewithintheyard。`Iwantasgoodaoneasyoucangivemefortwenty-sevenpounds。’

Itwasallthemoneyhepossessed。

`Thatsumtoincludeeverything？’

`Everything。Cuttingthename，carriagetoWeatherbury，anderection。