第13章

Themen，afterrecognizingTroy’sfeatures，withdrewacrosstheorchardasquietlyastheyhadcome。TheairwasbigwithBathsheba’sfortunesto-night：everywordeverywhereconcernedher。Whentheywerequiteoutofearshotallbyoneinstinctpaused。

`Itgavemequiteaturn-hisface，’saidTall，breathing。

`Andsoitdidme，’saidSamway。`What’stobedone？’

`Idon’tseethat’tisanybusinessofours，’Smallburymurmureddubiously。

`Butitis！’Tisathingwhichiseverybody’sbusiness，’saidSamway。

`Weknowverywellthatmaster’sonawrongtack，andthatshe’squiteinthedark，andweshouldlet’emknowatonce。Laban，youknowherbest-you’dbettergoandasktespeaktoher。’

`Ibain’tfitforanysuchthing，’saidLaban，nervously。`IshouldthinkWilliamoughttodoitifanybody。He’soldest。’

`Ishallhavenothingtodowithit，’saidSmallbury。`’Tisaticklishbusinessaltogether。Why，he’llgoontoherhimselfinafewminutes，ye’llsee。’

`Wedon’tknowthathewill。Come，Laban。’

`Verywell，ifImustImust，Isuppose，’Tallreluctantlyanswered。

`WhatmustIsay？’

`Justasktoseemaster。’

`Ono；Ishan’tspeaktoMrBoldwood。IfItellanybody，’twillbemistress。’

`Verywell，’saidSamway。

Labanthenwenttothedoor。Whenheopeneditthehumofbustlerolledoutasawaveuponastillstrand-theassemblagebeingimmediatelyinsidethehall-andwasdeadenedtoamurmurashecloseditagain。Eachmanwaitedintently，andlookedaroundatthedarktreetopsgentlyrockingagainsttheskyandoccasionallyshiveringinaslightwind，asifhetookinterestinthescene，whichneitherdid。Oneofthembeganwalkingupanddown，andthencametowherehestartedfromandstoppedagain，withasensethatwalkingwasathingnotworthdoingnow。

`IshouldthinkLabanmusthaveseenmistressbythistime，’saidSmallbury，breakingthesilence。`Perhapsshewon’tcomeandspeaktohim。’

Thedooropened。Tallappeared，andjoinedthem。`Well？’saidboth。

`Ididn’tliketoaskforherafterall，’Labanfalteredout。`Theywereallinsuchastir，tryingtoputalittlespiritintotheparty。

Somehowthefanseemstohangfire，thougheverything’stherethataheartcandesire，andIcouldn’tformysoulinterfereandthrowdampuponit-if’twastosavemylife，Icouldn’t！’

`Isupposewehadbetterallgointogether，’saidSamway，gloomily。

`PerhapsImayhaveachanceofsayingawordtomaster。’

Sothemenenteredthehall，whichwastheroomselectedandarrangedforthegatheringbecauseofitssize。Theyoungermenandmaidswereatlastjustbeginningadance。Bathshebahadbeenperplexedhowtoact，forshewasnotmuchmorethanaslimyoungmaidherself，andtheweightofstatelinesssatheavyuponher。Sometimesshethoughtsheoughtnottohavecomeunderanycircumstances；thensheconsideredwhatcoldunkindnessthatwouldhavebeen，andfinallyresolveduponthemiddlecourseofstayingforaboutanhouronly，andglidingoffunobserved，havingfromthefirstmadeuponhermindthatshecouldonnoaccountdance，sing，ortakeanyactivepartintheproceedings。

HerallottedhourhavingbeenpassedinchattingandlookingonBathshebatoldLiddynottohurryherselfandwenttothesmallparlourtopreparefordeparture，which，likethehall，wasdecoratedwithhollyandivy，andwelllightedup。

Nobodywasintheroom，butshehadhardlybeenthereamomentwhenthemasterofthehouseentered。

`MrsTroy-youarenotgoing？’hesaid。`We’vehardlybegun！’

`Ifyou’llexcuseme，Ishouldliketogonow。’Hermannerwasrestiveforsherememberedherpromise，andimaginedwhathewasabouttosay。

`Butasitisnotlate，’sheadded，`Icanwalkhome，andleavemymanandLiddytocomewhentheychoose。’

`I’vebeentryingtogetanopportunityofspeakingtoyou，’saidBoldwood。

`YouknowperhapswhatIlongtosay？’

Bathshebasilentlylookedonthefloor。

`Youdogiveit？’hesaid，eagerly。

`What？’shewhispered。

`Now，that’sevasion！Why，thepromise。Idon’twanttointrudeuponyouatall，ortoletitbecomeknowntoanybody。Butdogiveyourword！

Amerebusinesscompact，youknow，betweentwopeoplewhoarebeyondtheinfluenceofpassion。’Boldwoodknewhowfalsethispicturewasasregardedhimself；buthehadprovedthatitwastheonlytoneinwhichshewouldallowhimtoapproachher。`Apromisetomarrymeattheendoffiveyearsandthreequarters。Youoweittome！’

`IfeelthatIdo，’saidBathsheba；`thatis，ifyoudemandit。ButIamachangedwoman-anunhappywoman-andnot-not——’

`Youarestillaverybeautifulwoman，’saidBoldwood。Honestyandpureconvictionsuggestedtheremark，unaccompaniedbyanyperceptionthatitmighthavebeenadoptedbybluntflatterytosootheandwinher。

However，ithadnotmucheffectnow，forshesaid，inapassionlessmurmurwhichwasinitselfaproofofherwords：`Ihavenofeelinginthematteratall。AndIdon’tatallknowwhatisrighttodoinmydifficultposition，andIhavenobodytoadviseme。ButIgivemypromise，ifImust。

Igiveitastherenderingofadebt，conditionally，ofcourse，onmybeingawidow。’

`You’llmarrymebetweenfiveandsixyearshence？’

`Don’tpressmetoohard。I’llmarrynobodyelse。’

`Butsurelyyouwillnamethetime，orthere’snothinginthepromiseatall？’

`OIdon’tknow，prayletmego！’shesaid，herbosombeginningtorise。

`Iamafraidwhattodo！Iwanttobejusttoyou，andtobethatseemstobewrongingmyself，andperhapsitisbreakingthecommandments。Thereisconsiderabledoubtofhisdeath，andthenitisdreadful；letmeaskasolicitor，MrBoldwood，ifIoughtorno！’

`Saythewords，dearone，andthesubjectshallbedismissed；ablissfullovingintimacyofsixyears，andthenmarriage-OBathsheba，saythem！’

hebeggedinahuskyvoice，unabletosustaintheformsofmerefriendshipanylonger。`Promiseyourselftome；Ideserveit，indeedIdo，forIhavelovedyoumorethananybodyintheworld！AndifIsaidhastywordsandshoweduncalled-forheatofmannertowardsyou，believeme，dear，Ididnotmeantodistressyou；Iwasinagony，Bathsheba，andIdidnotknowwhatIsaid。Youwouldn’tletadogsufferwhatIhavesuffered，couldyoubutknowit！SometimesIshrinkfromyourknowingwhatIhavefeltforyou，andsometimesIamdistressedthatallofityouneverwillknow。

Begracious，andgiveupalittletome，whenIwouldgiveupmylifeforyou！’

Thetrimmingsofherdress，astheyquiveredagainstthelight，showedhowagitatedshewas，andatlastsheburstoutcrying。`Andyou’llnot-pressme-aboutanythingmore-ifIsayinfiveorsixyears？’shesobbed，whenshehadpowertoframethewords。

`Yes，thenI’llleaveittotime。’

`Verywell。Ifhedoesnotreturn，I’llmarryyouinsixyearsfromthisday，ifwebothlive，’shesaidsolemnly。

`Andyou’lltakethisasatokenfromme。’

Boldwoodhadcomeclosetoherside，andnowheclaspedoneofherhandsinbothhisown，andliftedittohisbreast。

`Whatisit？OhIcannotweararing！’sheexclaimed，onseeingwhatheheld；`besides，Iwouldn’thaveasoulknowthatit’sanengagement！

Perhapsitisimproper？Besides，wearenotengagedintheusualsense，arewe？Don’tinsist，MrBoldwood-don’t！’Inhertroubleatnotbeingabletogetherhandawayfromhimatonce，shestampedpassionatelyonthefloorwithonefoot，andtearscrowdedtohereyesagain。

`Itmeanssimplyapledge-nosentiment-thesealofapracticalcompact，’

hesaidmorequietly，butstillretainingherhandinhisfirmgrasp。`Come，now！’AndBoldwoodslippedtheringonherfinger。

`Icannotwearit，’shesaid，weepingasifherheartwouldbreak。`Youfrightenme，almost。Sowildascheme！Pleaseletmegohome！’

`Onlyto-night：wearitjustto-night，topleaseme！’

Bathshebasatdowninachair，andburiedherfaceinherhandkerchief，thoughBoldwoodkeptherhandyet。Atlengthshesaid，inasortofhopelesswhisper——

`Verywell，then，Iwillto-night，ifyouwishitsoearnestly。Nowloosenmyhand；Iwill，indeedIwillwearitto-night。’

`Anditshallbethebeginningofapleasantsecretcourtshipofsixyears，withaweddingattheend？’

`Itmustbe，Isuppose，sinceyouwillhaveitso！’shesaid，fairlybeatenintonon-resistance。

Boldwoodpressedherhand，andallowedittodropinherlap。`Iamhappynow，’hesaid。`Godblessyou！’

Helefttheroom，andwhenhethoughtshemightbesufficientlycomposedsentoneofthemaidstoher。Bathshebacloakedtheeffectsofthelatesceneasshebestcould，followedthegirl，andinafewmomentscamedownstairswithherhatandcloakon，readytogo。Togettothedooritwasnecessarytopassthroughthehall，andbeforedoingsoshepausedonthebottomofthestaircasewhichdescendedintoonecorner，totakealastlookatthegathering。

Therewasnomusicordancinginprogressjustnow。Atthelowerend，whichhadbeenarrangedforthework-folkspeciallyagroupconversedinwhispers，andwithcloudedlooks。Boldwoodwasstandingbythefireplace，andhe，too，thoughsoabsorbedinvisionsarisingfromherpromisethathescarcelysawanything，seemedatthatmomenttohaveobservedtheirpeculiarmanner，andtheirlooksaskance。

`Whatisityouareindoubtabout，men？’hesaid。

Oneofthemturnedandreplieduneasily：`ItwassomethingLabanheardof，that’sall，sir。’

`News？Anybodymarriedorengaged，bornordead？’inquiredthefarmer，gaily。`Tellittous，Tall。Onewouldthinkfromyourlooksandmysteriouswaysthatitwassomethingverydreadfulitindeed。

`Ono，sir，nobodyisdead，’saidTall。

`Iwishsomebodywas，’saidSamway，inawhisper。

`Whatdoyousay，Samway？’saidBoldwood，somewhatsharply。`Ifyouhaveanythingtosay，speakout；ifnot，getupanotherdance。

`MrsTroyhascomedownstairs，’saidSamwaytoTall。`Ifyouwanttotellher，youhadbetterdoitnow。’

`Doyouknowwhattheymean？’thefarmeraskedBathsheba，acrosstheroom。

`Idon’tintheleast，’saidBathsheba。

Therewasasmartrappingatthedoor。Oneofthemenopeneditinstantly，andwentoutside。

`MrsTroyiswanted，’hesaid，onreturning。

`Quiteready，’saidBathsheba。`ThoughIdidn’ttellthemtosend。’

`Itisastranger，ma’am，’saidthemanbythedoor。

`Astranger？’shesaid。

`Askhimtocomein，’saidBoldwood。

Themessagewasgiven，andTroy，wrappeduptohiseyesaswehaveseenhim，stoodinthedoorway。

Therewasanunearthlysilence，alllookingtowardsthenewcomer。Thosewhohadjustlearntthathewasintheneighbourhoodrecognizedhiminstantly；

thosewhodidnotwereperplexed。NobodynotedBathsheba。Shewasleaningonthestairs。Herbrowhadheavilycontracted；herwholefacewaspallid，herlipsapart，hereyesrigidlystaringattheirvisitor。

BoldwoodwasamongthosewhodidnotnoticethathewasTroy。`Comein，comein！’herepeated，cheerfully，`anddrainaChristmasbeakerwithus，stranger！’

Troynextadvancedintothemiddleoftheroom，tookoffhiscap，turneddownhiscoat-collar，andlookedBoldwoodintheface。EventhenBoldwooddidnotrecognizethattheimpersonatorofHeaven’spersistentironytowardshim，whohadoncebeforebrokeninuponhisbliss，scourgedhim，andsnatchedhisdelightaway，hadcometodothesethingsasecondtime。Troybegantolaughamechanicallaugh：Boldwoodrecognizedhimnow。

TroyturnedtoBathsheba。Thepoorgirl’swretchednessatthistimewasbeyondallfancyornarration。Shehadsunkdownontheloweststair；

andthereshesat，hermouthblueanddry，andherdarkeyesfixedvacantlyuponhim，asifshewonderedwhetheritwerenotallaterribleillusion。

ThenTroyspoke。`Bathsheba，Icomehereforyou！’

Shemadenoreply。

`Comehomewithme：come！’

Bathshebamovedherfeetalittle，butdidnotrise。

Troywentacrosstoher。

`Come，madam，doyouhearwhatIsay？’hesaid，peremptorily。

Astrangevoicecamefromthefireplace-avoicesoundingfaroffandconfined，asiffromadungeon。HardlyasoulintheassemblyrecognizedthethintonestobethoseofBoldwood。Suddendespairhadtransformedhim。

`Bathsheba，gowithyourhusband！’

Nevertheless，shedidnotmove。ThetruthwasthatBathshebawasbeyondthepaleofactivity-andyetnotinaswoon。Shewasinastateofmentalguttaserena；hermindwasfortheminutetotallydeprivedoflightatthesametimethatnoobscurationwasapparentfromwithout。

Troystretchedouthishandtopullhertowardshim，whenshequicklyshrankback。ThisvisibledreadofhimseemedtoirritateTroy，andheseizedherarmandpulleditsharply。Whetherhisgrasppinchedher，orwhetherhismeretouchwasthecause，wasneverknown，butatthemomentofhisseizureshewrithed，andgaveaquick，lowscream。

Thescreamhadbeenheardbutafewsecondswhenitwasfollowedbyasuddendeafeningreportthatechoedthroughtheroomandstupefiedthemall。Theoakpartitionshookwiththeconcussion，andtheplacewasfilledwithgreysmoke。

InbewildermenttheyturnedtheireyestoBoldwood。Atthisback，ashestoodbeforethefireplace，wasagun-rack，asisusualinfarmhouses，constructedtoholdtwoguns。WhenBathshebahadcriedoutinherhusband’sgrasp，Boldwood’sfaceofgnashingdespairhadchanged。Theveinshadswollen，andafrenziedlookhadgleamedinhiseye。Hehadturnedquickly，takenoneoftheguns，cockedit，andatoncedischargeditatTroy。

Troyfell。Thedistanceapartofthetwomenwassosmallthatthechargeofshotdidnotspreadintheleast，butpassedlikeabulletintohisbody。Heutteredalonggutturalsigh-therewasacontraction-anextension-thenhismusclesrelaxed，andhelaystill。

Boldwoodwasseenthroughthesmoketobenowagainengagedwiththegun。Itwasdouble-barrelled，andhehad，meanwhile，insomewayfastenedhishandkerchieftothetrigger，andwithhisfootontheotherendwasintheactofturningthesecondbarreluponhimselfSamwayhismanwasthefirsttoseethis，andinthemidstofthegeneralhorrordarteduptohim。Boldwoodhadalreadytwitchedthehandkerchief，andthegunexplodedasecondtime，sendingitscontents，byatimelyblowfromSamway，intothebeamwhichcrossedtheceiling。

`Well，itmakesnodifference！’Boldwoodgasped。`Thereisanotherwayformetodie。’

ThenhebrokefromSamway，crossedtheroomtoBathsheba，andkissedherhand。Heputonhishat，openedthedoor，andwentintothedarkness，nobodythinkingofpreventinghim。

CHAPTERFIFTY-FOURAftertheShockBoldwoodpassedintothehighroad，andturnedinthedirectionofCasterbridge。

Herehewalkedataneven，steadypaceoverYalburyHill，alongthedeadlevelbeyond，mountedMellstockHill，andbetweenelevenandtwelveo’clockcrossedtheMoorintothetown。Thestreetswerenearlydesertednow，andthewavinglamp-flamesonlylighteduprowsofgreyshop-shutters，andstripsofwhitepavinguponwhichhisstepechoedashepassedalong。Heturnedtotheright，andhaltedbeforeanarchwayofheavystonework，whichwasclosedbyaniron-studdedpairofdoors。Thiswastheentrancetothegaol，andoveritalampwasfixed，thelightenablingthewretchedtravellertofindabell-pull。

Thesmallwicketatlastopened，andaporterappeared。Boldwoodsteppedforward，andsaidsomethinginalowtone，when，afteradelay，anothermancame。Boldwoodentered，andthedoorwasclosedbehindhim，andhewalkedtheworldnomore。

LongbeforethistimeWeatherburyhadbeenthoroughlyaroused，andthewilddeedwhichhadterminatedBoldwood’smerrymakingbecameknowntoall。

OfthoseoutofthehouseOakwasoneofthefirsttohearofthecatastrophe，andwhenheenteredtheroom，whichwasaboutfiveminutesafterBoldwood’sexit，thescenewasterrible。Allthefemaleguestswerehuddledaghastagainstthewallslikesheepinastorm，andthemenwerebewilderedastowhattodo。AsforBathsheba，shehadchanged。ShewassittingonthefloorbesidethebodyofTroyhisheadpillowedinherlap，whereshehadherselfliftedit。Withonehandsheheldherhandkerchieftohisbreastandcoveredthewound，thoughscarcelyasingledropofbloodhadflowed，andwiththeothershetightlyclaspedoneofhis。Thehouseholdconvulsionhadmadeherherselfagain。Thetemporarycomahadceased，andactivityhadcomewiththenecessityforitDeedsofendurancewhichseemordinaryinphilosophyarerareinconduct，andBathshebawasastonishingallaroundhernow，forherphilosophywasherconduct，andsheseldomthoughtpracticablewhatshedidnotpractise。Shewasofthestuffofwhichgreatmen’smothersaremade。Shewasindispensabletohighgenerationhatedatteaparties，fearedinshops，andlovedatcrises。Troyrecumbentinhiswife’slapformednowthesolespectacleinthemiddleofthespaciousroom。

`Gabriel，’shesaid，automatically，whenheentered，turningupafaceofwhichonlythewell-knownlinesremainedtotellhimitwashers，allelseinthepicturehavingfadedquite。`RidetoCasterbridgeinstantlyforasurgeon。Itis，Ibelieve，useless，butgo。MrBoldwoodhasshotmyhusband。’

Herstatementofthefactinsuchquietandsimplewordscamewithmoreforcethanatragicdeclamation，andhadsomewhattheeffectofsettingthedistortedimagesineachmindpresentintoproperfocus。Oak，almostbeforehehadcomprehendedanythingbeyondthebriefestabstractoftheevent，hurriedoutoftheroom，saddledahorseandrodeaway。Nottillhehadriddenmorethanamilediditoccurtohimthathewouldhavedonebetterbysendingsomeothermanonthiserrand，remaininghimselfinthehouse。WhathadbecomeofBoldwood？Heshouldhavebeenlookedafter。Washemad-hadtherebeenaquarrel？ThenhowhadTroygotthere？Wherehadhecomefrom？Howdidthisremarkablereappearanceeffectitselfwhenhewassupposedbymanytobeatthebottomofthesea？OakhadinsomemeasurebeenpreparedforthepresenceofTroybyhearingarumourofhisreturnjustbeforeenteringBoldwood’shouse；butbeforehehadweighedthatinformation，thisfataleventhadbeensuperimposed。However，itwastoolatenowtothinkofsendinganothermessenger，andherodeon，intheexcitementoftheseself-inquiriesnotdiscerning，whenaboutthreemilesfromCasterbridge，asquare-figuredpedestrianpassingalongunderthedarkhedgeinthesamedirectionashisown。

Themilesnecessarytobetraversed，andotherhindrancesincidentaltothelatenessofthehourandthedarknessofthenight，delayedthearrivalofMrAldritch，thesurgeon；andmorethanthreehourspassedbetweenthetimeatwhichtheshotwasfiredandthatofhisenteringthehouse。

OakwasadditionallydetainedinCasterbridgethroughhavingtogivenoticetotheauthoritiesofwhathadhappened；andhethenfoundthatBoldwoodhadalsoenteredthetown，anddeliveredhimselfup。

Inthemeantimethesurgeon，havinghastenedintothehallatBoldwood’s，founditindarknessandquitedeserted。Hewentontothebackofthehouse，wherehediscoveredinthekitchenanoldman，ofwhomhemadeinquiries。

`She’shadhimtookawaytoherownhouse，sir，’saidhisinformant。

`Whohas？’saidthedoctor。

`MrsTroy。’Awasquitedead，sir。’

Thiswasastonishinginformation。`Shehadnorighttodothat，’saidthedoctor。`Therewillhavetobeaninquest，andsheshouldhavewaitedtoknowwhattodo。’

`Yes，sir；itwashintedtoherthatshehadbetterwaittillthelawwasknown。Butshesaidlawwasnothingtoher，andshewouldn’tletherdearhusband’scorpsebideneglectedforfolkstostareatforallthecrownersinEngland。’

MrAldritchdroveatoncebackagainupthehilltoBathsheba’s。ThefirstpersonhemetwaspoorLiddy，whoseemedliterallytohavedwindledsmallerinthesefewlatterhours。Whathasbeendone？’hesaid。

`Idon’tknow，sir，’saidLiddy，withsuspendedbreath。`Mymistresshasdoneitall。’

`Whereisshe？’

`Upstairswithhim，sir。Whenhewasbroughthomeandtakenupstairs，shesaidshewantednofartherhelpfromthemen。Andthenshecalledme，andmademefillthebath，andafterthattoldmeIhadbettergoandliedownbecauseIlookedsoill。Thenshelockedherselfintotheroomalonewithhim，andwouldnotletanursecomein，oranybodyatall。ButIthoughtI’dwaitinthenextroomincasesheshouldwantme。Iheardhermovingaboutinsideformorethananhour，butsheonlycameonce，andthatwasformorecandles，becausehershadburntdownintothesocket。ShesaidweweretoletherknowwhenyouorMrThirdlycame，sir。’

Oakenteredwiththeparsonatthismoment，andtheyallwentupstairstogether，precededbyLiddySmallbury。Everythingwassilentasthegravewhentheypausedonthelanding。Liddyknocked，andBathsheba’sdresswasheardrustlingacrosstheroom：thekeyturnedinthelock，andsheopenedthedoor。Herlookswerecalmandnearlyrigid，likeaslightlyanimatedbustofMelpomene。

`Oh，MrAldritch，youhavecomeatlast，’shemurmuredfromherlipsmerely，andthrewbackthedoor。`Ah，andMrThirdly。Well，allisdone，andanybodyintheworldmayseehimnow。’Shethenpassedbyhim，crossedthelanding，andenteredanotherroom。

Lookingintothechamberofdeathshehadvacatedtheysawbythelightofthecandleswhichwereonthedrawersatallstraightshapelyingatthefartherendofthebedroom，wrappedinwhite。Everythingaroundwasquiteorderly。Thedoctorwentin，andafterafewminutesreturnedtothelandingagain，whereOakandtheparsonstillwaited。

`Itisalldone，indeed，asshesays，’remarkedMrAldritch，inasubduedvoice。`Thebodyhasbeenundressedandproperlylaidoutingrave-clothes。

GraciousHeaven-thismeregirl！Shemusthavethenerveofastoic！’

`Theheartofawifemerely，’floatedinawhisperabouttheearsofthethree，andturningtheysawBathshebainthemidstofthem。Then，asifatthatinstanttoprovethatherfortitudehadbeenmoreofwillthanofspontaneity，shesilentlysankdownbetweenthemandwasashapelessheapofdraperyonthefloor。Thesimpleconsciousnessthatsuperhumanstrainwasnolongerrequiredhadatonceputaperiodtoherpowertocontinueit。

Theytookherawayintoafartherroom，andthemedicalattendancewhichhadbeenuselessinTroy’scasewasinvaluableinBathsheba’s，whofellintoaseriesoffainting-fitsthathadaseriousaspectforatime。Thesuffererwasgottobed，andOak，findingfromthebulletinsthatnothingreallydreadfulwastobeapprehendedonherscoreleftthehouse。LiddykeptwatchinBathsheba’schamber，wheresheheardhermistressmoaninginwhispersthroughthedullslowhoursofthatwretchednight：`Oitismyfault-howcanIlive！OHeaven，howcanIlive！’

CHAPTERFIFTY-FIVETheMarchFollowing-`BathshebaBoldwood’WepassrapidlyonintothemonthofMarch，toabreezydaywithoutsunshine，frost，ordew。OnYalburyHill，aboutmidwaybetweenWeatherburyandCasterbridge，wheretheturnpikeroadpassesoverthecrest，anumerousconcourseofpeoplehadgathered，theeyesofthegreaternumberbeingfrequentlystretchedafarinanortherlydirection。Thegroupsconsistedofathrongofidlers，apartyofjavelin-men，andtwotrumpeters，andinthemidstwerecarriages，oneofwhichcontainedthehighsheriffWiththeidlers，manyofwhomhadmountedtothetopofacuttingformedfortheroad，wereseveralWeatherburymenandboys-amongothersPoorgrass，Coggan，andCainBall。

Attheendofhalf-an-hourafaintdustwasseenintheexpectedquarter，andshortlyafteratravelling-carriage，bringingoneofthetwojudgesontheWesternCircuit，cameupthehillandhaltedonthetop。Thejudgechangedcarriageswhilstaflourishwasblownbythebig-cheekedtrumpeters，andaprocessionbeingformedofthevehiclesandjavelin-men，theyallproceededtowardsthetown，exceptingtheWeatherburymen，whoassoonastheyhadseenthejudgemoveoffreturnedhomeagaintotheirwork。

`Joseph，Izeedyousqueezingclosetothecarriage，’saidCoggan，astheywalked。`Didyenoticemylordjudge’sface？’

`Idid，’saidPoorgrass，`Ilookedhardaten，asifIwouldreadhisverysoul；andtherewasmerryinhiseyes-ortospeakwiththeexacttruthrequiredofusatthissolemntime，intheeyethatwastowardsme。

`Well，Ihopeforthebest，’saidCoggan，`thoughbadthatmustbe。

However，Ishan’tgotothetrial，andI’dadvisetherestofyethatbain’twantedtobideaway。’Twilldisturbhismindmorethananythingtoseeustherestaringathimasifhewereashow。’

`TheverythingIsaidthismorning，’observedJoseph。“`Justiceiscometoweighhiminthebalances。”Isaidinmyreflectiousway，“andifhe’sfoundwanting，sobeituntohim。”andabystandersaid“Hear，hear！Amanwhocantalklikethatoughttobeheard。”ButIdon’tlikedwellinguponit，formyfewwordsaremyfewwords，andriotmuch；thoughthespeechofsomemenisrumouredabroadasthoughbynatureformedforsuch。’

`So’tis，Joseph。Andnow，neighbours，asIsaid，everymanbideathome。’

Theresolutionwasadheredto；andallwaitedanxiouslyforthenewsnextday。Theirsuspensewasdiverted，however，byadiscoverywhichwasmadeintheafternoon，throwingmorelightonBoldwood’sconductandconditionthananydetailswhichhadprecededit。

ThathehadbeenfromthetimeofGreenhillFairuntilthefatalChristmasEveinexcitedandunusualmoodswasknowntothosewhohadbeenintimatewithhim；butnobodyimaginedthattherehadshowninhimunequivocalsymptomsofthementalderangementwhichBathshebaandOak，aloneofallothersandatdifferenttimes，hadmomentarilysuspected。Inalockedclosetwasnowdiscoveredanextraordinarycollectionofarticles。Therewereseveralsetsofladies’dressesinthepiece，ofsundryexpensivematerials；silksandsatins，poplinsandvelvets，allofcolourswhichfromBathsheba’sstyleofdressmighthavebeenjudgedtobeherfavourites。Thereweretwomuffs，sableandermine。Abovealltherewasacaseofjewellery，containingfourheavygoldbraceletsandseverallocketsandrings，alloffinequalityandmanufacture。ThesethingshadbeenboughtinBathandothertownsfromtimetotime，andbroughthomebystealth。Theywereallcarefullypackedinpaper，andeachpackagewaslabelled`BathshebaBoldwood’，adatebeingsubjoinedsixyearsinadvanceineveryinstance。

ThesesomewhatpatheticevidencesofamindcrazedwithcareandlovewerethesubjectofdiscourseinWarren’smalt-housewhenOakenteredfromCasterbridgewithtidingsofthesentence。Hecameintheafternoon，andhisface，asthekilnglowshoneuponit，toldthetalesufficientlywell。

Boldwood，aseveryonesupposedhewoulddo，hadpleadedguilty，andhadbeensentencedtodeath。

TheconvictionthatBoldwoodhadnotbeenmorallyresponsibleforhislateractsnowbecamegeneral。Factselicitedprevioustothetrialhadpointedstronglyinthesamedirection，buttheyhadnotbeenofsufficientweighttoleadtoanorderforanexaminationintothestateofBoldwood’smind。Itwasastonishing，nowthatapresumptionofinsanitywasraised，howmanycollateralcircumstanceswererememberedtowhichaconditionofmentaldiseaseseemedtoaffordtheonlyexplanation-amongothers，theunprecedentedneglectofhiscornstacksintheprevioussummer。

ApetitionwasaddressedtotheHomeSecretary，advancingthecircumstanceswhichappearedtojustifyarequestforareconsiderationofthesentence。

Itwasnot`numerouslysigned’bytheinhabitantsofCasterbridge，asisusualinsuchcases，forBoldwoodhadnevermademanyfriendsoverthecounter。Theshopsthoughtitverynaturalthatamanwho，byimportingdirectfromtheproducer，haddaringlysetasidethefirstgreatprincipleofprovincialexistence，namely，thatGodmadecountryvillagestosupplycustomerstocountrytowns，shouldhaveconfusedideasabouttheDecalogue。

Theprompterswereafewmercifulmenwhohadperhapstoofeelinglyconsideredthefactslatterlyunearthed，andtheresultwasthatevidencewastakenwhichitwashopedmightremovethecrime，inamoralpointofview，outofthecategoryofwilfulmurder，andleadittoberegardedasasheeroutcomeofmadness。

TheupshotofthepetitionwaswaitedforinWeatherburywithsolicitousinterest。Theexecutionhadbeenfixedforeighto’clockinaSaturdaymorningaboutafortnightafterthesentencewaspassed，anduptoFridayafternoonnoanswerhadbeenreceived。AtthattimeGabrielcamefromCasterbridgeGaol，whitherhehadbeentowishBoldwoodgood-bye，andturneddownaby-streettoavoidthetown。Whenpastthelasthouseheheardahammering，andlifting，’hisbowedheadhelookedbackforamoment。Overthechimneyshecouldseetheupperpartofthegaolentrance，richandglowingintheafternoonsun，andsomefigureswerethere。Theywerecarpentersliftingpostintoaverticalpositionwithintheparapet。Hewithdrewhiseyesquicklyandhastenedon。

Itwasdarkwhenhereachedhome，andhalfthevillagewasouttomeethim。

`Notidings，’Gabrielsaid，wearily。`AndI’mafraidthere’snohope。

I’vebeenwithhimmorethantwohours。’

`Doyouthinkhereallywasoutofhismindwhenhedidit？’

saidSmallbury。

`Ican’thonestlysaythatIdo，’Oakreplied。`However，thatwecantalkofanothertime。Hastherebeenanychangeinmistressthisafternoon？’

`Noneatall。’

`Isshedownstairs？’

`No。Andgettingonsonicelyasshewastoo。She’sbutverylittlebetternowagainthanshewasatChristmas。Shekeepsonaskingifyoubecome，andifthere’snews，tillone’sweariedoutwi’answeringher。

ShallIgoandsayyou’vecome？’

`No，’saidOak。`There’sachanceyet；butIcouldn’tstayintownanylonger-afterseeinghimtoo。SoLaban-Labanishere，isn’the？’

`Yes，’saidTall。

`WhatI’vearrangedis，thatyoushallridetotownthelastthingtonight；leavehereaboutnine，andwaitawhilethere，gettinghomeabouttwelve。Ifnothinghasbeenreceivedbyelevento-night，theysaythere’snochanceatall。’

`Idosohopehislifewithbespared，’saidLiddy。`Ifitisnot，she’llgooutofhermindtoo。Poorthing；hersufferingshavebeendreadful；

shedeservesanybody’spity。’

`Isshealteredmuch？’saidCoggan。

`Ifyouhaven’tseenpoormistresssinceChristmas，youwouldn’tknowher，’saidLiddy。`Hereyesaresomiserablethatshe’snotthesamewoman。

Onlytwoyearsagoshewasarompinggirl，andnowshe’sthis！’

Labandepartedasdirected，andateleveno’clockthatnightseveralofthevillagersstrolledalongtheroadtoCasterbridgeandawaitedhisarrival-amongthemOak，andnearlyalltherestofBathsheba’smen。Gabriel’sanxietywasgreatthatBoldwoodmighthesaved，eventhoughinhisconsciencehefeltthatheoughttodie；fortherehadbeenqualitiesinthefarmerwhichOakloved。Atlast，whentheyallwerewearythetrampofahorsewasheardinthedistance——Firstdead，asifonturfittrode，Then，clattering，onthevillageroadInotherpacethanforthheyode。`Weshallsoonknownow，onewayorother，’saidCoggan，andtheyallsteppeddownfromthebankonwhichtheyhadbeenstandingintotheroad，andtheriderprancedintothemidstofthem。

`Isthatyou，Laban？’saidGabriel。

`Yes——’tiscome。He’snottodie。’TisconfinementduringHerMajesty’spleasure。’

`Hurrah！’saidCoggan，withaswellingheart。`God’sabovethedevilyet！’

CHAPTERFIFTY-SIXBeautyinLoneliness-AfterAllBathshebarevivedwiththespring。Theutterprostrationthathadfollowedthelowfeverfromwhichshehadsuffereddiminishedperceptiblywhenalluncertaintyuponeverysubjecthadcometoanend。

Butsheremainedalonenowforthegreaterpartofhertime，andstayedinthehouse，oratfurthestwentintothegarden。Sheshunnedeveryone，evenLiddy，andcouldbebroughttomakenoconfidences，andtoaskfornosympathy。

Asthesummerdrewonshepassedmoreofhertimeintheopenair，andbegantoexamineintofarmingmattersfromsheernecessity，thoughsheneverrodeoutorpersonallysuperintendedasatformertimes。OneFridayeveninginAugustshewalkedalittlewayalongtheroadandenteredthevillageforthefirsttimesincethesombreeventoftheprecedingChristmas。

Noneoftheoldcolourhadasyetcometohercheek，anditsabsolutepalenesswasheightenedbythejetblackofhergown，tillitappearedpreternatural。

Whenshereachedalittleshopattheotherendoftheplace，whichstoodnearlyoppositetothechurchyard，Bathshebaheardsinginginsidethechurch，andsheknewthatthesingerswerepracticing。Shecrossedtheroad，openedthegate，andenteredthegraveyard，thehighsillsofthechurchwindowseffectuallyscreeningherfromtheeyesofthosegatheredwithin。HerstealthywalkwastothenookwhereinTroyhadworkedatplantingflowersuponFannyRobin’sgrave，andshecametothemarbletombstone。

Amotionofsatisfactionenlivenedherfaceasshereadthecompleteinscription。FirstcamethewordsofTroyhimself：——ERECTEDBYFRANCISTROYINBELOVEDMEMORYOFFANNYROBIN，WHO

DIEDOCTOBER9，18-，AGED20YEARS。Underneaththiswasnowinscribedinnewletters：——INTHESAMEGRAVELIETHEREMAINSOFTHEAFORESAIDFRANCIS

TROY，WHODIEDDECEMBER24TH，18-，AGED26YEARS。Whilstshestoodandreadandmeditatedthetonesoftheorganbeganagaininthechurch，andshewentwiththesamelightsteproundtotheporchandlistened。Thedoorwasclosed，andthechoirwaslearninganewhymn。

Bathshebawasstirredbyemotionswhichlatterlyshehadassumedtobealtogetherdeadwithinher。Thelittleattenuatedvoicesofthechildrenbroughttoherearindistinctutterancethewordstheysangwithoutthoughtorcomprehension——Lead，kindlyLight，amidtheencirclinggloom，LeadThoumeon。Bathsheba’sfeelingwasalwaystosomeextentdependentuponherwhim，asisthecasewithmanyotherwomen。Somethingbigcameintoherthroatandanuprisingtohereyes-andshethoughtthatshewouldallowtheimminenttearstoflowiftheywished。Theydidflowandplenteously，andonefelluponthestonebenchbesideher。Onceshehadbeguntocryforshehardlyknewwhat，shecouldnotleaveoffforcrowdingthoughtssheknewtoowell。Shewouldhavegivenanythingintheworldtobe，asthosechildrenwere，unconcernedatthemeaningoftheirwords，becausetooinnocenttofeelthenecessityforanysuchexpression。Alltheimpassionedscenesofherbriefexperienceseemedtorevivewithaddedemotionatthatmoment，andthosesceneswhichhadbeenwithoutemotionduringenactmenthademotionthen。Yetgriefcametoherratherasaluxurythanasthescourgeofformertimes。

OwingtoBathsheba’sfacebeingburiedinherhandsshedidnotnoticeaformwhichcamequietlyintotheporch，andonseeingher，firstmovedasiftoretreat，thenpausedandregardedher。Bathshebadidnotraiseherheadforsometime，andwhenshelookedroundherfacewaswet，andhereyesdrownedanddim。`MrOak，’exclaimedshe，disconcerted，`howlonghaveyoubeenhere？’

`Afewminutes，ma’am，’saidOak，respectfully。

`Areyougoingin？’saidBathsheba；andtherecamefromwithinthechurchasfromaprompter——Ilovedthegarishday，and，spiteoffears，Prideruledmywill：remembernotpastyears。`Iwas，’saidGabriel。`Iamoneofthebasssingers，youknow。Ihavesungbassforseveralmonths。’

`Indeed：Iwasn’tawareofthat。I’llleaveyou，then。’WhichIhavelovedlongsince，andlostawhile，sangthechildren。

`Don’tletmedriveyouaway，mistress。IthinkIwon’tgointo-night。’

`Ono-youdon’tdrivemeaway。’

Thentheystoodinastateofsomeembarrassment，Bathshebatryingtowipeherdreadfullydrenchedandinflamedfacewithouthisnoticingher。

AtlengthOaksaid，`I’venotseenyou-Imeanspokentoyou-sinceeversolong，haveI？’Buthefearedtobringdistressingmemoriesback，andinterruptedhimselfwith：`Wereyougoingintochurch？’

`No，’shesaid。`Icametoseethetombstoneprivately-toseeiftheyhadcuttheinscriptionasIwished。MrOak，youneedn’tmindspeakingtome，ifyouwishto，onthematterwhichisinbothourmindsatthismoment。

`Andhavetheydoneitasyouwished？’saidOak。

`Yes。Comeandseeit，ifyouhavenotalready。’

Sotogethertheywentandreadthetomb。`Eightmonthsago！’Gabrielmurmuredwhenhesawthedate。`Itseemslikeyesterdaytome。’

`Andtomeasifitwereyearsago-longyears，andIhadbeendeadbetween。AndnowIamgoinghome，MrOak。’

Oakwalkedafterher。`IwantedtonameasmallmattertoyouassoonasIcould，’hesaidwithhesitation。`Merelyaboutbusiness，andIthinkImayjustmentionitnow，ifyou’llallowme。’

`Oyes，certainly。’

`ItisthatImaysoonhavetogiveupthemanagementofyourfarm，MrsTroy。Thefactis，IamthinkingofleavingEngland-notyet，youknow-nextspring。’

`LeavingEngland！’shesaid，insurpriseandgenuinedisappointment。

`Why，Gabriel，whatareyougoingtodothatfor？’

`Well，I’vethoughtitbest，’Oakstammeredout。`CaliforniaisthespotI’vehadinmymindtotry。’

`ButitisunderstoodeverywherethatyouaregoingtotakepoorMrBoldwood’sfarmonyourownaccount？’

`I’vehadtherefusalo’it’tistrue；butnothingissettledyet，andIhavereasonsforgieingup。Ishallfinishoutmyyearthereasmanagerforthetrustees，butnomore。’

`AndwhatshallIdowithoutyou？Oh，Gabriel，Idon’tthinkyououghttogoaway。You’vebeenwithmesolong-throughbrighttimesanddarktimes-sucholdfriendsasweare-thatitseemsunkindalmost。Ihadfanciedthatifyouleasedtheotherfarmasmaster，youmightstillgiveahelpinglookacrossatmine。Andnowgoingaway！’

`Iwouldhavewillingly。’

`YetnowthatIammorehelplessthaneveryougoaway！’

`Yes，that’stheillfortuneo’it，’saidGabriel，inadistressedtone。

`AnditisbecauseofthatveryhelplessnessthatIfeelboundtogo。Goodafternoon，ma’am，’heconcluded，inevidentanxietytogetawayandatoncewentoutofthechurchyardbyapathshecouldfollowonnopretencewhatever。

Bathshebawenthome，hermindoccupiedwithanewtrouble，whichbeingratherharassingthandeadlywascalculatedtodogoodbydivertingherfromthechronicgloomofherlife。ShewassetthinkingagreatdealaboutOakandofhiswishtoshunher；andthereoccurredtoBathshebaseveralincidentsofherlatterintercoursewithhim，which，trivialwhensinglyviewed，amountedtogethertoaperceptibledisinclinationforhersociety。

Itbrokeuponheratlengthasagreatpainthatherlastolddisciplewasabouttoforsakeherandflee。Hewhohadbelievedinherandarguedonhersidewhenalltherestoftheworldwasagainsther，hadatlastliketheothersbecomewearyandneglectfuloftheoldcause，andwasleavinghertofightherbattlesalone。

Threeweekswenton，andmoreevidenceofhiswantofinterestinherwasforthcoming。Shenoticedthatinsteadofenteringthesmallparlourorofficewherethefarmaccountswerekept，andwaiting，orleavingamemorandumashehadhithertodoneduringherseclusion，Oaknevercameatallwhenshewaslikelytobethere，onlyenteringatunseasonablehourswhenherpresenceinthatpartofthehousewasleasttobeexpected。Wheneverhewanteddirectionhesentamessage，ornotewithneitherheadingnorsignature，towhichshewasobligedtoreplyinthesameoffhandstyle。

PoorBathshebabegantosuffernowfromthemosttorturingstingofall-asensationthatshewasdespised。

Theautumnworeawaygloomilyenoughamidthesemelancholyconjectures，andChristmas-daycame，completingayearofherlegalwidowhood，andtwoyearsandaquarterofherlifealone。Onexaminingherheartitappearedbeyondmeasurestrangethatthesubjectofwhichtheseasonmighthavebeensupposedsuggestive-theeventinthehallatBoldwood’s-wasnotagitatingheratall；butinstead，anagonizingconvictionthateverybodyabjuredher-forwhatshecouldnottell-andthatOakwastheringleaderoftherecusants。ComingoutofchurchthatdayshelookedroundinhopethatOak，whosebassvoiceshehadheardrollingoutfromthegalleryoverheadinamostunconcernedmanner，mightchancetolingerinherpathintheoldway。Therehewas，asusual，comingdownthepathbehindher。ButonseeingBathshebaturn，helookedaside，andassoonashegotbeyondthegate，andtherewasthebarestexcuseforadivergence，hemadeone，andvanished。

Thenextmorningbroughttheculminatingstroke；shehadbeenexpectingitlong。ItwasaformalnoticebyletterfromhimthatheshouldnotrenewhisengagementwithherforthefollowingLady-day。

Bathshebaactuallysatandcriedoverthislettermostbitterly。ShewasaggrievedandwoundedthatthepossessionofhopelesslovefromGabriel，whichshehadgrowntoregardasherinalienablerightforlife，shouldhavebeenwithdrawnjustathisownpleasureinthisway。Shewasbewilderedtoobytheprospectofhavingtorelyonherownresourcesagain：itseemedtoherselfthatshenevercouldagainacquireenergysufficienttogotomarket，barter，andsell。SinceTroy’sdeathOakhadattendedallsalesandfairsforher，transactingherbusinessatthesametimewithhisown。

Whatshouldshedonow？Herlifewasbecomingadesolation。

SodesolatewasBathshebathisevening，thatinanabsolutehungerforpityandsympathy，andmiserableinthatsheappearedtohaveoutlivedtheonlytruefriendshipshehadeverowned，sheputonherbonnetandcloakandwentdowntoOak’shousejustaftersunset，guidedonherwaybythepaleprimroseraysofacrescentmoonafewdaysold。

Alivelyfirelightshonefromthewindow，butnobodywasvisibleintheroom。Shetappednervously，andthenthoughtitdoubtfulifitwererightforasinglewomantocalluponabachelorwholivedalone，althoughhewashermanager，andshemightbesupposedtocallonbusinesswithoutanyrealimpropriety。Gabrielopenedthedoor，andthemoonshoneuponhisforehead。

`MrOak，’saidBathshebafaintly。

`Yes；IamMrOak，’saidGabriel。`WhohaveIthehonour-Ohowstupidofme，nottoknowyou，mistress！’

`Ishallnotbeyourmistressmuchlonger，shallI，Gabriel？’shesaidinpathetictones。

`Well，no。Isuppose-Butcomein，ma’am。Oh-andI’llgetalight，’

Oakreplied，withsomeawkwardness。

`No；notonmyaccount。’

`ItissoseldomthatIgetaladyvisitorthatI’mafraidIhaven’tproperaccommodation。Willyousitdown，please？Here’sachairandthere’sone，too。Iamsorrythatmychairsallhavewoodseats，andareratherhard，butI-wasthinkingofgettingsomenewones。’Oakplacedtwoorthreeforher。

`Theyarequiteeasyenoughforme。’

Sodownshesat，anddownhesat，thefiredancingintheirfaces，andupontheoldfurniture，alla-sheenenWi’longyearsO’handlen，thatformedOak’sarrayofhouseholdpossessions，whichsentbackadancingreflectioninreply。Itwasveryoddtothesetwopersons，whokneweachotherpassingwell，thatthemerecircumstanceoftheirmeetinginanewplaceandinanewwayshouldmakethemsoawkwardandconstrained。Inthefields，oratherhouse，therehadneverbeenanyembarrassment；butnowthatOakhadbecometheentertainertheirlivesseemedtobemovedbackagaintothedayswhentheywerestrangers。

`You’llthinkitstrangethatIhavecome，but——’

`Ono；notatall。’

`ButIthought-Gabriel，IhavebeenuneasyinthebeliefthatIhaveoffendedyou，andthatyouaregoingawayonthataccount。Itgrievedmeverymuch，andIcouldn’thelpcoming。’

`Offendedme！Asifyoucoulddothat，Bathsheba！’

`Haven’tI？’sheasked，gladly。`But，whatareyougoingawayforelse？’

`Iamnotgoingtoemigrate，youknow；Iwasn’tawarethatyouwouldwishmenottowhenItold’ee，orIshouldn’thavethoughtofdoingit，’

hesaid，simply。`IhavearrangedforLittleWeatherburyFarm，andshallhaveitinmyownhandsatLady-day。YouknowI’vehadashareinitforsometime。Still，thatwouldn’tpreventmyattendingtoyourbusinessasbefore，hadn’titbeenthatthingshavebeensaidaboutus。’

`What？’saidBathshebainsurprise。`Thingssaidaboutyouandme！Whatarethey？’

`Icannottellyou。’

`Itwouldbewiserifyouwereto，Ithink。Youhaveplayedthepartofmentortomemanytimes，andIdon’tseewhyyoushouldfeartodoitnow。’

`Itisnothingthatyouhavedone，thistime。Thetopandtailo’tisthis-thatI’msniffingabouthere，andwaitingforpoorBoldwood’sfarm，withathoughtofgettingyousomeday。’

`Gettingme！Whatdoesthatmean？’

`Marryingof’ee，inplainBritish。Youaskedmetotell，soyoumustn’tblameme。’

Bathshebadidnotlookquitesoalarmedasifacannonhadbeendischargedbyherear，whichwaswhatOakhadexpected。`Marryingme！Ididn’tknowitwasthatyoumeant，’shesaid，quietly。`Suchathingasthatistooabsurd-toosoon-tothinkofbyfar！’

`Yes；ofcourse，itistooabsurd。Idon’tdesireanysuchthing；I

shouldthinkthatwasplainenoughbythistime。Surely，surelyyoubethelastpersonintheworldIthinkofmarrying。Itistooabsurd，asyousay。

“`Too-s-s-soon“werethewordsIused。’

`Imustbegyourpardonforcorrectingyou，butyousaid，“tooabsurd“，andsodoI。’

`Ibegyourpardontoo！’shereturned，withtearsinhereyes。“`Toosoon“waswhatIsaid。Butitdoesn’tmatterabit-notatall-butI

onlymeant，“toosoon“。Indeed，Ididn’t，MrOak，andyoumustbelieveme！’Gabriellookedherlongintheface，butthefirelightbeingfainttherewasnotmuchtobeseen。`Bathsheba，’hesaid，tenderlyandinsurprise，andcomingcloser：`IfIonlyknewonething-whetheryouwouldallowmetoloveyouandwinyou，andmarryyouafterall-ifIonlyknewthat！’

`Butyouneverwillknow，’shemurmured。

`Why？’

`Becauseyouneverask。’

`Oh-Oh！’saidGabriel，withalowlaughofjoyousness。`Myowndear——’

`Yououghtnottohavesentmethatharshletterthismorning，’sheinterrupted。`Itshowsyoudidn’tcareabitaboutme，andwerereadytodesertmelikealltherestofthem！Itwasverycruelofyou，consideringIwasthefirstsweetheartthatyoueverhad，andyouwerethefirstI

everhad；andIshallnotforgetit！’

`Now，Bathsheba，waseveranybodysoprovoking？’hesaid，laughing。

`YouknowitwaspurelythatI，asanunmarriedman，carryingonabusinessforyouasaverytakingyoungwoman，hadaproperhardparttoplay-

moreparticularthatpeopleknewIhadasortoffeelingfor’ee；andI

fancied，fromthewaywewerementionedtogether，thatitmightinjureyourgoodname。NobodyknowstheheatandfretIhavebeencausedbyit。’

`Andwasthatall？’

`All。’

`O，howgladIamIcame！’sheexclaimed，thankfully，assherosefromherseat。`IhavethoughtsomuchmoreofyousinceIfanciedyoudidnotwanteventoseemeagain。ButImustbegoingnoworIshallbemissed。

Why，Gabriel，’shesaid，withaslightlaugh，astheywenttothedoor，`itseemsexactlyasifIhadcomecourtingyou-howdreadful！’

`Andquiteright，too，’saidOak。`I’vedancedatyourskittishheels，mybeautifulBathsheba，formanyalongmile，andmanyalongday；anditishardtobegrudgemethisonevisit。’

Heaccompaniedherupthehill，explainingtoherthedetailsofhisforthcomingtenureoftheotherfarm。Theyspokeverylittleoftheirmutualfeelings；prettyphrasesandwarmexpressionsbeingprobablyunnecessarybetweensuchtriedfriends。Theirswasthatsubstantialaffectionwhicharises(ifanyarisesatall)whenthetwowhoarethrowntogetherbeginfirstbyknowingtheroughersidesofeachother’scharacter，andnotthebesttillfurtheron，theromancegrowingupintheintersticesofamassofhardprosaicreality。Thisgood-fellowship-camaraderie-usuallyoccurringthroughsimilarityofpursuits，isunfortunatelyseldomsuperaddedtolovebetweenthesexes，becausemenandwomenassociate，notintheirlabours，butintheirpleasuresmerely。Where，however，happycircumstancepermitsitsdevelopment，thecompoundedfeelingprovesitselftobetheonlylovewhichisstrongasdeath-thatlovewhichmanywaterscannotquench，northefloodsdrown，besidewhichthepassionusuallycalledbythenameisevanescentassteam。

CHAPTERFIFTY-SEVENAFoggyNightandMorning-Conclusion`Themostprivate，secret，plainestweddingthatitispossibletohave。’

ThosehadbeenBathsheba’swordstoOakoneevening，sometimeaftertheeventoftheprecedingchapter，andhemeditatedahillhourbytheclockuponhowtocarryoutherwishestotheletter。

`Alicense-Oyes，itmustbealicense，’hesaidtohimselfatlast。

`Verywell，then；first，alicense。’

Onadarknight，afewdayslater，Oakcamewithmysteriousstepsfromthesurrogate’sdoorinCasterbridge。Onthewayhomeheheardaheavytreadinfrontofhim，and，overtakingtheman，foundhimtobeCoggan。

Theywalkedtogetherintothevillageuntiltheycametoalittlelanebehindthechurch，leadingdowntothecottageofLabanTall，whohadlatelybeeninstalledasclerkoftheparish，andwasyetinmortalterroratchurchonSundayswhenheheardhislonevoiceamongcertainhardwordsofthePsalms，whithernomanventuredtofollowhim。

`Well，good-night，Coggan，’saidOak，`I’mgoingdownthisway。’

`Oh！’saidCoggan，surprised；`what’sgoingonto-night，then，makesobold，MrOak？’

ItseemedratherungenerousnottotellCoggan，underthecircumstances，forCogganhadbeentrueassteelallthroughthetimeofGabriel’sunhappinessaboutBathsheba，andGabrielsaid，`Youcankeepasecret，Coggan？’

`You’veprovedme，andyouknow。’

`Yes，Ihave，andIdoknow。Well，then，mistressandImeantogetmarriedtomorrowmorning。’

`Heaven’shightower！AndyetI’vethoughtofsuchathingfromtimetotime；true，Ihave。Butkeepingitsoclose！Well，there，’tisnoconsarnofmine，andIwish’eejoyo’her。’

`Thankyou，Coggan。ButIassure’eethatthisgreathushisnotwhatIwishedforatall，orwhateitherofuswouldhavewishedifithadn’tbeenforcertainthingsthatwouldmakeagayweddingseemhardlythething。

Bathshebahasagreatwishthatalltheparishshrillnotbeinchurch，lookingather-she’sshy-likeandnervousaboutit，infact-soI

bedoingthistohumourher。’

`Ay，Isee：quiteright，too，IsupposeImustsay。Andyoubenowgoingdowntotheclerk。’

`Yes；youmayaswellcomewithme。’

`Iamafeardyourlabourinkeepingitclosewillbethrowedaway，’

saidCoggan，astheywalkedalong。`LabeTall’soldwomanwillhornitalloverparishinhalf-an-hour。’

`Soshewill，uponmylife；Ineverthoughtofthat，’saidOak，pausing。

`YetImusttellhimto-night，Isuppose，forhe’sworkingsofaroff，andleavesearly。’

`I’lltell’eehowwecouldtackleher，’saidCoggan。`I’llknockandasktospeaktoLabanoutsidethedoor，youstandinginthebackground。

Thenhe’llcomeout，andyoutellyertale。She’llneverguesswhatIwantenfor；andI’llmakeupafewwordsaboutthefarm-work，asablind。’

Thisschemewasconsideredfeasible；andCogganadvancedboldly，andrappedatMrsTall’sdoor。MrsTallherselfopenedit。

`IwantedtohaveawordwithLaban。’

`He’snotathome，andwon’tbethissideofeleveno’clock。He’vebeenforcedtogoovertoYalburysinceshuttingoutwork。Ishalldoquiteaswell。’

`Ihardlythinkyouwill。Stopamoment，’andCoggansteppedroundthecorneroftheporchtoconsultOak。

`Who’st’otherman，then？’saidMrsTall。

`Onlyafriend，’saidCoggan。

`Sayhe’swantedtomeetmistressnearchurch-hatchto-morrowmorningatten，’saidOak，inawhisper。`Thathemustcomewithoutfail，andwearhisbestclothes。’

`Theclotheswillfloorusassafeashouses！’saidCoggan。

`Itcan’tbehelped，’saidOak。`Tellher。’

SoCoggandeliveredthemessage。`Mind，hetorwet，bloworsnow，hemustcome，’addedJan。`’Tisveryparticular，indeed。Thefactis，’tistowitnesshersignsomelaw-workabouttakingshareswi’anotherfarmerforalongspano’years。There，that’swhat’tis，andnowI’vetold’ee，MotherTall，inawayIshouldn’tha’doneifIhadn’tloved’eesohopelesswell。’

Cogganretiredbeforeshecouldaskanyfurther；andnexttheycalledatthevicar’sinamannerwhichexcitednocuriosityatall。ThenGabrielwenthome，andpreparedforthemorrow。

`Liddy，’saidBathsheba，ongoingtobedthatnight，`Iwantyoutocallmeatseveno’clockto-morrow，incaseIshouldn’twake。’

`Butyoualwaysdowakeaforethen，ma’am。’

`Yes，butIhavesomethingimportanttodo，whichI’lltellyouofwhenthetimecomes，andit’sbesttomakesure。’

Bathsheba，however，awokevoluntarilyatfour，norcouldshebyanycontrivancegettosleepagain。Aboutsix，beingquitepositivethatherwatchhadstoppedduringthenight，shecouldwaitnolonger。ShewentandtappedatLiddy’sdoor，andaftersomelabourawokeher。

`ButIthoughtitwasIwhohadtocallyou？’saidthebewilderedLiddy。

`Anditisn’tsixyet。’

`Indeeditis；howcanyoutellsuchastory，Liddy！Iknowitmustbeeversomuchpastseven。Cometomyroomassoonasyoucan；Iwantyoutogivemyhairagoodbrushing。’

WhenLiddycametoBathsheba’sroomhermistresswasalreadywaiting。

Liddycouldnotunderstandthisextraordinarypromptness。`Whateverisgoingon，ma’am？’shesaid。

`Well，I’lltellyou，’saidBathsheba，withamischievoussmileinherbrighteyes。`FarmerOakiscomingheretodinewithmeto-day！’

`FarmerOak-andnobodyelse？-youtwoalone？’

`Yes。’

`Butisitsafe，ma’am，afterwhat’sbeensaid？’askedhercompanion，dubiously。`Awoman’sgoodnameissuchaperishablearticlethat——’

Bathshebalaughedwithaflushedcheek，andwhisperedinLiddy’sear，althoughtherewasnobodypresent。ThenLiddystaredandexclaimed，`Soulsalive，whatnews！Itmakesmyheartgoquitebumpity-bump！’

`Itmakesmineratherfurious，too，’saidBathsheba。`However，there’snogettingoutofitnow！’

Itwasadampdisagreeablemorning。Nevertheless，attwentyminutestoteno’clock，Oakcameoutofhishouse，andWentupthehillsideWiththatsortofstrideAmanputsoutwhenwalkinginsearchofabride，andknockedatBathsheba’sdoor。Tenminuteslateralargeandasmallerumbrellamighthavebeenseenmovingfromthesamedoor，andthroughthemistalongtheroadtothechurch。Thedistancewasnotmorethanaquarterofamile，andthesetwosensiblepersonsdeemeditunnecessarytodrive。

AnobservermusthavebeenverycloseindeedtodiscoverthattheformsundertheumbrellaswerethoseofOakandBathsheba，arm-in-armforthefirsttimeintheirlives，Oakinagreatcoatextendingtohisknees，andBathshebainacloakthatreachedherclods。Yet，thoughsoplainlydressed，therewasacertainrejuvenatedappearanceabouther：——Asthougharoseshouldshutandbeabudagain。Reposehadagainincarnadinedhercheeks；andhaving，atGabriel’srequest，arrangedherhairthismorningasshehadwornityearsagoonNorcombeHill，sheseemedinhiseyesremarkablylikethegirlofthatfascinatingdream，which，consideringthatshewasnowonlythreeorfour-and-twenty，wasperhapsnotverywonderful。InthechurchwereTall，Liddy，andtheparson，andinaremarkablyshortspaceoftimetoedeedwasdone。

ThetwosatdownveryquietlytoteainBathsheba’sparlourintheeveningofthesameday，forithadbeenarrangedthatfarmerOakshouldgotheretolive，sincehehadasyetneithermoney，house，norfurnitureworthyofthename，thoughhewasonasurewaytowardsthem，whilstBathshebawas，comparatively，inaplethoraofallthree。

JustasBathshebawaspouringoutacupoftea，theirearsweregreetedbythefiringofacannon，followedbywhatseemedlikeatremendousblowingoftrumpets，inthefrontofthehouse。

`There！’saidOak，laughing，`Iknewthosefellowswereuptosomething，bythelookontheirfaces。’

Oaktookupthelightandwentintotheporch，followedbyBathshebawithashawloverherhead。Theraysfelluponagroupofmalefiguresgathereduponthegravelinfront，who，whentheysawthenewly-marriedcoupleintheporch，setupaloud`Hurrah！’andatthesamemomentbangagainwentthecannoninthebackgroundfollowedbyahideousclangofmusicfromadrum，tambourine，clarionet，serpent，hautboy，tenor-viol，anddouble-bass-theonlyremainingrelicsofthetrueandoriginalWeatherburyband-venerableworm-eateninstruments，whichhadcelebratedintheirownpersonsthevictoriesofMarlborough，underthefingersoftheforefathersofthosewhoplayedthemnow。Theperformerscameforward，andmarcheduptothefront。

`Thosebrightboys，MarkClarkandJan，areatthebottomofallthis，’

saidOak。`Comein，souls，andhavesomethingtoeatanddrinkwi’meandmywife。’

`Notto-night，’saidMarkClark，withevidentself-denial。`Thankyeallthesame；butwe’llcallatamoreseemlytime。However，wecouldn’tthinkoflettingthedaypasswithoutanoteofadmirationofsomesort。

Ifyecouldsendadropofsom’atdowntoWarren’s，whysoitis。Here’slonglifeandhappinesstoneighbourOakandhiscomelybride！’

`Thankye；thankyeall！’saidGabriel。`AbitandadropshallbesenttoWarren’sforyeatonce。Ihadathoughtthatwemightverylikelygetasaluteofsomesortfromouroldfriends，andIwassayingsotomywifebutnow。’

`Faith，’saidCoggan，inacriticaltone，turningtohiscompanions，`themanhevlearnttosay“mywife“inawonderfulnaterelway，consideringhowveryyouthfulheisinwedlockasyet-hey，neighboursall？’

`Ineverheerdaskilfuloldmarriedfelleroftwentyyears’standingpipe“mywife“inamoreusednotethan’adid，’saidJacobSmallbury。

`Itmighthavebeenalittlemoretruetonaterif’thadbeenspokealittlechillier，butthatwasn’ttobeexpectedjustnow。’

`Thatimprovementwillcomewi’time，’saidJan，twirlinghiseye。ThenOaklaughed。Bathshebasmiled(forsheneverlaughedreadilynow)，andtheirfriendsturnedtogo。

`Yes；Isupposethat’sthesizeo’t，’saidJosephPoorgrasswithacheerfulsighastheymovedaway；`andIwishhimjoyo’her；thoughIwereonceortwiceuponsayingtodaywithholyHosea，inmyscripturemanner，whichismysecondnature，“Ephraimisjoinedtoidols：lethimalone。”Butsince’tisas’tis，why，itmighthavebeenworse，andIfeelmythanksaccordingly。’