`Ihavenotfalleninlovewithyou，MrBoldwood-certainlyImustsaythat。’Sheallowedaverysmallsmiletocreepforthefirsttimeoverherseriousfaceinsayingthis，andthewhiterowofupperteeth，andkeenly-cutlipsalreadynoticed，suggestedanideaofheartlessness，whichwasimmediatelycontradictedbythepleasanteyes。
　　`Butyouwilljustthink-inkindnessandcondescensionthink-ifyoucannotbearwithmeasahusband！IfearIamtoooldforyou，butbelievemeIwilltakemorecareofyouthanwouldmanyamanofyourownage。Iwillprotectandcherishyouwithallmystrength-Iwillindeed！
　　Youshallhavenocares-beworriedbynohouseholdaffairs，andlivequiteatease，MissEverdene。Thedairysuperintendenceshallbedonebyaman-Icanafforditwell-youshallneverhavesomuchastolookoutofdoorsathaymakingtime，ortothinkofweatherintheharvest。
　　Iratherclingtothechaise，becauseitisthesamemypoorfatherandmotherdrove，butifyoudon’tlikeitIwillsellit，andyoushallhaveapony-carriageofyourown。Icannotsayhowfaraboveeveryotherideaandobjectonearthyouseemtome-nobodyknows-Godonlyknows-howmuchyouaretome！’
　　Bathsheba’sheartwasyoung，anditswelledwithsympathyforthedeep-naturedmanwhospokesosimply。
　　`Don’tsayit：don’t！Icannotbearyoutofeelsomuch，andmetofeelnothing。AndIamafraidtheywillnoticeus，MrBoldwood。Willyouletthematterrestnow？Icannotthinkcollectedly。Ididnotknowyouweregoingtosaythistome。O，Iamwickedtohavemadeyousufferso！’Shewasfrightenedaswellasagitatedathisvehemence。
　　`Saythen，thatyoudon’tabsolutelyrefuse。Donotquiterefuse？’
　　`Icandonothing。Icannotanswer。
　　`Imayspeaktoyouagainonthesubject？’
　　`Yes。’
　　`Imaythinkofyou？’
　　`Yes，Isupposeyoumaythinkofme。’
　　`Andhopetoobtainyou？’
　　`No-donothope！Letusgoon。’
　　`Iwillcalluponyouagaintomorrow。’
　　`No-pleasenot。Givemetime。’
　　`Yes-Iwillgiveyouanytime，’hesaidearnestlyandgratefully。
　　`Iamhappiernow。’
　　`No-Ibegyou！Don’tbehappierifhappinessonlycomesfrommyagreeing。
　　Beneutral，MrBoldwood！Imustthink。’
　　`Iwillwait，’hesaid。
　　Andthensheturnedaway。Boldwooddroppedhisgazetotheground，andstoodlonglikeamanwhodidnotknowwherehewas。Realitiesthenreturneduponhimlikethepainofawoundreceivedinanexcitementwhicheclipsesit，andhe，too，thenwenton。
　　CHAPTERTWENTYPerplexity-bindingtheShears-AQuarrel`HeissodisinterestedandkindtooffermeallthatIcandesire，’Bathshebamused。
　　YetFarmerBoldwood，whetherbynaturekindorthereversetokind，didnotexercisekindnesshere。Therarestofferingsofthepurestlovesarebutaself-indulgence，andnogenerosityatall。
　　Bathsheba，notbeingtheleastinlovewithhim，waseventuallyabletolookcalmlyathisoffer。Itwasonewhichmanywomenofherownstationintheneighbourhood，andnotafewofhigherrank，wouldhavebeenwildtoacceptandproudtopublish。Ineverypointofview，rangingfrompolitictopassionate，itwasdesirablethatshe，alonelygirlshouldmarry，andmarrythisearnest，well-to-do，andrespectedman。Hewasclosetoherdoors：hisstandingwassufficient：hisqualitieswereevensupererogatory。
　　Hadshefelt，whichshedidnot，anywishwhateverforthemarriedstateintheabstract，shecouldnotreasonablyhaverejectedhim，beingawomanwhofrequentlyappealedtoherunderstandingfordeliverancefromherwhims。
　　Boldwoodasameanstomarriagewasunexceptionable：sheesteemedandlikedhim，yetshedidnotwanthim。Itappearsthatordinarymentakewivesbecausepossessionisnotpossiblewithoutmarriage，andthatordinarywomenaccepthusbandsbecausemarriageisnotpossiblewithoutpossession；
　　withtotallydifferingaimsthemethodisthesameonbothsides。Buttheunderstoodincentiveonthewoman’spartwaswantinghere。Besides，Bathsheba’spositionasabsolutemistressofafarmandhousewasanovelone，andthenoveltyhadnotyetbeguntowearoff。
　　Butadisquietfilledherwhichwassomewhattohercredit，foritwouldhaveaffectedfew。Beyondthementionedreasonswithwhichshecombatedherobjections，shehadastrongfeelingthat，havingbeentheonewhobeganthegame，sheoughtinhonestytoaccepttheconsequences。Stillthereluctanceremained。ShesaidinthesamebreaththatitwouldbeungenerousnottomarryBoldwood，andthatshecouldn’tdoittosaveherlife。
　　Bathsheba’swasanimpulsivenatureunderadeliberateaspect。AnElizabethinbrainandaMaryStuartinspirit，sheoftenperformedactionsofthegreatesttemeritywithamannerofextremediscretion。Manyofherthoughtswereperfectsyllogisms；unluckilytheyalwaysremainedthoughts。Onlyafewwereirrationalassumptions；but，unfortunately，theyweretheoneswhichmostfrequentlygrewintodeeds。
　　ThenextdaytothatofthedeclarationshefoundGabrielOakatthebottomofhergarden，grindinghisshearsforthesheep-shearing。Allthesurroundingcottagesweremoreorlessscenesofthesameoperation；thescurrofwhettingspreadintotheskyfromallpartsofthevillageasfromanarmouryprevioustoacampaign。Peaceandwarkisseachotherattheirhoursofpreparation-sickles，scythes，shears，andpruning-hooksrankingwithswords，bayonets，andlances，intheircommonnecessityforpointandedge。
　　CainyBallturnedthehandleofGabriel’sgrindstone，hisheadperformingamelancholysee-sawupanddownwitheachturnofthewheel。OakstoodsomewhatasErosisrepresentedwhenintheactofsharpeninghisarrows：
　　hisfigureslightlybent，theweightofhisbodythrownoverontheshears，andhisheadbalancedsideways，withacriticalcompressionofthelipsandcontractionoftheeyelidstocrowntheattitude。
　　Hismistresscameupandlookedupontheminsilenceforaminuteortwo；thenshesaid——
　　`Cain，gotothelowermeadandcatchthebaymare。I’llturnthewinchofthegrindstone。Iwanttospeaktoyou，Gabriel。’
　　Caindeparted，andBathshebatookthehandle。Gabrielhadglancedupinintensesurprise，quelleditsexpression，andlookeddownagain。Bathshebaturnedthewinch，andGabrielappliedtheshears。
　　Thepeculiarmotioninvolvedinturningawheelhasawonderfultendencytobenumbthemind。ItisasortofattenuatedvarietyofIxion’spunishment，andcontributesadismalchaptertothehistoryofgaols。Thebraingetsmuddled，theheadgrowsheavy，andthebody’scentreofgravityseemstosettlebydegreesinaleadenlumpsomewherebetweentheeyebrowsandthecrown。Bathshebafelttheunpleasantsymptomsaftertwoorthreedozenturns。
　　`Willyouturn，Gabriel，andletmeholdtheshears？’shesaid。`Myheadisinawhirl，andIcan’ttalk。’
　　Gabrielturned。Bathshebathenbegan，withsomeawkwardness，allowingherthoughtstostrayoccasionallyfromherstorytoattendtotheshears，whichrequiredalittlenicetyinsharpening。
　　`IwantedtoaskyouifthemenmadeanyobservationsonmygoingbehindthesedgewithMrBoldwoodyesterday？’
　　`Yes，theydid，’saidGabriel。`Youdon’tholdtheshearsright，miss-Iknewyouwouldn’tknowtheway-holdlikethis。’
　　Herelinquishedthewinch，andenclosinghertwohandscompletelyinhisowntakingeachaswesometimesclaspachild’shandinteachinghimtowrite，graspedtheshearswithher。`Inclinetheedgeso’hesaid。
　　Handsandshearswereinclinedtosuitthewords，andheldthusforapeculiarlylongtimebytheinstructorashespoke。
　　`Thatwilldo，’exclaimedBathsheba。`Loosemyhands。Iwon’thavethemheld！Turnthewinch。’
　　Gabrielfreedherhandsquietly，retiredtohishandle，andthegrindingwenton。
　　`Didthementhinkitodd？’shesaidagain。
　　`Oddwasnottheidea，miss。’
　　`Whatdidtheysay？’
　　`ThatFarmerBoldwood’snameandyourownwerelikelytobeflungoverpulpittogetherbeforetheyearwasout。’
　　`Ithoughtsobythelookofthem！Why，there’snothinginit。Amorefoolishremarkwasnevermade，andIwantyoutocontradictit：that’swhatIcamefor。’
　　Gabriellookedincredulousandsad，butbetweenhismomentsofincredulity，relieved。
　　`Theymusthaveheardourconversation，’shecontinued。
　　`Well，then，Bathsheba！’saidOak，stoppingthehandle，andgazingintoherfacewithastonishment。
　　`MissEverdene，youmean，’shesaidwithdignity。
　　`Imeanthis，thatifMrBoldwoodreallyspokeofmarriage，Ibain’tgoingtotellastoryandsayhedidn’ttopleaseyou。Ihavealreadytriedtopleaseyoutoomuchformyowngood！’
　　Bathshebaregardedhimwithround-eyedperplexity。Shedidnotknowwhethertopityhimfordisappointedloveofher，ortobeangrywithhimforhavinggotoverit-histonebeingambiguous。
　　`IsaidIwantedyoujusttomentionthatitwasnottrueIwasgoingtobemarriedtohim，’shemurmured，withaslightdeclineinherassurance。
　　`Icansaythattothemifyouwish，MissEverdene。AndIcouldlikewisegiveanopinionto’eeonwhatyouhavedone。’
　　`Idaresay。ButIdon’twantyouropinion。’
　　`Isupposenot，’saidGabrielbitterly，andgoingonwithhisturning；
　　hiswordsrisingandfallinginaregularswellandcadenceashestoopedorrosewiththewinch，whichdirectedthem，accordingtohisposition，perpendicularlyintotheearth，orhorizontallyalongthegarden，hiseyesbeingfixedonaleafupontheground。
　　WithBathshebaahastenedactwasarashact；but，asdoesnotalwayshappen，timegainedwasprudenceensured。Itmustbeadded，however，thattimewasveryseldomgained。AtthisperiodthesingleopinionintheparishonherselfandherdoingsthatshevaluedassounderthanherownwasGabrielOak’s。Andtheoutspokenhonestyofhischaracterwassuchthatonanysubject，eventhatofherlovefor，ormarriagewith，anotherman，thesamedisinterestednessofopinionmightbecalculatedon，andbehadfortheasking。Thoroughlyconvincedoftheimpossibilityofhisownsuit，ahighresolveconstrainedhimnottoinjurethatofanother。Thisisalover’smoststoicalvirtue，asthelackofitisalover’smostvenialsin。Knowinghewouldreplytrulysheaskedthequestion，painfulasshemusthaveknownthesubjectwouldbe。Suchistheselfishnessofsomecharmingwomen。Perhapsitwansomeexcuseforherthustorturinghonestytoherownadvantage，thatshehadabsolutelynoothersoundjudgementwithineasyreach。
　　`Well，whatisyouropinionofmyconduct，’shesaidquietly。
　　`Thatitisunworthyofanythoughtful，andmeek，andcomelywoman。’
　　InaninstantBathsheba’sfacecolouredwiththeangrycrimsonofaDanbysunset。Butsheforboretoutterthisfeeling，andthereticenceofhertongueonlymadetheloquacityofherfacethemorenoticeable。
　　ThenextthingGabrieldidwastomakeamistake。
　　`Perhapsyoudon’tliketherudenessofmyreprimandingyou，forIknowitisrudeness；butIthoughtitwoulddogood。’
　　Sheinstantlyrepliedsarcastically——
　　`Onthecontrary，myopinionofyouissolow，thatIseeinyourabusethepraiseofdiscerningpeople！’
　　`Iamgladyoudon’tmindit，forIsaidithonestlyandwitheveryseriousmeaning。’
　　`Isee。But，unfortunately，whenyoutrynottospeakinjestyouareamusing-justaswhenyouwishtoavoidseriousnessyousometimessayasensibleword。’
　　Itwasahardhit，butBathshebahadunmistakablylosthertemper，andonthataccountGabrielhadneverinhislifekepthisownbetter。Hesaidnothing。Shethenbrokeout——
　　`Imayask，Isuppose，whereinparticularmyunworthinesslies？Inmynotmarryingyou，perhaps！’
　　`Notbyanymeans，’saidGabrielquietly。`Ihavelonggivenupthinkingofthatmatter。’
　　`Orwishingit，Isuppose，’shesaid；anditwasapparentthatsheexpectedanunhesitatingdenialofthissupposition。
　　WhateverGabrielfelt，hecoollyechoedherwords——
　　`Orwishingiteither。’
　　Awomanmaybetreatedwithabitternesswhichissweettoher，andwitharudenesswhichisnotoffensive。BathshebawouldhavesubmittedtoanindignantchastisementforherlevityhadGabrielprotestedthathewaslovingheratthesametime；theimpetuosityofpassionunrequitedisbearable，evenifitstingsandanathematizes-thereisatriumphinthehumiliation，andatendernessinthestrife。Thiswaswhatshehadbeenexpecting，andwhatshehadnotgot。Tobelecturedbecausethelecturersawherinthecoldmorninglightofopen-shuttereddisillusionwasexasperating。
　　Hehadnotfinished，either。Hecontinuedinamoreagitatedvoice：——
　　`MyopinionissinceyouaskitthatyouaregreatlytoblameforplayingpranksuponamanlikeMrBoldwood，merelyasapastime。Leadingonamanyoudon’tcareforisnotapraiseworthyaction。Andeven，MissEverdene，ifyouseriouslyinclinedtowardshim，youmighthavelethimfinditoutinsomewayoftrueloving-kindness，andnotbysendinghimavalentine’sletter。’
　　Bathshebalaiddowntheshears。
　　`Icannotallowanymanto-tocriticizemyprivateconduct！’sheexclaimed。
　　`NorwillIforaminute。Soyou’llpleaseleavethefarmattheendoftheweek！’
　　Itmayhavebeenapeculiarity-atanyrateitwasafact-thatwhenBathshebawasswayedbyanemotionofanearthlysortherlowerliptrembled；
　　whenbyarefinedemotion，herupperorheavenwardone。Hernetherlipquiverednow。
　　`Verywell，soIwill，’saidGabrielcalmly。Hehadbeenheldtoherbyabeautifulthreadwhichitpainedhimtospoilbybreaking，ratherthanbyachainhecouldnotbreak。`Ishouldbeevenbetterpleasedtogoatonce，’headded。
　　`Goatoncethen，inHeaven’sname！’saidshe，hereyesflashingathidthoughnevermeetingthem。`Don’tletmeseeyourfaceanymore。’
　　`Verywell，MissEverdene-soitshallbe。’
　　Andhetookhisshearsandwentawayfromherinplaciddignity，asMosesleftthepresenceofPharaoh。
　　CHAPTERTWENTY-ONETroublesintheFold-AMessageGabrielOakhadceasedtofeedtheWeatherburyflockforaboutfour-and-twentyhours，whenonSundayafternoontheelderlygentlemenJosephPoorgrass，MatthewMoon，Fray，andhalf-a-dozenothers，camerunninguptothehouseofthemistressoftheUpperFarm。
　　`Whateveristhematter，men？’shesaid，meetingthematthedoorjustasshewascomingoutonherwaytochurch，andceasinginamomentfromtheclosecompressionofhertworedlips，withwhichshehadaccompaniedtheexertionofpullingonatightglove。
　　`Sixty！’saidJosephPoorgrass。
　　`Seventy！’saidMoon。
　　`Fifty-nine！’saidSusanTall’shusband。
　　`-Sheephavebrokefence，’saidFray。
　　`-Andgotintoafieldofyoungclover，’saidTall。
　　`-Youngclover！’saidMoon。
　　`-Clover！’saidJosephPoorgrass。
　　`Andtheybegettingblasted，’saidHeneryFray。
　　`Thattheybe，’saidJoseph。
　　`Andwillalldieasdeadasnits，iftheybain’tgotoutandcured！’
　　saidTall。
　　Joseph’scountenancewasdrawnintolinesandpuckersbyhisconcern。
　　Fray’sforeheadwaswrinkledbothperpendicularlyandcrosswise，afterthepatternofaportcullis，expressiveofadoubledespair。LabanTall’slipswerethin，andhisfacewasrigid。Matthew’sjawssank，andhiseyesturnedwhicheverwaythestrongestmusclehappenedtopullthem。
　　`Yes，’saidJoseph，`andIwassittingathomelookingforEphesians，andsaysItomyself，“’TisnothingbutCorinthiansandThessaloniansinthisdangedTestament。”whenwhoshouldcomeinbutHenerythere：“Joseph。”
　　hesaid，“thesheephaveblastedtheirselves-“’
　　WithBathshebaitwasamomentwhenthoughtwasspeechandspeechexclamation。
　　Moreover，shehadhardlyrecoveredherequanimitysincethedisturbancewhichshehadsufferedfromOak’sremarks。
　　`That’senough-that’senough-Oyoufools！’shecried，throwingtheparasolandPrayer-bookintothepassage，andrunningoutofdoorsinthedirectionsignified。’tocometome，andnotgoandgetthemoutdirectly！
　　O，thestupidnumskulls！’
　　Hereyeswereattheirdarkestandbrightestnow。Bathsheba’sbeautybelongingrathertothedemonianthantotheangelicschool，sheneverlookedsowellaswhenshewasangry-andparticularlywhentheeffectwasheightenedbyaratherdashingvelvetdresscarefullyputonbeforeaglass。
　　Alltheancientmenraninajumbledthrongafterhertothecloverfield，Josephsinkingdowninthemidstwhenabouthalfway，likeanindividualwitheringinaworldwhichwasmoreandmoreinsupportable。Havingoncereceivedthestimulusthatherpresencealwaysgavethemtheywentroundamongthesheepwithawill。Themajorityoftheafflictedanimalswerelyingdown，andcouldnotbestirred。Thesewerebodilyliftedout，andtheothersdrivenintotheadjoiningfield。Here，afterthelapseofafewminutes，severalmorefelldown，andlayhelplessandlividastherest。
　　Bathsheba，withasad，burstingheart，lookedattheseprimestspecimensofherprimeflockastheyrolledthere——SwolnwithwindandtherankmisttheydrewManyofthemfoamedatthemouth，theirbreathingbeingquickandshort，whilstthebodiesofallwerefearfullydistended。
　　`O，whatcanIdo’whatcanIdo！’saidBathsheba，helplessly。`Sheeparesuchunfortunateanimals！-there’salwayssomethinghappeningtothem！
　　Ineverknewaflockpassayearwithoutgettingintosomescrapeorother。’
　　`There’sonlyonewayofsavingthem，’saidTall。
　　`Whatway？Tellmequick！’
　　`Theymustbepiercedinthesidewithathingmadeonpurpose。
　　`Canyoudoit？CanI？’
　　`No’ma’am。Wecan’t，noryouneither。Itmustbedoneinaparticularspot。Ifyegototherightorleftbutaninchyoustabtheeweandkillher。Notevenashepherdcandoit，asarule。’
　　`Thentheymustdie，’shesaid，inaresignedtone。
　　`Onlyonemanintheneighbourhoodknowstheway，’saidJoseph，nowjustcomeup。Hecouldcure’emallifhewerehere。’
　　`Whoishe？Let’sgethim！’
　　`ShepherdOak，’saidMatthew。`Ah，he’saclevermanintalents！’
　　`Ah，thatheisso！’saidJosephPoorgrass。
　　`True-he’stheman，’saidLabanTall。
　　`Howdareyounamethatmaninmypresence！’shesaidexcitedly。`I
　　toldyounevertoalludetohim，norshallyouifyoustaywithme。Ah！’
　　sheadded，brightening，`FarmerBoldwoodknows！’
　　`Ono’ma’am，’saidMatthew。’twoofhisstoreewesgotintosomevetchest’otherday，andwerejustlikethese。Hesentamanonhorsebackherepost-hasteforGable，andGablewentandsaved`em。FarmerBoldwoodhevgotthethingtheydoitwith。’tisahollerpipe，withasharpprickerinside。Isn’tit，Joseph？’
　　`Ay-ahollerpipe，’echoedJoseph。’that’swhat’tis。’
　　`Ay，sure-that’sthemachine，’chimedinHeneryFrayreflectively，withanOrientalindifferencetotheflightoftime。
　　`Well，’burstoutBathsheba，`don’tstandtherewithyour“ayes“andyour“sures“，talkingatme！Getsomebodytocurethesheepinstantly！’
　　Allthenstalkedoffinconsternation，togetsomebodyasdirected，withoutanyideaofwhoitwastobe。Inaminutetheyhadvanishedthroughthegate，andshestoodalonewiththedyingflock。
　　`NeverwillIsendforhim-never！’shesaidfirmly。
　　Oneoftheewesherecontracteditsmuscleshorribly，extendeditself，andjumpedhighintotheair。Theleapwasanastonishingone。Theewefellheavily，andlaystill。
　　Bathshebawentuptoit。Thesheepwasdead。
　　`O，whatshallIdo-whatshallIdo’sheagainexclaimed，wringingherhands。`Iwon’tsendforhim。No，Iwon’t！’
　　Themostvigorousexpressionofaresolutiondoesnotalwayscoincidewiththegreatestvigouroftheresolutionitself。Itisoftenflungoutasasortofproptosupportadecayingconvictionwhich，whilststrong，requirednoenunciationtoproveitso。The`No，’Iwon’t’ofBathshebameantvirtually，`IthinkImust。’
　　Shefollowedherassistantsthroughthegate，andliftedherhandtooneofthem。Labanansweredtohersignal。
　　`WhereisOakstaying？’
　　`AcrossthevalleyatNestCottage。
　　`Jumponthebaymare，andrideacross，andsayhemustreturninstantly-thatIsayso。
　　Tallscrambledofftothefield，andintwominuteswasonPoll，thebay，bare-backed，andwithonlyahalterbywayofrein。Hediminisheddownthehill。
　　Bathshebawatched。Sodidalltherest。TallcanteredalongthebridlepaththroughSixteenAcres，Sheeplands，MiddleField，TheFlats，CappelsPiece，shrankalmosttoapoint，crossedthebridge，andascendedfromthevalleythroughSpringmeadandWhitepitsontheotherside。ThecottagetowhichGabrielhadretiredbeforetakinghisfinaldeparturefromthelocalitywasvisibleasawhitespotontheoppositehill，backedbybluefirs。Bathshebawalkedupanddown。Themenenteredthefieldandendeavouredtoeasetheanguishofthedumbcreaturesbyrubbingthem。Nothingavailed。
　　Bathshebacontinuedwalking。Thehorsewasseendescendingthehill，andthewearisomeserieshadtoberepeatedinreverseorder：Whitepits，Springmead，Cappel’sPiece，TheFlats，MiddleField，Sheeplands，SixteenAcres。ShehopedTallhadhadpresenceofmindenoughtogivethemareuptoGabriel，andreturnhimselfonfoot。Theridernearedthem。ItwasTall。
　　`Owhatfolly！’saidBathsheba。
　　Gabrielwasnotvisibleanywhere。
　　`Perhapsheisalreadygone！’shesaid。
　　Tallcameintotheinclosure，andleaptoffhisfacetragicasMorton’safterthebattleofShrewsbury。
　　`Well？’saidBathsheba，unwillingtobelievethatherverballettre-de-cachetcouldpossiblyhavemiscarried。
　　`Hesaysbeggarsmustn’tbechoosers，’repliedLaban。
　　`What！’saidtheyoungfarmer，openinghereyesanddrawinginherbreathforanoutburst。JosephPoorgrassretiredafewstepsbehindahurdle。
　　`Hesaysheshallnotcomeonlessyourequestentocomecivillyandinapropermanner，asbecomesany’oomanbeggingafavour。’
　　`Oh，oh，that’shisanswer！Wheredoeshegethisairs？WhoamI，then，tobetreatedlikethat？ShallIbegtoamanwhohasbeggedtome？’
　　Anotheroftheflocksprangintotheair，andfelldead。
　　Themenlookedgrave，asiftheysuppressedopinion。
　　Bathshebaturnedaside，hereyesfulloftears。Thestraitshewasinthroughprideandshrewishnesscouldnotbedisguisedlonger：sheburstoutcryingbitterly；theyallsawit；andsheattemptednofurtherconcealment。
　　`Iwouldn’tcryaboutit，miss，’saidWilliamSmallburycompassionately。
　　`Whynotaskhimsofterlike？I’msurehe’dcomethen。Gableisatruemaninthatway。
　　Bathshebacheckedhergriefandwipedhereyes。`O，itisawickedcrueltytome-itis-itis！’shemurmured。`AndhedrivesmetodowhatIwouldn’t；
　　yes，hedoes！-Tall，comeindoors。’
　　Afterthiscollapse，notverydignifiedfortheheadofanestablishment，shewentintothehouse，Tallatherheels。Hereshesatdownandhastilyscribbledanotebetweenthesmallconvulsivesobsofconvalescencewhichfollowafitofcryingasaground-swellfollowsastorm。Thenotewasnonethelesspoliteforbeingwritteninahurry。Shehelditatadistance，wasabouttofoldit，thenaddedthesewordsatthebottom：——`Donotdesertme，Gabriel！’Shelookedalittleredderinrefoldingit，andclosedherlips，asiftherebytosuspendtilltoolatetheactionofconscienceinexaminingwhethersuchstrategywerejustifiable。Thenotewasdespatchedasthemessagehadbeen，andBathshebawaitedindoorsfortheresult。
　　Itwasananxiousquarterofanhourthatintervenedbetweenthemessenger’sdepartureandthesoundofthehorse’strampagainoutside。Shecouldnotwatchthistime，but，leaningovertheoldbureauatwhichshehadwrittentheletter，closedhereyes，asiftokeepoutbothhopeandfear。
　　Thecase，however，wasapromisingone。Gabrielwasnotangry：hewassimplyneutral，althoughherfirstcommandhadbeensohaughty。Suchimperiousnesswouldhavedamnedalittlelessbeauty；andontheotherhand，suchbeautywouldhaveredeemedalittlelessimperiousness。
　　Shewentoutwhenthehorsewasheard，andlookedup。Amounted，figurepassedbetweenherandthesky，anddrewontowardsthefieldofsheep，theriderturninghisfaceinreceding。Gabriellookedather。Itwasamomentwhenawoman’seyesandtonguetelldistinctlyoppositetales。Bathshebalookedhallofgratitude，andshesaid：——
　　`O，Gabriel，howcouldyouservemesounkindly！’
　　Suchatenderly-shapedreproachforhispreviousdelaywastheonespeechinthelanguagethathecouldpardonfornotbeingcommendationofhisreadinessnow。
　　Gabrielmurmuredaconfusedreply，andhastenedon。Sheknewfromthelookwhichsentenceinhernotehadbroughthim。Bathshebafollowedtothefield。
　　Gabrielwasalreadyamongtheturgid，prostrateforms。Hehadflungoffhiscoat，rolleduphisshirt-sleeves，andtakenfromhispockettheinstrumentofsalvation。Itwasasmalltubeortrochar，withalancepassingdowntheinside；andGabrielbegantouseitwithadexteritythatwouldhavegracedahospital-surgeon。Passinghishandoverthesheep’sleftflank，andselectingtheproperpoint，hepuncturedtheskinandrumenwiththelanceasitstoodinthetube；thenhesuddenlywithdrewthelance，retainingthetubeinitsplace。Acurrentofairrushedupthetube，forcibleenoughtohaveextinguishedacandleheldattheorifice。
　　Ithasbeensaidthatmereeaseaftertormentisdelightforatime；
　　andthecountenancesofthesepoorcreaturesexpresseditnow。Forty-nineoperationsweresuccessfullyperformed。Owingtothegreathurrynecessitatedbythefar-gonestateofsomeoftheflock，Gabrielmissedhisaiminonecase，andinoneonly-strikingwideofthemark，andinflictingamortalblowatonceuponthesufferingewe。Fourhaddied；threerecoveredwithoutanoperation。Thetotalnumberofsheepwhichhadthusstrayedandinjuredthemselvessodangerouslywasfifty-seven。
　　Whenthelove-ledmanhadceasedfromhislaboursBathshebacameandlookedhimintheface。
　　`Gabriel，willyoustayonwithme？’shesaid，smilingwinningly，andnottroublingtobringherlipsquitetogetheragainattheend，becausetherewasgoingtobeanothersmilesoon。
　　`Iwill，’saidGabriel。
　　Andshesmiledonhimagain。
　　CHAPTERTWENTY-TWOTheGreatBarnandtheSheep-shearersMenthinawaytoinsignificanceandoblivionquiteasoftenbynotmakingthemostofgoodspiritswhentheyhavethemasbylackinggoodspiritswhentheyareindispensable。Gabriellately，forthefirsttimesincehisprostrationbymisfortune，hadbeenindependentinthoughtandvigorousinactiontoamarkedextent-conditionswhich，powerlesswithoutanopportunityasanopportunitywithoutthemisbarren，wouldhavegivenhimasureliftupwardswhenthefavourableconjunctionshouldhaveoccurred。ButthisincurableloiteringbesideBathshebaEverdenestolehistimeruinously。
　　Thespringtidesweregoingbywithoutfloatinghimoff，andtheneapmightsooncomewhichcouldnot。
　　ItwasthefirstdayofJune，andthesheep-shearingseasonculminated，thelandscape，eventotheleanestpasture，beingallhealthandcolour。
　　Everygreenwasyoung，everyporewasopen，andeverystalkwasswollenwithracingcurrentsofjuice。Godwaspalpablypresentinthecountry，andthedevilhadgonewiththeworldtotown。Flossycatkinsofthelaterkinds，fern-sproutslikebishops’croziers，thesquare-headedmoschatel，theoddcuckoo-pint，-likeanapoplecticsaintInanicheofmalachite，-snow-whiteladies’-smocks，thetoothwort，approximatingtohumanflesh，theenchanter’snight-shade，andtheblack-petaleddoleful-bells，wereamongthequainterobjectsofthevegetableworldinandaboutWeatherburyatthisteemingtime；andoftheanimal，themetamorphosedfiguresofMrJanCoggan，themaster-shearer；thesecondandthirdshearers，whotravelledintheexerciseoftheircalling，anddonotrequiredefinitionbyname；
　　HeneryFraythefourthshearer，SusanTall’shusbandthefifth，JosephPoorgrassthesixth，youngCainBallasassistant-shearer，andGabrielOakasgeneralsupervisor。Noneofthesewereclothedtoanyextentworthmentioning，eachappearingtohavehitinthematterofraimentthedecentmeanbetweenahighandlowcasteHindoo。Anangularityoflineament，andafixityoffacialmachineryingeneral，proclaimedthatseriousworkwastheorderoftheday。
　　Theyshearedinthegreatbarn，calledforthenoncetheShearing-barn，whichonground-planresembledachurchwithtransepts。Itnotonlyemulatedtheformoftheneighbouringchurchoftheparish，butviedwithitinantiquity。Whetherthebarnhadeverformedoneofagroupofconventualbuildingsnobodyseemedtobeaware；notraceofsuchsurroundingsremained。
　　Thevastporchesatthesides，loftyenoughtoadmitawaggonladentoitshighestwithcorninthesheaf，werespannedbyheavy-pointedarchesofstone，broadlyandboldlycut，whoseverysimplicitywastheoriginofagrandeurnotapparentinerectionswheremoreornamenthasbeenattempted。
　　Theduskyfilmed，chestnutroof，bracedandtiedinbyhugecollars，curves，anddiagonals，wasfarnoblerindesign，becausemorewealthyinmaterial，thanninetenthsofthoseinourmodernchurches。Alongeachsidewallwasarangeofstridingbuttresses，throwingdeepshadowsonthespacesbetweenthemwhichwereperforatedbylancetopenings，combiningintheirproportionsthepreciserequirementsbothofbeautyandventilation。
　　Onecouldsayaboutthisbarn，whatcouldhardlybesaidofeitherthechurchorthecastle，akintoitinageandstyle，thatthepurposewhichhaddictateditsoriginalerectionwasthesamewiththattowhichit`wasstillapplied。Unlikeandsuperiortoeitherofthosetwotypicalremnantsofmediæ；valism，theoldbarnembodiedpracticeswhichhadsufferednomutilationatthehandsoftime。Hereatleastthespiritoftheancientbuilderswasatonewiththespiritofthemodernbeholder。Standingbeforethisabradedpile，theeyeregardeditspresentusage，theminddweltuponitspasthistory，withasatisfiedsenseoffunctionalcontinuitythroughout-afeelingalmostofgratitude，andquiteofpride，atthepermanenceoftheideawhichhadheapeditup。Theactthatfourcenturieshadneitherprovedittobefoundedonamistake，inspiredanyhatredofitsprose，norgivenrisetoanyreactionthathadbattereditdown，investedthissimplegreyeffortofoldmindswitharepose，ifnotagrandeur，whichatoocuriousreflectionwasapttodisturbinitsecclesiasticalandmilitarycompeers。Foroncemediæ；valismandmodernismhadacommonstandpoint。
　　Thelanceolatewindows，thetime-eatenarch-stonesandchamfers，theorientationoftheaxis，themistychestnutworkoftherafters，referredtonoexplodedfortifyingartofworn-outreligiouscreed。Thedefenceandsalvationofthebodybydailybreadisstillastudy，areligion，andadesire。
　　Todaythelargesidedoorswerethrownopentowardsthesuntoadmitabountifullighttotheimmediatespotoftheshearers’operations，whichwasthewoodthreshing-floorinthecentre，formedofthickoak，blackwithageandpolishedbythebeatingofflailsformanygenerations，tillithadgrownasslipperyandasrichinhueasthestate-roomfloorsofanElizabethanmansion。Heretheshearersknelt，thesunslantinginupontheirbleachedshirts，tannedarms，andthepolishedshearstheyflourished，causingthesetobristlewithathousandraysstrongenoughtoblindaweak-eyedman。Beneaththemacaptivesheeplaypanting，quickeningitspantsasmisgivingmergedinterror，tillitquiveredlikethehotlandscapeoutside。
　　Thispictureoftodayinitsframeoffourhundredyearsagodidnotproducethatmarkedcontrastbetweenancientandmodernwhichisimpliedbythecontrastofdate。Incomparisonwithcities，Weatherburywasimmutable。
　　Thecitizen’sThenistherustic’sNow。InLondon，twentyorthirtyyearsagoareoldtimes；inParistenyears，orfive；inWeatherburythreeorfourscoreyearswereincludedinthemerepresent，andnothinglessthanacenturysetamarkonitsfaceortone。Fivedecadeshardlymodifiedthecutofagaiter，theembroideryofasmockfrock，bythebreadthofahair。Tengenerationsfailedtoaltertheturnofasinglephrase。
　　IntheseWessexnooksthebusyoutsider’sancienttimesareonlyold；hisoldtimesarestillnew；hispresentisfuturity。
　　Sothebarnwasnaturaltotheshearers，andtheshearerswereinharmonywiththebarn。
　　Thespaciousendsofthebuilding，answeringecclesiasticallytonaveandchancelextremities，werefencedoffwithhurdles，thesheepbeingallcollectedinacrowdwithinthesetwoenclosures；andinoneangleacatching-penwasformed，inwhichthreeorfoursheepwerecontinuouslykeptreadyfortheshearerstoseizewithoutlossoftime。Inthebackground，mellowedbytawnyshade，werethethreewomen，MaryannMoney，andTemperanceandSobernessMiller，gatheringupthefleecesandtwistingropesofwoolwithawimblefortyingthemround。Theywereindifferentlywellassistedbytheoldmaltster，who，whenthemaltingseasonfromOctobertoAprilhadpassed，madehimselfusefuluponanyoftheborderingfarmsteads。
　　BehindallwasBathsheba，carefullywatchingthementoseethattherewasnocuttingorwoundingthroughcarelessness，andthattheanimalswereshornclose。Gabriel，whoflittedandhoveredunderherbrighteyeslikeamoth，didnotshearcontinuously，halfhistimebeingspentinattendingtotheothersandselectingthesheepforthem。Atthepresentmomenthewasengagedinhandingroundamugofmildliquor，suppliedfromabarrelinthecorner，andcutpiecesofbreadandcheese。
　　Bathsheba，afterthrowingaglancehere，acautionthere，andlecturingoneoftheyoungeroperatorswhohadallowedhislastfinishedsheeptogooffamongtheflockwithoutre-stampingitwithherinitials，cameagaintoGabriel，asheputdowntheluncheontodragafrightenedewetohisshear-station，flingingitoveruponitsbackwithadexteroustwistofthearm。Heloppedoffthetressesaboutitshead，andopeneduptheneckandcollar，hismistressquietlylookingon。
　　`Sheblushesattheinsult，’murmuredBathsheba，watchingthepinkflushwhicharoseandoverspreadtheneckandshouldersoftheewewheretheywereleftbarebytheclickingshears-aflushwhichwasenviable，foritsdelicacy，bymanyqueensofcoteries，andwouldhavebeencreditable，foritspromptness，toanywomanintheworld。
　　PoorGabriel’ssoulwasfedwithaluxuryofcontentbyhavingheroverhim，hereyescriticallyregardinghisskilfulshears，whichapparentlyweregoingtogatherupapieceofthefleshateveryclose，andyetneverdidso。LikeGuildenstern，Oakwashappyinthathewasnotoverhappy。
　　Hehadnowishtoconversewithher：thathisbrightladyandhimselfformedonegroup，exclusivelytheirown，andcontainingnoothersintheworld，wasenough。
　　Sothechatterwasallonherside。Thereisaloquacitythattellsnothing，whichwasBathsheba’s；andthereisasilencewhichsaysmuch：
　　thatwasGabriel’s。Fullofthisdimandtemperateblisshewentontoflingtheeweoveruponherotherside，coveringherheadwithhisknee，graduallyrunningtheshearslineafterlineroundherdewlap，thenceaboutherflankandback，andfinishingoverthetail。
　　`Welldone，anddonequickly！’saidBathsheba，lookingatherwatchasthelastsnipresounded。
　　`Howlong，miss？’saidGabriel，wipinghisbrow。
　　`Three-and-twentyminutesandahalfsinceyoutookthefirstlockfromitsforehead。ItisthefirsttimethatIhaveeverseenonedoneinlessthanhalfanhour。’
　　Theclean，sleekcreaturearosefromitsfleece-howperfectlylikeAphroditerisingfromthefoam’shouldhavebeenseentoberealized-
　　lookingstartledandshyatthelossofitsgarment，whichlayonthefloorinonesoftcloud，unitedthroughout，theportionvisiblebeingtheinnersurfaceonly，whichneverbeforeexposed，waswhiteassnow，andwithoutflaworblemishoftheminutestkind。
　　`CainBall！’
　　`Yes，MisterOak；hereIbe！’
　　Cainynowrunsforwardwiththetar-pot。`B。E。’isnewlystampedupontheshornskin，andawaythesimpledamleaps，panting，overtheboardintotheshirtlessflockoutside。ThenupcomesMaryann；throwsthelooselocksintothemiddleofthefleece，rollsitup，andcarriesitintothebattlegroundasthree-and-a-halfpoundsofunadulteratedwarmthforthewinterenjoymentofpersonsunknownandfaraway，whowill，however，neverexperiencethesuperlativecomfortderivablefromthewoolasithereexists，newandpure-beforetheunctuousnessofitsnaturewhilstinalivingstatehasdried，stiffened，andbeenwashedout-renderingitjustnowassuperiortoanythingwoollenascreamissuperiortomilk-and-water。
　　ButheartlesscircumstancecouldnotleaveentireGabriel’shappinessofthismorning。Therams，oldewes，andtwo-sheareweshaddulyundergonetheirstripping，andthemenwereproceedingwiththeshearlingsandhogs，whenOak’sbeliefthatshewasgoingtostandpleasantlybyandtimehimthroughanotherperformancewaspainfullyinterruptedbyFarmerBoldwood’sappearanceintheextremestcornerofthebarn。Nobodyseemedtohaveperceivedhisentry，buttherehecertainlywas。Boldwoodalwayscarriedwithhimasocialatmosphereofhisown，whicheverybodyfeltwhocamenearhim；
　　andthetalk，whichBathsheba’spresencehadsomewhatsuppressed，wasnowtotallysuspended。
　　HecrossedovertowardsBathsheba，whoturnedtogreethimwithacarriageofperfectease。Hespoketoherinlowtones，andsheinstinctivelymodulatedherowntothesamepitch，andhervoiceultimatelyevencaughttheinflectionofhis。Shewasfarfromhavingawishtoappearmysteriouslyconnectedwithhim；butwomanattheimpressionableagegravitatestothelargerbodynotonlyinherchoiceofwords，whichisapparenteveryday，buteveninhershadesoftoneandhumourwhentheinfluenceisgreat。
　　WhattheyconversedaboutwasnotaudibletoGabriel，whowastooindependenttogetnear，thoughtooconcernedtodisregard。Theissueoftheirdialoguewasthetakingofherhandbythecourteousfarmertohelpheroverthespreading-boardintothebrightJunesunlightoutside。Standingbesidethesheepalreadyshorn，theywentontalkingagain。Concerningtheflock？
　　Apparentlynot。Gabrieltheorized，notwithouttruth，thatinquietdiscussionofanymatterwithinreachofthespeakers’eyes，theseareusuallyfixeduponit。Bathshebademurelyregardedacontemptiblestrawlyingupontheground，inawaywhichsuggestedlessovinecriticismthanwomanlyembarrassment。
　　Shebecamemoreorlessredinthecheek，thebloodwaveringinuncertainfluxandrefluxoverthesensitivespacebetweenebbandflood。Gabrielshearedon，constrainedandsad。
　　SheleftBoldwood’sside，andhewalkedupanddownalonefornearlyaquarterofanhour。Thenshereappearedinhernewriding-habitofmyrtle-green，whichfittedhertothewaistasarindfitsitsfruit；andyoungBobCogganledonhermare，Boldwoodfetchinghisownhorsefromthetreeunderwhichithadbeentied。
　　Oak’seyescouldnotforsakethem；andinendeavouringtocontinuehisshearingatthesametimethathewatchedBoldwood’smanner，hesnippedthesheepinthegroin。Theanimalplunged；Bathshebainstantlygazedtowardsit，andsawtheblood。
　　`OGabriel！’sheexclaimed，withsevereremonstrance，`youwhoaresostrictwiththeothermen-seewhatyouaredoingyourself’
　　Toanoutsidertherewasnotmuchtocomplainofinthisremark；buttoOak，whoknewBathshebatobewellawarethatsheherselfwasthecauseofthepoorewe’swound，becauseshehadwoundedtheewe’sshearerinastillmorevitalpart，ithadastingwhichtheabidingsenseofhisinferioritytobothherselfandBoldwoodwasnotcalculatedtoheal。Butamanlyresolvetorecognizeboldlythathehadnolongeralover’sinterestinher，helpedhimoccasionallytoconcealafeeling。
　　`Bottle！’heshouted，inanunmovedvoiceofroutine。CainyBallranup，thewoundwasanointed，andtheshearingcontinued。
　　BoldwoodgentlytossedBathshebaintothesaddle，andbeforetheyturnedawaysheagainspokeouttoOakwiththesamedominativeandtantalizinggraciousness。
　　`IamgoingnowtoseeMrBoldwood’sLeicesters。Takemyplaceinthebarn，Gabriel，andkeepthemencarefullytotheirwork。’
　　Thehorses’headswereputabout，andtheytrottedaway。
　　Boldwood’sdeepattachmentwasamatterofgreatinterestamongailaroundhim；but，afterhavingbeenpointedoutforsomanyyearsastheperfectexemplarofthrivingbachelorship，hislapsewasananticlimaxsomewhatresemblingthatofStJohnLong’sdeathbyconsumptioninthemidstofhisproofsthatitwasnotafataldisease。
　　`Thatmeansmatrimony，’saidTemperanceMiller，followingthemoutofsightwithhereyes。
　　`Ireckonthat’sthesizeo’t，’saidCoggan，workingalongwithoutlookingup。
　　`Well，betterwedoverthemixenthanoverthemoor，’saidLabanTall，turninghissheep。
　　HeneryFrayspoke，exhibitingmiserableeyesatthesametime：`Idon’tseewhyamaidshouldtakeahusbandwhenshe’sboldenoughtofightherownbattles，anddon’twantahome；for’tiskeepinganotherwomanout。
　　Butletitbe，for’tisapityheandsheshouldtroubletwohouses。’
　　Asusualwithdecidedcharacters，BathshebainvariablyprovokedthecriticismofindividualslikeHeneryFray。Heremblazonedcultwastobetoopronouncedinherobjections，andnotsufficientlyovertinherlikings。
　　Welearnthatitisnottherayswhichbodiesabsorb，butthosewhichtheyreject，thatgivethemthecolourstheyareknownby；andinthesamewaypeoplearespecializedbytheirdislikesandantagonisms，whilsttheirgoodwillislookeduponasnoattributeatall。
　　Henerycontinuedinamorecomplaisantmood：`Ioncehintedmymindtoheronafewthings，asnearlyasabatteredframedaredtodosotosuchafrowardpiece。Youallknow，neighbours，whatamanIbe，andhowIcomedownwithmypowerfulwordswhenmyprideisboilingwi’scarn？’
　　`Wedo，wedo，Henery。
　　`SoIsaid，“MissEverdene，there’splacesempty，andthere’sgiftedmenwilling；butthespite“-no’notthespite-Ididn’tsayspite-
　　“butthevillainyofthecontrarikind。”Isaidmeaningwomankind，“keepsemout。”Thatwasn’ttoostrongforher，say？’
　　`Passablywellput。’
　　`Yes；andIwouldhavesaidit，haddeathandsalvationovertookmeforit。SuchismyspiritwhenIhaveamind。’
　　`Atrueman，andproudasalucifer。’
　　`Youseetheartfulness？Why，’twasaboutbeingbailyreally；butI
　　didn’tputitsoplainthatshecouldunderstandmymeaning，soIcouldlayitonallthestronger。Thatwasmydepth！……However，lethermarryanshewill。Perhaps’tishightime。IbelieveFarmerBoldwoodkissedherbehindthespear-bed’atthesheep-washingt’otherday-thatIdo。’
　　`Whatalie！’saidGabriel。
　　`Ah，neighbourOak-how’stknow？’saidHenerymildly。
　　`Becauseshetoldmeallthatpassed，’saidOak，withapharisaicalsensethathewasnotasothershearersinthismatter。
　　`Yehavearighttobelieveit，’saidHenery，withdudgeon；`averytrueright。ButImidseealittledistanceintothings！Tobelong-headedenoughforabaily’splaceisapoormeretrifle-yetatriflemorethannothing。However，Ilookrounduponlifequitecool。Doyouheedme，neighbours？
　　Mywords，thoughmadeassimpleasIcan，midberatherdeepforsomeheads。’
　　`Oyes，Henery，wequiteheedye。’
　　`Astrangeoldpiece，goodmen-whirledaboutfromheretoyonder，asifIwerenothing！Alittlewarped，too。ButIhavemydepths；ha，andevenmygreatdepths！Imightgirdatacertainshepherd，braintobrain。
　　Butno-Ono！’
　　`Astrangeoldpiece，yesay！’interposedthemaltster，inaquerulousvoice。`Atthesametimeyebenooldmanworthnaming-nooldmanatall。Yerteethbain’thalfgoneyet；andwhat’saoldman’sstandingifsobehisteethbain’tgone？Weren’tIstaleinwedlockaforeyewereoutofarms？’tisapoorthingtobesixty，whenthere’speoplefarpastfour-score-aboastweakaswater。’
　　ItwastheunvaryingcustominWeatherburytosinkminordifferenceswhenthemaltsterhadtobepacified。
　　`Weakaswater！yes，’saidJanCoggan。`Malter，wefeelyetobeawonderfulveteranman，andnobodycangainsayit。’
　　`Nobody，’saidJosephPoorgrass。`Yebeaveryrareoldspectacle，malter，andwealladmireyeforthatgift。’
　　`Ay，andasayoungman，whenmysenseswereinprosperity，Iwaslikewiselikedbyagood-fewwhoknowedme，’saidthemaltster。
　　`’Ithoutdoubtyouwas——’ithoutdoubt。’
　　Thebentandhoarymanwassatisfied，andsoapparentlywasHeneryFray。
　　ThatmattersshouldcontinuepleasantMaryannspoke，who，whatwithherbrowncomplexion，andtheworkingwrapperofrustylinsey，hadatpresentthemellowhueofanoldsketchinoils-notablysomeofNicholasPoussin’s：——
　　`Doanybodyknowofacrookedman，oralame，oranysecondhandfellowatallthatwoulddoforpoorme？’saidMaryann。`AperfectoneIdon’texpecttogetatmytimeoflife。IfIcouldhearofsuchathing’twoulddomemoregoodthantoastandale。’
　　Cogganfurnishedasuitablereply。Oakwentonwithhisshearing，andsaidnotanotherword。Pestilentmoodshadcome，andteasedawayhisquiet。
　　Bathshebahadshownindicationsofanointinghimabovehisfellowsby’
　　installinghimasthebailiffthatthefarmimperativelyrequired。Hedidnotcovetthepostrelativelytothefarm：inrelationtoherself，asbelovedbyhimandunmarriedtoanother，hehadcovetedit。Hisreadingsofherseemednowtobevapouryandindistinct。Hislecturetoherwas，hethought，oneoftheabsurdestmistakes。FarfromcoquettingwithBoldwood，shehadtrifledwithhimselfinthusfeigningthatshehadtrifledwithanother。
　　Hewasinwardlyconvincedthat，inaccordancewiththeanticipationsofhiseasy-goingandworse-educatedcomrades，thatdaywouldseeBoldwoodtheacceptedhusbandofMissEverdene。GabrielatthistimeofhislifehadoutgrowntheinstinctivedislikewhicheveryChristianboyhasforreadingtheBible，perusingitnowquitefrequently，andheinwardlysaid，“`Ifindmorebitterthandeaththewomanwhoseheartissnaresandnets！“’
　　Thiswasmereexclamation-thefrothofthestorm。HeadoredBathshebajustthesame。
　　`Weworkfolkshallhavesomelordlyjunketingto-night，’saidCainyBall，castingforthhisthoughtsinanewdirection。’thismorningIseeemmakingthegreatpuddensinthemilking-pails-lumpsoffatasbigasyerthumb，MisterOak！I’veneverseedsuchsplendidlargeknobsoffatbeforeinthedaysofmylife-theyneverusedtobebiggerthanahorse-bean。Andtherewasagreatblackcrockuponthebrandisewithhislegsa-stickingout，butIdon’tknowwhatwasinwithin。’
　　`Andthere’stwobushelsofbiffinsforapple-pies，’saidMaryann。
　　`Well，Ihopetodomydutybyitall，’saidJosephPoorgrass，inapleasant，masticatingmannerofanticipation。`Yes；victualsanddrinkisacheerfulthing，andgivesnervestothenerveless，iftheformofwordsmaybeused。’tisthegospelofthebody，withoutwhichweperish，sotospeakit。’
　　CHAPTERTWENTY-THREEEventide-ASecondDeclarationFortheshearing-supperalongtablewasplacedonthegrass-plotbesidethehouse，theendofthetablebeingthrustoverthesillofthewideparlourwindowandafootortwointotheroom。MissEverdenesatinsidethewindow，facingdownthetable。Shewasthusattheheadwithoutminglingwiththemen。
　　ThiseveningBathshebawasunusuallyexcited，herredcheeksandlipscontrastinglustrouslywiththemazyskeinsofhershadowyhair。Sheseemedtoexpectassistance，andtheseatatthebottomofthetablewasatherrequestleftvacantuntilaftertheyhadbegunthemeal。ShethenaskedGabrieltotaketheplaceandthedutiesappertainingtothatend，whichhedidwithgreatreadiness。
　　AtthismomentMrBoldwoodcameinatthegate，andcrossedthegreentoBathshebaatthewindow。Heapologizedforhislateness：hisarrivalwasevidentlybyarrangement。
　　`Gabriel，’saidshe，`willyoumoveagain，please，andletMrBoldwoodcomethere？’
　　Oakmovedinsilencebacktohisoriginalseat。
　　Thegentleman-farmerwasdressedincheerfulstyle，inanewcoatandwhitewaistcoat，quitecontrastingwithhisusualsobersuitsofgrey。
　　Inwardly，toehewasblithe，andconsequentlychattytoanexceptionaldegree。SoalsowasBathshebanowthathehadcome，thoughtheuninvitedpresenceofPennyways，thebailiffwhohadbeendismissedfortheft，disturbedherequanimityforawhile。
　　Supperbeingended，Cogganbeganonhisownprivateaccount，withoutreferencetolisteners：——I’velostmylove，andIcarenot，I’velostmylove，andIcarenot；
　　IshallsoonhaveanotherThat’sbetterthant’other；
　　I’velostmylove，andIcarenot。Thislyric，whenconcluded，wasreceivedwithasilentlyappreciativegazeatthetable，implyingthattheperformance，likeaworkbythoseestablishedauthorswhoareindependentofnoticesinthepapers，wasawell-knowndelightwhichrequirednoapplause。
　　`Now，MasterPoorgrass，yoursong！’saidCoggan。
　　`Ibeallbutinliquor，andthegiftiswantinginme，’saidJoseph，diminishinghimself。
　　`Nonsense；wou’stneverbesoungrateful，Joseph-never！’saidCoggan，expressinghurtfeelingsbyaninflectionofvoice。`Andmistressislookinghardatye，asmuchastosay，“Singatonce，JosephPoorgrass。”’
　　`Faith，sosheis；well，Imustsufferit！……Justeyemyfeatures，andseeifthetell-talebloodoverheatsmemuch，neighbours？’
　　`No，yerblushesbequitereasonable，’saidCoggan。
　　`Ialwaystriestokeepmycoloursfromrisingwhenabeauty’seyesgetfixedonme，’saidJosephdiffidently；`butifsobe’tiswilledtheydo，theymust。
　　`Now，Joseph，yoursong，please，’saidBathshebafromthewindow。`Well，really，ma’am，’herepliedinayieldingtone。`Idon’tknowwhattosay。
　　Itwouldbeapoorplainballetofmyowncomposure。’
　　`Hear，hear！’saidthesupper-party。
　　Poorgrass，thusassured，trilledforthaflickeringyetcommendablepieceofsentiment，thetuneofwhichconsistedofthekey-noteandanother，thelatterbeingthesoundchieflydweltupon。Thiswassosuccessfulthatherashlyplungedintoasecondinthesamebreath，afterafewfalsestarts：——Isow’-edth’-e……
　　Isow’-ed。
　　Isow’-edtheeseeds’of’love’，I-itwas’all’i’-intheespring’，I-inApril’，Ma’-ay，a’-ndsunny’June’，`Whensma’-allbi’-irdsthey’do’sing；`Wellputoutofhand，’saidCoggan，attheendoftheverse。“`Theydosing“wasaverytakingparagraph。’
　　`Ay；andtherewasaprettyplaceat“seedsoflove“，and’twaswellheavedout。Though“love“isanastyhighcornerwhenaman’svoiceisgettingcrazed。Nextverse，MasterPoorgrass。’
　　ButduringthisrenderingyoungBobCogganexhibitedoneofthoseanomalieswhichwillafflictlittlepeoplewhenotherpersonsareparticularlyserious：
　　intryingtocheckhislaughter，hepusheddownhisthroatasmuchofthetableclothashecouldgetholdofwhen，aftercontinuinghermeticallysealedforashorttime，hismirthburstoutthroughhisnose。Josephperceivedit，andwithhecticcheeksofindignationinstantlyceasedsinging。CogganboxedBob’searsimmediately。
　　`Goon，Joseph-goon，andnevermindtheyoungscamp，’saidCoggan。
　　`’Tisaverycatchingballet。Nowthenagain-thenextbar；I’llhelpyetoflourishuptheshrillnoteswhereyerwindisratherwheezy：thewi’-il-lo’-owtree’will’twist’，Andthewil’-low’tre’-eewi’-illtwineButthesingercouldnotbesetgoingagain。BobCogganwassenthomeforhisillmanners，andtranquillitywasrestoredbyJacobSmallbury，whovolunteeredaballadasinclusiveandinterminableasthatwithwhichtheworthytoperoldSilenusamusedonasimilaroccasiontheswainsChromisandMnasylus，andotherjollydogsofhisday。
　　Itwasstillthebeamingtimeofevening，thoughnightwasstealthilymakingitselfvisiblelowdownupontheground，thewesternlinesoflightrakingtheearthwithoutalightinguponittoanyextent，orilluminatingthedeadlevelsatall。Thesunhadcreptroundthetreeasalasteffortbeforedeath，andthenbegantosink，theshearers’lowerpartsbecomingsteepedinembrowningtwilight，whilsttheirheadsandshoulderswerestillenjoyingday，touchedwithayellowofself-sustainedbrilliancythatseemedinherentratherthanacquired。
　　Thesunwentdowninanochreousmist；buttheysat，andtalkedon，andgrewasmerryasthegodsinHomer’sheaven。Bathshebastillremainedenthronedinsidethewindow，andoccupiedherselfinknitting，fromwhichshesometimeslookeduptoviewthefadingsceneoutside。Theslowtwilightexpandedandenvelopedthemcompletelybeforethesignsofmovingwereshown。
　　GabrielsuddenlymissedFarmerBoldwoodfromhisplaceatthebottomofthetable。HowlonghehadbeengoneOakdidnotknow；buthehadapparentlywithdrawnintotheencirclingdusk。WhilsthewasthinkingofthisLiddybroughtcandlesintothebackpartoftheroomoverlookingtheshearers，andtheirlivelynewflamesshonedownthetableandoverthemen，anddispersedamongthegreenshadowsbehind。
　　Bathsheba’sform，stillinitsoriginalposition，wasnowagaindistinctbetweentheireyesandthelight，whichrevealedthatBoldwoodhadgoneinsidetheroom，andwassittingnearher。
　　Nextcamethequestionoftheevening。WouldMissEverdenesingtothemthesongshealwayssangsocharmingly-`TheBanksofAllanWater’-beforetheywenthome？
　　Afteramoment’sconsiderationBathshebaassented，beckoningtoGabriel，whohastenedupintothecovetedatmosphere。
　　`Haveyoubroughtyourflute？’shewhispered。
　　`Yes，miss。’
　　`Playtomysinging，then。’
　　Shestoodupinthewindow-opening，facingthemen，thecandlesbehindher。Gabrielonherrighthand，immediatelyoutsidethesashframe。Boldwoodhaddrawnuponherleft，withintheroom。Hersingingwassoftandrathertremulousatfirst，butitsoonswelledtoasteadyclearness。Subsequenteventscausedoneoftheversestoberememberedformanymonths，andevenyears，bymorethanoneofthosewhoweregatheredthere：Forhisbrideasoldiersoughther，Andawinningtonguehadhe：
　　OnthebanksofAllanWaterNonewasgayasshe！InadditiontothedulcetpipingofGabriel’sfluteBoldwoodsuppliedabassinhiscustomaryprofoundvoice，utteringhisnotessosoftly，however，astoabstainentirelyfrommakinganythinglikeanordinaryduetofthesong；theyratherformedarichunexploredshadow，whichthrewhertonesintorelief。Theshearersreclinedagainsteachotherasatsuppersintheearlyagesoftheworld，andsosilentandabsorbedweretheythatherbreathingcouldalmostbeheardbetweenthebars；andattheendoftheballad，whenthelasttoneloiteredontoaninexpressibleclose，therearosethatbuzzofpleasurewhichistheattarofapplause。
　　ItisscarcelynecessarytostatethatGabrielcouldnotavoidnotingthefarmer’sbearingtonighttowardstheirentertainer。Yettherewasnothingexceptionalinhisactionsbeyondwhatappertainedtohistimeofperformingthem。ItwaswhentherestwerealllookingawaythatBoldwoodobservedher；whentheyregardedherheturnedaside；whentheythankedorpraisedhewassilent；whentheywereinattentivehemurmuredhisthanks。Themeaninglayinthedifferencebetweenactionsnoneofwhichhadanymeaningofitselfandthenecessityofbeingjealous，whichloversaretroubledwith，didnotleadOaktounderestimatethesesigns。
　　Bathshebathenwishedthemgood-night，withdrewfromthewindow，andretiredtothebackpartoftheroom，Boldwoodthereuponclosingthesashandtheshutters，andremaininginsidewithher。Oakwanderedawayunderthequietandscentedtrees。RecoveringfromthesofterimpressionsproducedbyBathsheba’svoice，theshearersrosetoleave，CogganturningtoPennywaysashepushedbackthebenchtopassout：
　　`Iliketogivepraisewherepraiseisdue，andthemandeservesit-that`adoso，’heremarked，lookingattheworthythiefasifhewerethemasterpieceofsomeworld-renownedartist。
　　`I’msureIshouldneverhavebelieveditifwehadn’tprovedit，sotoallude，’hiccuppedJosephPoorgrass，`thateverycup，everyoneofthebestknivesandforks，andeveryemptybottlebeintheirplaceasperfectnowasatthebeginning，andnotonestoleatall。’
　　`I’msureIdon’tdeservehalfthepraiseyougiveme，’saidthevirtuousthiefgrimly。
　　`Well，I’llsaythisforPennyways，’addedCoggan，`thatwheneverhedoreallymakeuphismindtodoanoblethingintheshapeofagoodaction，asIcouldseebyhisfacehedidto-nightaforesittingdown，he’sgenerallyabletocarryitout。Yes，I’mproudtosay，neighbours，thathe’sstolenothingatall。’
　　`Well，’tisanhonestdeed，andwethankyeforit，Pennyways，’saidJoseph；towhichopiniontheremainderofthecompanysubscribedunanimously。
　　Atthistimeofdeparture，whennothingmorewasvisibleoftheinsideoftheparlourthanathinandstillchinkoflightbetweentheshutters，apassionatescenewasincourseofenactmentthere。
　　MissEverdeneandBoldwoodwerealone。Hercheekshadlostagreatdealoftheirhealthfulfirefromtheveryseriousnessofherposition；buthereyewasbrightwiththeexcitementofatriumph-thoughitwasatriumphwhichhadratherbeencontemplatedthandesired。
　　Shewasstandingbehindalowarm-chair，fromwhichshehadjustrisen，andhewaskneelinginit-inclininghimselfoveritsbacktowardsher，andholdingherhandinbothherown。Hisbodymovedrestlessly，anditwaswithwhatKeatsdaintilycallsatoohappyhappiness。Thisunwontedabstractionbyloveofalldignityfromamanofwhomithadeverseemedthechiefcomponent，was，initsdistressingincongruity，apaintoherwhichquenchedmuchofthepleasureshederivedfromtheproofthatshewasidolized。
　　`Iwilltrytoloveyou，’shewassaying，inatremblingvoicequiteunlikeherusualself-confidence。`AndifIcanbelieveinanywaythatIshallmakeyouagoodwifeIshallindeedbewillingtomarryyou。But，MrBoldwood，hesitationonsohighamatterishonourableinanywoman，andIdon’twanttogiveasolemnpromisetonight。Iwould，ratheraskyoutowaitafewweekstillIcanseemysituationbetter。’
　　`Butyouhaveeveryreasontobelievethatthen——’
　　`Ihaveeveryreasontohopethatattheendofthefiveorsixweeks，betweenthistimeandharvest，thatyousayyouaregoingtobeawayfromhome，Ishallbeabletopromisetobeyourwife，’shesaidfirmly。`Butrememberthisdistinctly，Idon’tpromiseyet。’
　　`Itisenough；Idon’taskmore。Icanwaitonthosedearwords。Andnow，MissEverdene，good-night！’
　　`Good-night，’shesaidgraciously-almosttenderly；andBoldwoodwithdrewwithaserenesmile。