still. She kept the farm going, raked in her profits without caring keenly about them, and expended money on ventures because she had done so in bygone days, which, though not long gone by, seemed infinitely removed from her present. She looked back upon that past over a great gulf, as if she were now a dead person, having the faculty of meditation still left in her, by means of which, like the mouldering gentlefolk of the poet's story, she could sit and ponder what a gift life used to be. However, one excellent result of her general apathy was the long-delayed installation of Oak as bailiff; but he having virtually exercised that function for a long time already, the change, beyond the substantial increase of wages it brought, was little more than a nominal one addressed to the outside world. was harmoniously arranged at last, and we now see Oak mounted on a strong cob, and daily trotting the length and breadth of about two thousand acres in a cheerful spirit of surveillance, as if the crops all belonged to him, the actual mistress of the one half, and the master of the other, sitting in their respective homes in gloomy and sad seclusion. Out of this there arose during the spring succeeding, a talk in the parish that Gabriel Oak was feathering his nest fast. "Whatever d'ye think," said Susan Tall," Gable Oak is coming it quite the dand. He now wears shining boots with hardly a hob in 'em, two or three times a week, and a tall hat a-Sundays, and 'a hardly knows the name of smockfrock. When I see people strut enough to be cut up into bantam cocks, I stand dormant with wonder, and says no more." It was eventually known that Gabriel, though paid a fixed wage by Bathsheba, independent of the fluctuations of agricultural profits, had made an engagement with Boldwood by which Oak was to receive a share of the receipts — a small share certainly, yet it was money of a higher quality than mere wages, and capable of expansion in a way that wages were not. Some were beginning to consider Oak a near man, for though his condition had thus far improved, he lived in no better style than before, occupying the same cottage, paring his own potatoes, mending his stockings, and sometimes even making his bed with his own hands. But as Oak was not only provokingly indifferent to public opinion, but a man who clung persistently to old habits and usages, simply because they were old, there was room for doubt as to his motives. Boldwood lived secluded and inactive. Much of his wheat and all his barley of that season had been spoilt by the rain. It sprouted, grew into intricate mats, and was ultimately thrown to the pigs in armfuls. The strange neglect which had produced this ruin and waste became the subject of whispered talk among all the people round; and it was elicited from one of Boldwood's men that forgetfulness had nothing to do with it, for he had been reminded of the danger to his corn as many times and as persistently as inferiors dared to do. The sight of the pigs turning in disgust from the rotten ears seemed to arouse Boldwood, and he one evening sent for Oak. Whether it was suggested by Bathsheba's recent act of promotion or not, the farmer proposed at the interview that Gabriel should undertake the superintendence of the Lower Farm as well as Bathsheba's, because of the necessity Boldwood felt for such aid, A great hope had latterly germinated and the impossibility of discovering a in Boldwood, whose unreasoning devomore trustworthy man. Gabriel's malig-tion to Bathsheba could only be characnant star was assuredly setting fast. terized as a fond madness which neither Bathsheba, when she learnt of this time nor circumstance, evil nor good proposal for Oak was obliged to con- report, could weaken or destroy. This sult her -at first languidly objected. fevered hope had grown up again like a She considered that the two farms to-grain of mustard-seed during the quiet gether were too extensive for the observation of one man. Boldwood, who was apparently determined by personal rather than commercial reasons, suggested that Oak should be furnished with a horse for his sole use, when the plan would present no difficulty, the two farms lying side by side. Boldwood did not directly communicate with her during these negotiations, only speaking to Oak, who was the go-between throughout. All yet surely nearing which followed the universal belief that Troy was drowned. He nourished it fearfully, and almost shunned the contemplation of it in earnest, lest facts should reveal the wildness of the dream. Bathsheba having at last been persuaded to wear mourning, her appearance as she entered the church in that guise was in itself a weekly addition to his faith that a time was coming very far off perhaps, when his waiting on "Yes, sir." "Mrs. Troy puts much confidence in you, Lydia; and very wisely perhaps." 66 'She do, sir. I've been with her all through her troubles, and was with her at the time of Mr. Troy's death and all. And if she were to marry again I expect I should bide with her." "She promises that you shall - quite natural," said the stategic lover, throbbing throughout him at the presumption which Liddy's words appeared to warrant that his darling had thought of re-marriage. "No-she doesn't promise it exactly. I merely judge on my own account." events should have its reward. How long he might have to wait he had not yet closely considered. What he would try to recognize was, that the severe schooling she had been subjected to had made Bathsheba much more considerate than she had formerly been of the feelings of others, and he trusted that, should she be willing at any time in the future to marry any man at all, that man would be himself. There was a substratum of good feeling in her: her self-reproach for the injury she had thoughtlessly done him might be depended upon now to a much greater extent than before her infatuation and disappointment. It would be possible to approach her by the channel of her good-nature, and to suggest a friendly business-like compact between them for fulfilment at some future day, keeping the passionate side of his desire entirely out of her sight. Such was Boldwood's hope. "Of course not," he returned hastily, To the eyes of the middle-aged, Bath-his hope failing again. You needn't sheba was perhaps additionally charming take quite such long reaches with your just now. Her exuberance of spirit was rake, Lydia-short and quick ones are pruned down; the original phantom of best. Well, perhaps as she is absolute delight had shown herself to be not too mistress again now, it is wise of her to bright for human nature's daily food, and resolve never to give up her freedom." she had been able to enter this second poetical phase without losing much of the first in the process. "Yes, yes, I understand. When she alludes to the possibility of marrying again, you conclude "She never do allude to it, sir," said Liddy, thinking how very stupid Mr. Boldwood was getting. 66 My mistress did certainly once say, though not seriously, that she supposed she might marry again at the end of seven years from last year, if she wished." 66 Ah, six years from the present time. Said that she might. She might marry at once in every reasonable person's opinion, whatever the lawyers may say to the contrary." Bathsheba's return from a two months' visit to her old aunt at Norcombe afforded the impassioned and yearning farmer a pretext for inquiring directly after her now presumably in the ninth month of her widowhood and endeavouring to get a notion of her state of mind regarding him. This occurred in the middle of the haymaking, and Boldwood contrived to be near Liddy, who was assisting in" the fields. "I am glad to see you out of doors, Lydia," he said, pleasantly. She simpered, and wondered in her heart why he should speak so frankly to her. "I hope Mrs. Troy is quite well after her long absence," he continued, in a manner expressing that the coldesthearted neighbour could scarcely say less about her. "She is quite well, sir." “Fearful, did you say?" "Have you been to ask them?" said Liddy, innocently. "Not I!" said Boldwood, growing red. Liddy, you needn't stay here a minute later than you wish, so Mr. Oak says. I am now going on a little further. Good afternoon." He went away vexed with himself and ashamed of having for this one time in his life done anything which could be called underhand. Poor Boldwood had no more skill in finesse than a batteringram, and he was uneasy with a sense of having made himself to appear stupid and, what was worse, mean. But he had, after all, lighted upon one fact by way of repayment. It was a singularly fresh and fascinating fact, and though not without its sadness it was pertinent and real. "O no. I merely said she was cheer- In little more than six years from this ful." "Tells you all her affairs?" No, sir." "Some of them?" time Bathsheba might certainly marry him. There was something definite in that hope, for admitting that there might have been no deep thought in her words. to Liddy about marriage, they showed at least her creed on the matter. This pleasant notion was now continually in his mind. Six years were a long time, but how much shorter than never, the idea he had for so long been obliged to endure! Jacob had served twice seven years for Rachel: what were six for such a woman as this? He tried to like the notion of waiting for her better than that of winning her at once. Boldwood felt his love to be so deep and strong and eternal, that it was possible she had never yet known its full volume, and this patience in delay would afford him an opportunity of giving sweet proof on the point. He would annihilate the six years of his life as if they were minutes so little did he value his time on earth beside her love. He would let her see, all those six years of intangible ethereal courtship, how little care he had for anything but as it bore upon the con summation. Meanwhile the early and the late summer brought round the week in which Greenhill Fair was held. This fair was frequently attended by the folk of Weatherbury. CHAPTER L. THE SHEEP-FAIR: TROY TOUCHES HIS WIFE'S HAND. GREENHILL was the Nijnii Novgorod of Wessex; and the busiest, merriest, noisest day of the whole statute number was the day of the sheep-fair. This yearly gathering was upon the summit of a hill which retained in good preservation the remains of an ancient earthwork, consisting of a huge rampart and entrenchment of an oval form encircling the top of the hill, though somewhat broken down here and there. To each of the two chief openings on opposite sides a winding road ascended, and the level green space of twenty or thirty acres enclosed by the bank was the site of the fair. A few permanent erections dotted the spot, but the majority of visitors patronized canvas alone for resting and feeding under during the time of their sojourn here. Shepherds who attended with their flocks from long distances started from home two or three days, or even a week, before the fair, driving their charges a few miles each day - not more than ten or twelve-and resting them at night in hired fields by the wayside at previously chosen points, where they fed, having fasted since morning. The shepherd of each flock marched behind, a bundle containing his kit for the week strapped upon his shoulders, and in his hand his crook, which he used as the staff of his pilgrimage. Several of the sheep would get worn and lame, and occasionally a lambing occurred on the road. To meet these contingencies, there was frequently provided, to accompany the flocks from the remoter points, a pony and waggon into which the weakly ones were taken for the remainder of the journey. The Weatherbury Farms, however, were no such long distance from the hill, and those arrangements were not necessary in their case. But the large united flocks of Bathsheba and Farmer Boldwood formed a valuable and imposing multitude which demanded much attention, and on this account Gabriel, in addition to Boldwood's shepherd and Cain Ball, accompanied them along the way old George the dog of course behind them. When the autumn sun slanted over Greenhill this morning and lighted the dewy flat upon its crest, nebulous clouds of dust were to be seen floating between the pairs of hedges which streaked the wide prospects around in all directions. These gradually converged upon the base of the hill, and the flocks became individually visible, climbing the serpentine ways which led to the top. Thus, in a slov procession, they entered the openings to which the roads wended, multitu le after multitude, horned and hornless - blue flocks and red flocks, buff flocks and brown flocks, even green and salmontinted flocks, according to the fancy of the colourist and custom of the farm. Men were shouting, dogs were barking, with greatest animation, but the thronging travellers in so long a journey had grown nearly indifferent to such terrors, though they still bleated piteously at the unwontedness of their experiences, a tall shepherd rising here and there in the midst of them, like a gigantic idol amid a crowd of prostrate devotees. The great mass of sheep in the fair consisted of Southdowns and the old Wessex horned breeds; to the latter class Bathsheba's and Farmer Boldwood's mainly belonged. These filed in about nine o'clock, their vermiculated horns lopping gracefully on each side of their cheeks in geometrically perfect spirals, a small pink and white ear nestling under each horn. Before and behind came other varieties, perfect leopards as to the full "O that helpless feymels should be at the mercy of such ruffins!" exclaimed one of these ladies again, as she swayed like a reed shaken by the wind. rich substance of their coats, and only could, without turning his body, which lacking the spots. There were also a few, was jammed as in a vice. of the Oxfordshire breed, whose wool was There was a silence; then the drums beginning to curl like a child's flaxen hair, and trumpets again sent forth their echothough surpassed in this respect by the ing notes. The crowd was again ecstasied, effeminate Leicesters, which were in turn and gave another lurch in which Coggan less curly than the Cotswolds. But the and Poorgrass were again thrust by those most picturesque by far was a small flock behind upon the women in front. of Exmoors, which chanced to be there this year. Their pied faces and legs, dark and heavy horns, tresses of wool hanging round their swarthy foreheads, quite relieved the monotony of the flocks in that quarter. All these bleating, panting, and weary thousands had entered and were penned before the morning had far advanced, the dog belonging to each flock being tied to the corner of the pen containing it. Alleys for pedestrians intersected the pens, which soon became crowded with buyers and sellers from far and near. In another part of the hill an altogether different scene began to force itself upon the eye towards midday. A circular tent, of exceptional newness and size, was in course of erection here. As the day drew on, the flocks began to change hands, lightening the shepherds' responsibilities, and they turned their attention to this tent, and inquired of a man at work there, whose soul seemed concentrated on tying a bothering knot in no time, what was going on. "Now," said Coggan, appealing in an earnest voice to the public at large as it stood clustered about his shoulderblades, "did ye ever hear such a unreasonable woman as that? Upon my carcase, neighbours, if I could only get out of this cheesewring, the dmight eat the show for me!" 66 women Don't ye lose yer temper, Jan!" implored Joseph Poorgrass, in a whisper. "They might get their men to murder us, for I think by the shine of their eyes that they are a sinful form of womankind." Jan held his tongue, as if he had no objection to be pacified to please a friend, and they gradually reached the foot of the ladder, Poorgrass being flattened like a jumping-jack, and the sixpence, for admission, which he had got ready half an hour earlier, having become so reeking hot in the tight squeeze of his excited "The Royal Hippodrome Performance hand that the woman in spangles, brazen of Turpin's Ride to York and the Death rings set with glass diamonds, and with of Black Bess," replied the man prompt-chalked face and shoulders, who took the ly, without turning his eyes or leaving off tying. money of him, hastily dropped it again from a fear that some trick had been played As soon as the tent was completed, the to burn her fingers. So they all entered, band struck up highly stimulating harmo- and the sides of the tent, to the eyes of nies, and the announcement was publicly an observer on the outside, became made, Black Bess standing in a conspic-bulged into innumerable pimples such as uous position on the outside, as a living we observe on a sack of potatoes, caused proof, if proof were wanted, of the truth by the various human heads, backs, and of the oracular utterances from the stage elbows at high-pressure within. over which the people were to enter. These were so convinced by such genuine appeals to heart and understanding both that they soon began to crowd in abundantly, among the foremost being visible Jan Coggan and Joseph Poorgrass, who were holiday-keeping here to-day. "That's the great ruffin pushing me!" screamed a woman, in front of Jan, over her shoulder to him when the rush was at its fiercest. "How can I help pushing ye when the folk behind push me?" said Coggan, in a deprecating tone, turning his head towards the aforesaid folk, as far as he At the rear of the large tent there were two small dressing-tents. One of these, alloted to the male performers, was partitioned into halves by a cloth; and in one of the divisions there was sitting on the grass, pulling on a pair of jack-boots, a young man whom we instantly recognize as Sergeant Troy. Troy's appearance in this position may be briefly accounted for. The brig aboard which he was taken in Budmouth Roads was about to start on a voyage, though somewhat short of hands. Troy read the articles and joined, and, before they sailed, a boat was despatched across the bay to Carrow Cove; but, as he had half ex-, full gallop, and other feats. For his pected, his clothes were gone. He ulti- merits in these all more or less based mately worked his passage to the United upon his experiences as a dragoon-guardsStates, where he made a precarious living man - Troy was taken into the company, in various towns as Professor of Gym- and the play of Turpin was prepared nastics, Sword-Exercise, Fencing, and with a view to his personation of the Pugilism. A few months were sufficient chief character. Troy was not greatly to give him a distaste for this kind of elated by the appreciative spirit in which life. There was a certain animal form of he was undoubtedly treated, but he refinement in his nature; and however thought the engagement might afford pleasant a strange condition might be him a few weeks for consideration. It whilst privations were easily warded off, was thus carelessly, and without having it was disadvantageously coarse when formed any definite plan for the future, money was short. There was ever pres-that Troy found himself at Greenhill ent, too, the idea that he could claim Fair with the rest of the company on a home and its comforts did he but this day. hen. The crowd had passed in, and Boldwood, who had been watching all the day for an opportunity of speaking to her, seeing her comparatively isolated, came up to her side. choose to return to England and Weath- And now the mild autumn sun got lowerbury Farm. Whether Bathsheba er, and in front of the pavilion the followthought him dead was a frequent subject ing incident had taken place. Bathsheba of curious conjecture. To England he who was driven to the fair that day by did return at last; but the fact of draw- her odd man Poorgrass — had, like every ing nearer to Weatherbury abstracted its one else, read or heard the announcefascinations, and his intention to enter ment that Mr. Francis, the Great Coshis old groove at that place became mod-mopolite Equestrian and Roughrider, ified. It was with gloom he considered would enact the part of Turpin, and she on landing at Liverpool that if he were was not yet too old and careworn to be to go home his reception would be of a without a little curiosity to see him. kind very unpleasant to contemplate: This particular show was by far the for what Troy had in the way of emotion largest and grandest in the fair, a horde was an occasional fitful sentiment which of little shows grouping themselves sometimes caused him as much incon- under its shade like chickens around a venience as emotion of a strong and healthy kind. Bathsheba was not a woman to be made a fool of, or a woman to suffer in silence; and how could he endure existence with a spirited wife to whom at first entering he would be beholden for food and lodging? Moreover, it was not at all unlikely that his wife would fail at her farming, if she had not already done so; and he would then become liable for her maintenance and what a life and future of poverty with her would be, the spectre of Fanny constantly between them, harrowing his temper and embittering her words! Thus, for reasons touching on distaste, regret, and shame commingled, he put off his return from day to day, and would have decided to put it off altogether if he could have found anywhere else the ready-made establishment which existed for him there. "I hope the sheep have done well today, Mrs. Troy?" he said nervously. 66 "O yes, thank you," said Bathsheba, colour springing up in the centre of her cheeks. "I was fortunate enough to sell them all before we got upon the hill, so we hadn't to pen at all." 66 "And now you are entirely at leisure ?” Yes, except that I have to see one more dealer in two hours' time: otherwise I should be going home. I was looking at this large tent and the announcement. Have you ever seen the play of 'Turpin's Ride to York'? Turpin was a real man, was he not?" "O yes, perfectly true all of it. Indeed, I think I've heard Jan Coggan say that a relation of his knew Tom King, Turpin's friend, quite well." "Coggan is rather given to strange stories connected with his relations, we must remember. I hope they can all be believed." "Yes, yes; we know Coggan. But Turpin is true enough. You have never seen it played, I suppose ?" |