... How is it that you speak so fluently now? Who has
taught you such good English?"
"I have learnt things in my troubles," she said evasively.
"What troubles have you had?"
She told him of the first one--the only one that related to him.
D'Urberville was struck mute. "I knew nothing of this till now!"
he next murmured. "Why didn't you write to me when you felt your
trouble coming on?"
She did not reply; and he broke the silence by adding: "Well--you
will see me again."
"No," she answered. "Do not again come near me!"
"I will think. But before we part come here." He stepped up to the
pillar. "This was once a Holy Cross. Relics are not in my creed; but
I fear you at moments--far more than you need fear me at present; and
to lessen my fear, put your hand upon that stone hand, and swear that
you will never tempt me--by your charms or ways."
"Good God--how can you ask what is so unnecessary! All that is
furthest from my thought!"
"Yes--but swear it."
Tess, half frightened, gave way to his importunity; placed her hand
upon the stone and swore.
"I am sorry you are not a believer," he continued; "that some
unbeliever should have got hold of you and unsettled your mind.
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