How could you be so obstinate? However, I have told the farmer that
he has no right to employ women at steam-threshing. It is not proper
work for them; and on all the better class of farms it has been given
up, as he knows very well. I will walk with you as far as your
home."
"O yes," she answered with a jaded gait. "Walk wi' me if you will!
I do bear in mind that you came to marry me before you knew o' my
state. Perhaps--perhaps you are a little better and kinder than I
have been thinking you were. Whatever is meant as kindness I am
grateful for; whatever is meant in any other way I am angered at.
I cannot sense your meaning sometimes."
"If I cannot legitimize our former relations at least I can assist
you. And I will do it with much more regard for your feelings than
I formerly showed. My religious mania, or whatever it was, is over.
But I retain a little good nature; I hope I do. Now, Tess, by
all that's tender and strong between man and woman, trust me! I
have enough and more than enough to put you out of anxiety, both
for yourself and your parents and sisters. I can make them all
comfortable if you will only show confidence in me."
"Have you seen 'em lately?" she quickly inquired.
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