"
"Could we let him know?"
They thought of this all the way to their destination; but the bustle
of re-establishment in their new place took up all their attention
then. But when they were settled, a month later, they heard of
Clare's approaching return, though they had learnt nothing more of
Tess. Upon that, agitated anew by their attachment to him, yet
honourably disposed to her, Marian uncorked the penny ink-bottle they
shared, and a few lines were concocted between the two girls.
HONOUR'D SIR--
Look to your Wife if you do love her as much as she do
love you. For she is sore put to by an Enemy in the shape
of a Friend. Sir, there is one near her who ought to be
Away. A woman should not be try'd beyond her Strength,
and continual dropping will wear away a Stone--ay,
more--a Diamond.
FROM TWO WELL-WISHERS
This was addressed to Angel Clare at the only place they had ever
heard him to be connected with, Emminster Vicarage; after which they
continued in a mood of emotional exaltation at their own generosity,
which made them sing in hysterical snatches and weep at the same
time.
END OF PHASE THE SIXTH
Phase the Seventh: Fulfilment
LIII
It was evening at Emminster Vicarage.
Pages:
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609