Tess of the dUrbervilles - Page 257/283

"'Tisn't as though she had never known him afore," said Marian. "His

having won her once makes all the difference in the world. 'Twould

be a thousand pities if he were to tole her away again. Mr Clare can

never be anything to us, Izz; and why should we grudge him to her,

and not try to mend this quarrel? If he could on'y know what straits

she's put to, and what's hovering round, he might come to take care

of his own."

"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.