lf in the way of Venn's happiness, who
was, after all, as honest and persevering a young fellow as any on
Egdon, since he had turned over a new leaf. In short, Clym did not know
what to do.

When next they met she said abruptly, "He is much more respectable now
than he was then!"

"Who? O yes--Diggory Venn."

"Aunt only objected because he was a reddleman."

"Well, Thomasin, perhaps I don't know all the particulars of my mother's
wish. So you had better use your own discretion."

"You will always feel that I slighted your mother's memory."

"No, I will not. I shall think you are convinced that, had she seen
Diggory in his present position, she would have considered him a fitting
husband for you. Now, that's my real feeling. Don't consult me any more,
but do as you like, Thomasin. I shall be content."

It is to be supposed that Thomasin was convinced; for a few days after
this, when Clym strayed into a part of the heath that he had not lately
visited, Humphrey, who was at work there, said to him, "I am glad to see
that Mrs. Wildeve and Venn have made it up again, seemingly."

"Have they?" said Clym abstractedly.

"Yes; and he do contrive to stumble upon her whenever she walks out on
fine days with the chiel. But, Mr. Yeobright, I can't help feeling
that your cousin ought to have married you. 'Tis a pity to make two
chimleycorners where there need be only one. You could get her away from
him now, 'tis my belief, if you were only to set about it."

"How can I have the conscience to marry after having driven two women to
their deaths? Don't think such a thing, Humphrey. After my experience
I should consider it too much of a burlesque to go to church and take a
wife. In the words of Job, 'I have made a covenant with mine eyes; when
then should I think upon a maid?'"

"No, Mr. Clym, don't fancy that about driving two women to their deaths.
You shouldn't say it."

"Well, we'll leave that out," said Yeobright. "But anyhow God has set a
mark upon me which wouldn't look well in a love-making scene. I have two
ideas in my head, and no others. I am going to keep a night-school;
and I am going to turn preacher. What have you got to say to that,
Humphrey?"

"I'll come and hear 'ee with all my heart."

"Thanks. 'Tis all I wish."

As Clym descended into the valley Thomasin came down by the other path,
and met him at the gate. "What do you think I have to tell you, Clym?"
she said, looking archly over her shoulder at