have not fallen in love with you, Mr. Boldwood--certainly I must
say that." She allowed a very small smile to creep for the first
time over her serious face in saying this, and the white row of upper
teeth, and keenly-cut lips already noticed, suggested an idea of
heartlessness, which was immediately contradicted by the pleasant
eyes.

"But you will just think--in kindness and condescension think--if you
cannot bear with me as a husband! I fear I am too old for you, but
believe me I will take more care of you than would many a man of your
own age. I will protect and cherish you with all my strength--I will
indeed! You shall have no cares--be worried by no household affairs,
and live quite at ease, Miss Everdene. The dairy superintendence
shall be done by a man--I can afford it well--you shall never have
so much as to look out of doors at haymaking time, or to think of
weather in the harvest. I rather cling to the chaise, because it is
the same my poor father and mother drove, but if you don't like it
I will sell it, and you shall have a pony-carriage of your own. I
cannot say how far above every other idea and object on earth you
seem to me--nobody knows--God only knows--how much you are to me!"

Bathsheba's heart was young, and it swelled with sympathy for the
deep-natured man who spoke so simply.

"Don't say it! don't! I cannot bear you to feel so much, and me to
feel nothing. And I am afraid they will notice us, Mr. Boldwood.
Will you let the matter rest now? I cannot think collectedly. I did
not know you were going to say this to me. Oh, I am wicked to have
made you suffer so!" She was frightened as well as agitated at his
vehemence.

"Say then, that you don't absolutely refuse. Do not quite refuse?"

"I can do nothing. I cannot answer."

"I may speak to you again on the subject?"

"Yes."

"I may think of you?"

"Yes, I suppose you may think of me."

"And hope to obtain you?"

"No--do not hope! Let us go on."

"I will call upon you again to-morrow."

"No--please not. Give me time."

"Yes--I will give you any time," he said earnestly and gratefully.
"I am happier now."

"No--I beg you! Don't be happier if happiness only comes from my
agreeing. Be neutral, Mr. Boldwood! I must think."

"I will wait," he said.

And then she turned away. Boldwood dropped his gaze to the ground,
and stood long like a man who did not know where he was. Realities
then returned upon him like the