Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
page 66 of 550 (12%)
page 66 of 550 (12%)
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"D'ye think he had great pain when 'a died?" said Christian. "O no--quite different. Nor any pain of mind. He was lucky enough to be God A'mighty's own man." "And other folk--d'ye think 'twill be much pain to 'em, Mister Fairway?" "That depends on whether they be afeard." "I bain't afeard at all, I thank God!" said Christian strenuously. "I'm glad I bain't, for then 'twon't pain me....I don't think I be afeard--or if I be I can't help it, and I don't deserve to suffer. I wish I was not afeard at all!" There was a solemn silence, and looking from the window, which was unshuttered and unblinded, Timothy said, "Well, what a fess little bonfire that one is, out by Cap'n Vye's! 'Tis burning just the same now as ever, upon my life." All glances went through the window, and nobody noticed that Wildeve disguised a brief, telltale look. Far away up the sombre valley of heath, and to the right of Rainbarrow, could indeed be seen the light, small, but steady and persistent as before. "It was lighted before ours was," Fairway continued; "and yet every one in the country round is out afore 'n." "Perhaps there's meaning in it!" murmured Christian. |
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