"Now, now; we don't want to hear that," said Henchard gently. "Of course
you won't leave again. Think over the plan I have proposed for a few
hours; and if you can't hit upon a better one we'll adopt it. I have
to be away for a day or two on business, unfortunately; but during that
time you can get lodgings--the only ones in the town fit for you are
those over the china-shop in High Street--and you can also look for a
cottage."

"If the lodgings are in High Street they are dear, I suppose?"

"Never mind--you MUST start genteel if our plan is to be carried out.
Look to me for money. Have you enough till I come back?"

"Quite," said she.

"And are you comfortable at the inn?"

"O yes."

"And the girl is quite safe from learning the shame of her case and
ours?--that's what makes me most anxious of all."

"You would be surprised to find how unlikely she is to dream of the
truth. How could she ever suppose such a thing?"

True!

"I like the idea of repeating our marriage," said Mrs. Henchard, after
a pause. "It seems the only right course, after all this. Now I think