A Changed Man; and other tales by Thomas Hardy
page 32 of 325 (09%)
page 32 of 325 (09%)
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say; since my brother left he has had nobody else to listen to him; and
to-night he was particularly tedious on his usual topics--draining, and tenant-farmers, and the village people. I must take daddy to London; he gets so narrow always staying here.' 'And what did you say to it all?' 'Well, I took the part of the tenant-farmers, of course, as the beloved of one should in duty do.' There followed a little break or gasp, implying a strangled sigh. 'You are sorry you have encouraged that beloving one?' 'O no, Nicholas . . . What is it you want to see me for particularly?' 'I know you are sorry, as time goes on, and everything is at a dead-lock, with no prospect of change, and your rural swain loses his freshness! Only think, this secret understanding between us has lasted near three year, ever since you was a little over sixteen.' 'Yes; it has been a long time.' 'And I an untamed, uncultivated man, who has never seen London, and knows nothing about society at all.' 'Not uncultivated, dear Nicholas. Untravelled, socially unpractised, if you will,' she said, smiling. 'Well, I did sigh; but not because I regret being your promised one. What I do sometimes regret is that the scheme, which my meetings with you are but a part of, has not been carried out completely. You said, Nicholas, that if I consented to swear |
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