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The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy
page 54 of 532 (10%)
an order from the interior of the vehicle.

Marty gladly assented, for she was weary, very weary, after
working all night and keeping afoot all day. She mounted beside
the coachman, wondering why this good-fortune had happened to her.
He was rather a great man in aspect, and she did not like to
inquire of him for some time.

At last she said, "Who has been so kind as to ask me to ride?"

"Mrs. Charmond," replied her statuesque companion.

Marty was stirred at the name, so closely connected with her last
night's experiences. "Is this her carriage?" she whispered.

"Yes; she's inside."

Marty reflected, and perceived that Mrs. Charmond must have
recognized her plodding up the hill under the blaze of the lamp;
recognized, probably, her stubbly poll (since she had kept away
her face), and thought that those stubbles were the result of her
own desire.

Marty South was not so very far wrong. Inside the carriage a pair
of bright eyes looked from a ripely handsome face, and though
behind those bright eyes was a mind of unfathomed mysteries,
beneath them there beat a heart capable of quick extempore warmth--
a heart which could, indeed, be passionately and imprudently warm
on certain occasions. At present, after recognizing the girl, she
had acted on a mere impulse, possibly feeling gratified at the
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