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Hardy, Thomas, 1840-1928

"The Woodlanders"

Dollery's van. Grace recognized the spot as soon
as she looked around her.
"How we have got here I cannot tell," she said, with cold
civility. "We have made a complete circuit of Little Hintock.
The hazel copse is quite on the other side. Now we have only to
follow the road."
They dragged themselves onward, turned into the lane, passed the
track to Little Hintock, and so reached the park.
"Here I turn back," said Grace, in the same passionless voice.
"You are quite near home."
Mrs. Charmond stood inert, seeming appalled by her late admission.
"I have told you something in a moment of irresistible desire to
unburden my soul which all but a fool would have kept silent as
the grave," she said. "I cannot help it now. Is it to be a
secret--or do you mean war?"
"A secret, certainly," said Grace, mournfully. "How can you
expect war from such a helpless, wretched being as I!"
"And I'll do my best not to see him. I am his slave; but I'll
try."
Grace was naturally kind; but she could not help using a small
dagger now.


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