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Hardy, Thomas, 1840-1928

"The Woodlanders"


He went across to the spot and stood behind her. Suke started,
having in her blundering way forgotten that he might be near. She
at once descended from the hedge.
"So he's coming to-night," said Tim, laconically. "And we be
always anxious to see our dears."
"He IS coming to-night," she replied, with defiance. "And we BE
anxious for our dears."
"Then will you step in-doors, where your dear will soon jine 'ee?
We've to mouster by half-past three to-morrow, and if we don't get
to bed by eight at latest our faces will be as long as clock-cases
all day."
She hesitated for a minute, but ultimately obeyed, going slowly
down the garden to the house, where he heard the door-latch click
behind her.
Tim was incensed beyond measure. His marriage had so far been a
total failure, a source of bitter regret; and the only course for
improving his case, that of leaving the country, was a sorry, and
possibly might not be a very effectual one. Do what he would, his
domestic sky was likely to be overcast to the end of the day.


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