3 - She Goes Out to Battl

“Yes,” she said, sobbing. “To dance?” “Why not? You can sing.” “What strangeness can there be in relations dancing together?” “Ah—yes, relations. Perhaps none.” “No; not greatly.” “Yes. But you began that proceeding—by breaking a promise.” We have formed other ties since then—you no less than I.” “I am sorry to hear that your husband is ill.” “He is not ill—only incapacitated.” “But I hardly believed it.” “I think the same as ever of you, Eustacia. Nothing of that sort can degrade you—you ennoble the occupation of your husband.” “Is there any chance of Mr. Yeobright getting better?” “He thinks so. I doubt it.” When they came a little nearer Eustacia broke the silence by saying, “One of those men is my husband. He promised to come to meet me.” “And the other is my greatest enemy,” said Wildeve. “It looks like Diggory Venn.” “That is the man.” “Good night, Mr. Yeobright,” said Venn. “I hope to see you better soon.” “He is not at home yet, Diggory,” she said pleasantly. “But I expected him sooner. He has been to East Egdon to buy a horse.” “Yes.” “O, I have not bought it, after all. The man asks too much.” “Venn the reddleman.”