`I - I didn't - I know I ought never to have dreamt of sending that valentine - forgive me, sir - it was a wanton thing which no woman with any self-respect should have done. If you will only pardon my thoughtlessness, I promise never to--'

`No, no, no. Don't say thoughtlessness! Make me think it was something more - that it was a sort of prophetic instinct - the beginning of a feeling that you would like me. You torture me to say it was done in thoughtlessness - I never thought of it in that light, and I can't endure it. Ah! I wish I knew how to win you! but that I can't do - I can only ask if I have already got you. If I have not, and it is not true that you have come unwittingly to me as I have to you, I can say no more.'

`I have not fallen in love with you, Mr Boldwood - certainly I must say that.' She allowed a very small smile to creep for the first time over her serious face in saying this, and the white row of upper teeth, and keenly-cut lips already noticed, suggested an idea of heartlessness, which was immediately contradicted by the pleasant eyes.

`But you will just think - in kindness and condescension think - if you cannot bear with me as a husband! I fear I am too old for you, but believe me I will take more care of you than would many a man of your own age. I will protect and cherish you with all my strength - I will indeed! You shall have no cares - be worried by no household affairs, and live quite at ease, Miss Everdene. The dairy superintendence shall be done by a man - I can afford it well - you shall never have so much as to look out of doors at haymaking time, or to think of weather in the harvest. I rather cling to the chaise, because it is the same my poor father and mother drove, but if you don't like it I will sell it, and you shall have a pony-carriage of your own. I cannot say how far above every other idea and object on earth you seem to me - nobody knows - God only knows - how much you are to me!'

Bathsheba's heart was young, and it swelled with sympathy for the deep-natured man who spoke so simply.

`Don't say it: don't! I cannot bear you to feel so much, and me to feel nothing. And I am afraid they will notice us, Mr Boldwood. Will you let the matter rest now? I cannot think collectedly. I did not know you were going to say this to me. O, I am wicked to have made you suffer so!' She was frightened as well as agitated at his vehemence.

`Say then, that you don't absolutely refuse. Do not quite refuse?'

`I can do nothing. I cannot answer.

`I may speak to you again on the subject?'

`Yes.'

`I may think of you?'

`Yes, I suppose you may think of me.'

`And hope to obtain you?'

`No - do not hope! Let us go on.'

`I will call upon you again tomorrow.'

`No - please not. Give me time.'

`Yes - I will give you any time,' he said earnestly and gratefully. `I am happier now.'


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