`No - I beg you! Don't be happier if happiness only comes from my agreeing. Be neutral, Mr Boldwood! I must think.'

`I will wait,' he said.

And then she turned away. Boldwood dropped his gaze to the ground, and stood long like a man who did not know where he was. Realities then returned upon him like the pain of a wound received in an excitement which eclipses it, and he, too, then went on.