`You have everything ready - it seems that you calculated on my accepting them,' said the sergeant, taking the packet.

`I thought you might accept them,' said Boldwood.

`You've only my word that the programme shall be adhered to, whilst I at any rate have fifty pounds.'

`I had thought of that, and I have considered that if I can't appeal to your honour I can trust to your - well, shrewdness we'll call it - not to lose five hundred pounds in prospect, and also make a bitter enemy of a man who is willing to be an extremely useful friend.'

`Stop, listen!' said Troy in a whisper.

A light pit-pat was audible upon the road just above them.

`By George--'tis she,' he continued. `I must go on and meet her.'

`She - who?'

`Bathsheba.'

`Bathsheba - out alone at this time o' night!' said Boldwood in amazement, and starting up. `Why must you meet her?'

`She was expecting me tonight - and I must now speak to her, and wish her good-bye, according to your wish.'

`I don't see the necessity of speaking.'

`It can do no harm - and she'll be wandering about looking for me if I don't. You shall hear all I say to her. It will help you in your lovemaking when I am gone.

`Your tone is mocking.'

`O no. And remember this, if she does not know what has become of me, she will think more about me than if I tell her flatly I have come to give her up.

`Will you confine your words to that one point? - Shall I hear every word you say?'

`Every word. Now sit still there, and hold my carpet-bag for me, and mark what you hear.'

The light footstep came closer, halting occasionally, as if the walker listened for a sound. Troy whistled a double note in a soft, fluty tone.

`Come to that, is it!' murmured Boldwood uneasily.

`You promised silence,' said Troy.

`I promise again.'

Troy stepped forward.

`Frank, dearest, is that you?' The tones were Bathsheba's.

`O God!' said Boldwood.

`Yes,' said Troy to her.