`Why did the base-players finish their game so suddenly?' Bathsheba inquired, the next time that Liddy entered the room.

`I think 'twas because two men came just then from Casterbridge and began putting up a grand carved tombstone,' said Liddy. `The lads went to see whose it was.'

`Do you know?' Bathsheba asked.

`I don't,' said Liddy.