Chapter 12 Chapter Eleven An Honest Woman's Dishonesty

The red-monger left Eustacia with great apprehensions about Thomasy's future happiness; and as he walked all the way to his caravan he saw the figure of Mrs Yeobright walking slowly towards the lady's shop. Walking, it suddenly reminded him that there was another way he could try.He walked towards her, and at the sight of her sad face he understood at once that she was returning to Wildeff for the same purpose as he was going to Eustacia. She didn't hide the purpose of her visit.Well, said the red-monger, perhaps you'd better leave it alone, Mrs. Yeobright. I pretty much think so myself, she said, but there's nothing I can do but go and ask him about it.

I'd like to start off by saying, Wayne insisted, that Mr. Wildford wasn't the only man who proposed to Thomasy; why shouldn't the other man try?Mrs. Jobdont, I would be glad to marry your niece, and I could have done so any time during the last two years.Well, the story is over, and I've never mentioned it to anyone but herself before. Mrs. Yeobright made no sign, but her eyes could not help following his very queer but very shapely figure. Looks don't mean everything, the red-clay dealer noticed her eyes, and if it comes to money, I'm afraid there are many occupations that don't pay as much as mine; and I can't be worse than Wilderf.No one's poorer than a loser; and if you don't like me being red, you know, I wasn't born red; I'm only doing this on a whim I could change gears early on and do something else.

I can't thank you enough for your interest in my niece; but I'm afraid it won't work.More importantly, her heart was given to this man. That's the way it is, otherwise, I wouldn't be doing this thing this morning. Otherwise there would be no pain in the business, and you wouldn't see me going to his house now.What did Thomasy say when you told her your feelings? She wrote a note saying you'd be against me; and some other reasons. In a way she was right to do so.Don't be offended when you hear this; I'm just stating the matter as it is.You have been good to her and we will never forget it.However, she doesn't want to be your wife herself, so the matter will be decided as soon as she comes, and I don't need to consider my wishes.

That's a good point.But it's not the same now as it was then, ma'am.Now she's disheartened, and I've thought about it, and if you go and talk to her about me, and you're partial to me, that might change her mind and get her out of Wildeff altogether. It was a capricious trick, and besides he didn't know if he wanted her or not, she was completely independent. Mrs Yeobright shook her head.Thomasy thought (as did I) that she ought to be Wildoff's wife if she wanted to be seen in public without tarnishing her name.Had they been married soon, everyone would have believed that a mere accident had prevented the marriage from being consummated at the time.If this were not the case, it would cast a shadow over her character which would at any rate discredit her.In a word, as long as there is a chance, they must get married immediately.

I thought the same thing half an hour ago.However, after all, she just went to the Horn with him for a few hours, so why must it have such a great influence on her?Knowing that she was such a pure person, one must have felt that it was totally unfair to see her that way.I've been doing my best this morning to get her married to Wildoff. Yes, ma'am, I believe I should, because she just can't live without him.But now I doubt if I'm doing the right thing.It went nowhere.So now I come to propose to her. Mrs. Yeobright seemed to wish to discuss the matter no further.I'm afraid I must go, she said, and I don't think there's anything else I can do.she left.Although this conversation did not change Thomasy's aunt's original intention of seeing Wildoff, it had a great influence on her, and she thought of changing the way of talking with him.She was grateful to God that the red clay dealer had provided her with this weapon.

Wildoff was at home when she arrived at the inn.Without a word, he led her into the living room and closed the door.Mrs. Yeobright spoke up: I feel it is my duty to come and see you today.A new suggestion was made to me, which surprised me.It's going to have a huge effect on Tomasy; I've decided that you should at least be aware of it. Yeah?any suggestion?he asked politely. Of course, that was a suggestion about her future.You probably didn't expect another man to express his eagerness to marry Thomasy.Well, I didn't agree with his idea, but, in good conscience, I couldn't refuse without giving him a chance.I don't want to be rude to you, but I have to do him and her justice.

Who is that man?asked Wildef in surprise. That person has loved her far longer than she has loved you.He proposed to her two years ago.She turned him down at the time. oh? Recently he saw her again and he asked my permission to let him woo her.Maybe she won't reject him a second time. What's his name? Mrs. Yeobright made no reply.He was a man Thomasy liked, adding that at least she admired this devotion to him.It seemed to me that what she had refused then she would be glad to have now.Now she can worry a lot about her embarrassing situation. She never talked about this old flame to me.

The mildest woman is not foolish enough to show every card. Well, if she wants him, I think she must be able to. It's so easy to say that; but you don't see the difficulty here.His desire to have her is far stronger than her desire to have him; and before I can take an encouraging attitude in such a thing, I must first get your express, that is, what I think is best for the matter. Action, you will never interfere.For example, when they were engaged and the marriage was all settled, would you step in between them and re-propose to her?You might not be able to get her to change her mind, but you'll make that nasty thing happen.

Of course I wouldn't do anything like that, Wildoff said, but they're not engaged yet.And how do you know Thomasy will accept his proposal? I have considered the matter carefully, and on the whole it is quite probable that she will accept his request at once.I boasted that I had some influence over her.She is very obedient and I would highly recommend him. At the same time greatly belittle me. Yes, you can believe that I won't speak well of you, she said coldly, if it seems a bit like playing tricks, then don't forget her current embarrassing situation, don't forget how much she has been used the point.Her desire to get out of this humiliating situation has prompted me to bring about this marriage; and the pride of a woman who has been subjected to such things will lead her to do extraordinary things.It will take a little arrangement to get her to change her mind; but in the meantime, I think you must agree to do one thing, and that is, you must make it clear that she thinks you are absolutely impossible to be her husband.Doing that would make her accept his marriage proposal.

I can't say anything at all just now, Mrs Yeobright.It happened so suddenly. In that case, the whole plan will be messed up!You don't even have such a small job If you are willing to help my family, but do not want to make it clear that you have nothing to do with us, you are too disgraceful. Wildef looked very embarrassed.Frankly, I wasn't prepared for that, and he said, of course, if you think so, I can give her up if it's necessary.But I thought I was going to be her husband. We've heard this before. Well, Mrs Yeobright, let us agree.give me enough time.As long as she has a chance of getting a better chance, I'll never stand in her way; I just wish you'd let me know sooner.In a day or two I will write to you or come to visit you.Does this work?

All right, she replied, only if you promise not to go to Thomasy without my permission. I promise, he said.The conversation between the two ended here, and Mrs. Yeobright walked home as usual. The little tricks she had played all day had done the most in one way or another, as was often the case, beyond her original intention.In the first place, this visit of hers prompted Wildeve to go again to Eustacia's house in the Misty Gang after dark that day. At this moment, the doors and windows of this lonely house were tightly closed, blocking the darkness and coldness outside.Wildoff's plan for meeting her secretly was to pick up a small stone and push it through the crack in the upper part of the shutter fitted outside the window, and the stone would make a soft thud as it fell between the shutter and the pane. The sound was similar to that of a small mouse.This would get her attention without arousing her grandfather's suspicions. Eustacia's soft voice came from the room, heard it, and waited for me.It shows that she is alone. Wildoff waited, walking casually up and down the embankment by the pond in his old habit, never being invited into the house by the lowered but still proud hostess.Her movements were unhurried, and she didn't appear to be in a hurry to come out at all.As time passed, he began to feel a little impatient.It took a full twenty minutes before she appeared from the corner and walked forward. It looked as if she was just out for some air. If you knew why I came, you wouldn't have kept me waiting so long, he said sharply, but it was worth the wait. What happened?asked Eustacia, I didn't know you were in trouble.I'm bored enough too. I'm not in any trouble, he said, it's just that things have taken shape and I have to take a definite step. what steps?she asked with great interest. You forgot everything I promised you the other night?Here, I will take you out of this place and take you abroad together. I did not forget.But you only said that you came next Saturday, why did you come here so suddenly and bring up this question repeatedly?I thought I'd have enough time to think about it. That's true, but things have changed now. tell me what's going on. I don't want to say it because I might make it hard for you. But I must know why you are in such a hurry. It was only a sudden fascination with me, my dear Eustacia.Everything is settled now. Then why are you so excited? I didn't realize it.Everything is normal.Mrs. Yeobright But she has nothing to do with us. Ah, I see, she must have something to do with it!Come on, I don't like to hesitate. It doesn't matter to her.All she said was that she wanted me to give up Tomasy because another man was in a hurry to marry her.This woman, now that she doesn't need me anymore, has really put on airs!No matter how Wilderf tried to hide it, he still showed a very annoyed look. Eustacia was silent for a moment.You are like an official who is no longer needed.The situation is embarrassing, she said, changing her tone. It seems so.I haven't seen Thomasy yet though. This is what makes you irritable.No need to deny it, Damon.You are actually irritated by unexpected slights. oh? You came to ask me out because you couldn't get her anymore.This must be a completely new situation, and I'm a substitute. Please don't forget that I suggested the same thing to you just the other day. Again Eustacia fell into a dull silence.What strange feeling seized her?Could it be that her interest in Wilderf sprung from such an antagonism that as soon as she heard that her rival no longer desired the man, she felt that the man had lost all his glory, all that she had placed in him? Did the dream disappear with it?In this way, she finally has a sure chance of winning with this man.Thomasy didn't want him anymore.What a humiliating victory!He loved her the most, she thought; yet dared she whisper this judgment of infidelity in love?What is there to love in a man who doesn't even value a woman of lower status than her?One does not want what is abandoned by others, which is more or less latent in the hearts of all living things, and it is especially true for Eustacia, who is extremely sensitive and seeks enjoyment in her heart. passion.Her social status was superior to his, though she had seldom thought of it before, and now it was uncomfortably prominent, and for the first time she felt how degraded she was in loving him. hello honey, do you agree?asked Wildef. As long as it's not America, but London, or even Bell's Mouth, she murmured listlessly, well, I'll have to think about it.The matter is too important for me to decide at once.I wish I could hate the moor less or love you more. You are really frank, and you are not afraid of others' discomfort.A month ago you loved me so passionately that you would go anywhere with me. And you were in love with Thomasy then. Well, maybe that's why.he replied, almost sarcastically.Now I don't hate her either. Exactly, except you can't get her anymore. Forget your sarcastic remarks, Eustacia, or we shall have a quarrel.If you don't agree to come with me, and you can't agree in the near future, then I will go alone. Don't try to test Thomasy anymore.Damon, it's so strange that you can be so free, you can marry her or me, and now you only come to me because I am worth less!Yes, yes, that's exactly what happened.There was a time when I would have been very negative, even harsh, about this man; well, that's all over now. are you going darlingFollow me secretly to Bristol [Note: The port city in southwestern England, facing the Bristol Channel. ], marry me and leave this ghost place in England forever, okay?Promise me. I would give almost anything to get out of here, she said bitterly, but I don't like going with you.Give me some time to make a decision. I've given you time, Wildeff said.Well, I'll give you another week. A little longer, so I might be able to tell you my decision.I have so many things to think about.Just imagine how anxious Thomasy was to get rid of you!I can't forget this. Forget about that.Just wait until next Monday.I must be here at this time. Let's go to Yuzuka, she said, it's too close to my house; grandpa might come out for a walk. Thank you, my dear, and I'll be at Rainhill by this time next Monday.See you then. goodbye.No, no, don't touch me now.A handshake will suffice until I make up my mind. Eustacia watched his gray figure go until it was all gone.She put her hand on her forehead and breathed heavily; then, impelled by that instinct, her full, passionate lips parted up and down and yawned.she is likely The loss of affection for him, which at the moment was only known to her, immediately distressed her.She could not admit at once that perhaps she thought too highly of Wildoff, for to accept that he was a mediocrity now would be to admit that she had been committing a great folly so far.She was in exactly the same position as a dog in a manger, neither eating grass nor letting the horse eat it.Finding this made her feel a little ashamed at first. Mrs. Yeobright's diplomacy was indeed fruitful, though not what she had estimated.It had had a great influence on Wildoff, but it had a much greater influence on Eustacia.Her lover was no longer the object of competition for many women, and therefore no longer an exciting man for her, only in competition with them, and now he was superfluous. people. She entered the room with a sense of uneasiness, not sadness, but the sadness that came to her again after a very brief love affair that had been misjudged and very short lived.The feeling that the dream is coming to an end, and that it has not yet come, is the most tormenting and strangest state of mind that can occur between the beginning and the end of a passionate relationship. Her grandfather had returned and was busy pouring the gallons of rum that had just arrived into square decanters in his square cupboard.Whenever the home-brewed mead ran out, he would go to the lady's shop, with his back to the fire and a grog in his hand, and tell the folks how he had lived seven years below the waterline of his ship. and the great stories of the year, and all the other anecdotes of the voyage, and the countrymen, anxious that he would buy them a glass of ale, always told him yes, never Will not express any doubts. He went there again tonight.I suppose you've heard what happened in Adenmoor of late, Eustacia?he asked, without looking up from the bottle.People in the lady's shop are talking about it vigorously, as if it is a big deal. I heard nothing.she replied. Young Clem.Yeobright, as they called him, was coming home next week to spend Christmas with his mother.Looks like he's a pretty good lad now.I guess you still remember him, don't you? I've never seen him in my life. Oh yes, he left when you came here.I remember very clearly that he was a very promising boy. Where has he been all these years? I believe it is in Paris, the place of pomp and vanity.