"If I cannot legitimize our former relations at least I can assist

you. And I will do it with much more regard for your feelings than

I formerly showed. My religious mania, or whatever it was, is over.

But I retain a little good nature; I hope I do. Now, Tess, by

all that's tender and strong between man and woman, trust me! I

have enough and more than enough to put you out of anxiety, both

for yourself and your parents and sisters. I can make them all

comfortable if you will only show confidence in me."

"Have you seen 'em lately?" she quickly inquired.

"Yes. They didn't know where you were. It was only by chance that I

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found you here." The cold moon looked aslant upon Tess's fagged face between the twigs

of the garden-hedge as she paused outside the cottage which was her

temporary home, d'Urberville pausing beside her. "

Don't mention my little brothers and sisters--don't make me break

down quite!" she said. "If you want to help them--God knows they

need it--do it without telling me. But no, no!" she cried. "I will

take nothing from you, either for them or for me!"

He did not accompany her further, since, as she lived with the

household, all was public indoors. No sooner had she herself

entered, laved herself in a washing-tub, and shared supper with the

family than she fell into thought, and withdrawing to the table under

the wall, by the light of her own little lamp wrote in a passionate

mood-MY OWN HUSBAND,-

Let me call you so--I must--even if it makes you angry to

think of such an unworthy wife as I. I must cry to you

in my trouble--I have no one else! I am so exposed to

temptation, Angel. I fear to say who it is, and I do not

like to write about it at all. But I cling to you in a way

you cannot think! Can you not come to me now, at once,

before anything terrible happens? O, I know you cannot,

because you are so far away! I think I must die if you do

not come soon, or tell me to come to you. The punishment

you have measured out to me is deserved--I do know that--

well deserved--and you are right and just to be angry with

me. But, Angel, please, please, not to be just--only a

little kind to me, even if I do not deserve it, and come to

me! If you would come, I could die in your arms! I would

be well content to do that if so be you had forgiven me!




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