Вдали от безумной толпы

XX. Perplexity—Grinding the Shears—A Quarrel

           Suchistheselfishnessofsomecharmingwomen.Perhapsitwassomeexcuseforherthustorturinghonestytoherownadvantage,thatshehadabsolutelynoothersoundjudgmentwithineasyreach.

           "Well,whatisyouropinionofmyconduct,"shesaid,quietly.

           "Thatitisunworthyofanythoughtful,andmeek,andcomelywoman."

           InaninstantBathsheba’sfacecolouredwiththeangrycrimsonofaDanbysunset.Butsheforboretoutterthisfeeling,andthereticenceofhertongueonlymadetheloquacityofherfacethemorenoticeable.

           ThenextthingGabrieldidwastomakeamistake.

           "Perhapsyoudon’tliketherudenessofmyreprimandingyou,forIknowitisrudeness;butIthoughtitwoulddogood."

           Sheinstantlyrepliedsarcastically—

           "Onthecontrary,myopinionofyouissolow,thatIseeinyourabusethepraiseofdiscerningpeople!"

           "Iamgladyoudon’tmindit,forIsaidithonestlyandwitheveryseriousmeaning."

           "Isee.But,unfortunately,whenyoutrynottospeakinjestyouareamusing—justaswhenyouwishtoavoidseriousnessyousometimessayasensibleword."

           Itwasahardhit,butBathshebahadunmistakablylosthertemper,andonthataccountGabrielhadneverinhislifekepthisownbetter.Hesaidnothing.Shethenbrokeout—

           "Imayask,Isuppose,whereinparticularmyunworthinesslies?Inmynotmarryingyou,perhaps!"

           "Notbyanymeans,"saidGabrielquietly."Ihavelonggivenupthinkingofthatmatter."

           "Orwishingit,Isuppose,"shesaid;anditwasapparentthatsheexpectedanunhesitatingdenialofthissupposition.

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