This was before the moonrise.

Later on, when that planet was getting command of the upper heaven, and consequently shining with an unbroken face into such open glades as there were in the neighborhood of the hamlet, it became apparent that the margin of the wood which approached the timber-merchant's premises was not to be left to the customary stillness of that reposeful time.
Fitzpiers having heard a voice or voices, was looking over his garden gate--where he now looked more frequently than into his books--fancying that Grace might be abroad with some friends.

He was now irretrievably committed in heart to Grace Melbury, though he was by no means sure that she was so far committed to him.

That the Idea had for once completely fulfilled itself in the objective substance--which he had hitherto deemed an impossibility--he was enchanted enough to fancy must be the case at last.

It was not Grace who had passed, however, but several of the ordinary village girls in a group--some steadily walking, some in a mood of wild gayety.