These moments will be over too soon!" She closed her lips in a determined silence.
Bathsheba was revolving in her mind whether by a bold and desperate rush she could free herself at the risk of leaving her skirt bodily behind her.

The thought was too dreadful.

The dress--which she had put on to appear stately at the supper--was the head and front of her wardrobe; not another in her stock became her so well.

What woman in Bathsheba's position, not naturally timid, and within call of her retainers, would have bought escape from a dashing soldier at so dear a price?
"All in good time; it will soon be done, I perceive," said her cool friend.
"This trifling provokes, and--and--" "Not too cruel!" "-- Insults me!" "It is done in order that I may have the pleasure of apologizing to so charming a woman, which I straightway do most humbly, madam," he said, bowing low.
Bathsheba really knew not what to say.
"I've seen a good many women in my time," continued the young man in a murmur, and more thoughtfully than hitherto, critically regarding her bent head at the same time; "but I've never seen a woman so beautiful as you.

Take it or leave it--be offended or like it--I don't care." "Who are you, then, who can so well afford to despise opinion ?" "No stranger.