She had heard wondrous reports from time to time by dwellers in Weatherbury, who had by chance sojourned awhile in Casterbridge, near the barracks, of this strange and glorious performance, the sword-exercise.

Men and boys who had peeped through chinks or over walls into the barrack-yard returned with accounts of its being the most flashing affair conceivable; accoutrements and weapons glistening like stars--here, there, around--yet all by rule and compass.

So she said mildly what she felt strongly.
"Yes; I should like to see it very much." "And so you shall; you shall see me go through it." "No! How ?" "Let me consider." "Not with a walking-stick--I don't care to see that.

It must be a real sword." "Yes, I know; and I have no sword here; but I think I could get one by the evening.

Now, will you do this ?" Troy bent over her and murmured some suggestion in a low voice.
"Oh no, indeed!" said Bathsheba, blushing.