The Mayor of Casterbridge

Chapter 41

Henchard went home. The morning having now fully broke he

lit his fire, and sat abstractedly beside it. He had not

sat there long when a gentle footstep approached the house

and entered the passage, a finger tapping lightly at the

door. Henchard's face brightened, for he knew the motions

to be Elizabeth's. She came into his room, looking wan and

sad.

"Have you heard?" she asked. "Mrs. Farfrae! She is--dead!

Yes, indeed--about an hour ago!"

"I know it," said Henchard. "I have but lately come in from

there. It is so very good of 'ee, Elizabeth, to come and

tell me. You must be so tired out, too, with sitting up.

Now do you bide here with me this morning. You can go and

rest in the other room; and I will call 'ee when breakfast

is ready."

To please him, and herself--f