, to the limit of my influence; and don't
forget that I am richer now. Surely something can be done to save
you from this! Such a rare plant in such a wild place it grieves me
to see. Do you want anything bought? Do you want to go anywhere? Do
you want to escape the place altogether? Only say it, and I'll do
anything to put an end to those tears, which but for me would never
have been at all."

"We are each married to another person," she said faintly; "and
assistance from you would have an evil sound--after--after--"

"Well, there's no preventing slanderers from having their fill at any
time; but you need not be afraid. Whatever I may feel I promise you
on my word of honour never to speak to you about--or act upon--until
you say I may. I know my duty to Thomasin quite as well as I know my
duty to you as a woman unfairly treated. What shall I assist you in?"

"In getting away from here."

"Where do you wish to go to?"

"I have a place in my mind. If you could help me as far as Budmouth
I can do all the rest. Steamers sail from there across the Channel,
and so I can get to Paris, where I want to be. Yes," she pleaded
earnestly, "help me to get to Budmouth harbour without my
grandfather's or my husband's knowledge, and I can do all the rest."

"Will it be safe to leave you there alone?"

"Yes, yes. I know Budmouth well."

"Shall I go with you? I am rich now."

She was silent.

"Say yes, sweet!"

She was silent still.

"Well, let me know when you wish to go. We shall be at our present
house till December; after that we remove to Casterbridge. Command me
in anything till that time."

"I will think of this," she said hurriedly. "Whether I can honestly
make use of you as a friend, or must close with you as a lover--that
is what I must ask myself. If I wish to go and decide to accept your
company I will signal to you some evening at eight o'clock punctually,
and this will mean that you are to be ready with a horse and trap at
twelve o'clock the same night to drive me to Budmouth harbour in time
for the morning boat."

"I will look out every night at eight, and no signal shall escape me."

"Now please go away. If I decide on this escape I can only meet you
once more unless--I cannot go without you. Go--I cannot bear it
longer. Go--go!"

Wildeve slowly went up the steps and descended into the darkness
on the other side; and as he walked he glanced back, till the bank
blotted out her form from his further vi