the spoon, shook her fist at the
vanished figure, and then proceeded with her work in a musing, absent
way.

At eight o'clock, the hour at which Eustacia had promised to signal
Wildeve if ever she signalled at all, she looked around the premises
to learn if the coast was clear, went to the furze-rick, and pulled
thence a long-stemmed bough of that fuel. This she carried to the
corner of the bank, and, glancing behind to see if the shutters were
all closed, she struck a light, and kindled the furze. When it was
thoroughly ablaze Eustacia took it by the stem and waved it in the
air above her head till it had burned itself out.

She was gratified, if gratification were possible to such a mood, by
seeing a similar light in the vicinity of Wildeve's residence a minute
or two later. Having agreed to keep watch at this hour every night,
in case she should require assistance, this promptness proved how
strictly he had held to his word. Four hours after the present time,
that is, at midnight, he was to be ready to drive her to Budmouth, as
prearranged.

Eustacia returned to the house. Supper having been got over she
retired early, and sat in her bedroom waiting for the time to go by.
The night being dark and threatening, Captain Vye had not strolled out
to gossip in any cottage or to call at the inn, as was sometimes his
custom on these long autumn nights; and he sat sipping grog alone
downstairs. About ten o'clock there was a knock at the door. When
the servant opened it the rays of the candle fell upon the form of
Fairway.

"I was a-forced to go to Lower Mistover tonight," he said, "and Mr.
Yeobright asked me to leave this here on my way; but, faith, I put it
in the lining of my hat, and thought no more about it till I got back
and was hasping my gate before going to bed. So I have run back with
it at once."

He handed in a letter and went his way. The girl brought it to the
captain, who found that it was directed to Eustacia. He turned it
over and over, and fancied that the writing was her husband's, though
he could not be sure. However, he decided to let her have it at once
if possible, and took it upstairs for that purpose; but on reaching
the door of her room and looking in at the keyhole he found there was
no light within, the fact being that Eustacia, without undressing, had
flung herself upon the bed, to rest and gather a little strength for
her coming journey. Her grandfather concluded from what he saw that
he