Thomas Hardy: The Woodlanders

47. CHAPTER XLVII. (continued)

"But, as I must stay at the Earl of Wessex to-night, for I cannot possibly catch the train, I think it would be safer for you to let me take care of you."

"But what will my father think has become of me? He does not know in the least where I am--he thinks I only went into the garden for a few minutes."

"He will surely guess--somebody has seen me for certain. I'll go all the way back with you to-morrow."

"But that newly done-up place--the Earl of Wessex!"

"If you are so very particular about the publicity I will stay at the Three Tuns."

"Oh no--it is not that I am particular--but I haven't a brush or comb or anything!"