 into relief. The
shearers reclined against each other as at suppers in the early ages of the
world, and so silent and absorbed were they that her breathing could almost be
heard between the bars; and at the end of the ballad, when the last tone
loitered on to an inexpressible close, there arose that buzz of pleasure which
is the attar of applause.
    It is scarcely necessary to state that Gabriel could not avoid noting the
farmer's bearing to-night towards their entertainer. Yet there was nothing
exceptional in his actions beyond what appertained to his time of performing
them. It was when the rest were all looking away that Boldwood observed her;
when they regarded her he turned aside; when they thanked or praised he was
silent; when they were inattentive he murmured his thanks. The meaning lay in
the difference between actions none of which had any meaning of itself; and the
necessity of being jealous, which lovers are troubled with, did not lead Oak to
underestimate these signs.
    Bathsheba then wished them good-night, withdrew from the window, and retired
to the back part of the room, Boldwood thereupon closing the sash and the
shutters, and remaining inside with her. Oak wandered away under the quiet and
scented trees. Recovering from the softer impressions produced by Bathsheba's
voice, the shearers rose to leave, Coggan turning to Pennyways as he pushed back
the bench to pass out: -
    »I like to give praise where praise is due, and the man deserves it - that
'a do so,« he remarked, looking at the worthy thief as if he were the
masterpiece of some world-renowned artist.
    »I'm sure I should never have believed it if we hadn't proved it, so to
allude,« hiccupped Joseph Poorgrass, »that every cup, every one of the best
knives and forks, and every empty bottle be in their place as perfect now as at
the beginning, and not one stole at all.«
    » I'm sure I don't deserve half the praise you give me,« said the virtuous
thief grimly.
    »Well, I'll say this for Pennyways,« added Coggan, »that whenever he do
really make up his mind to do a noble thing in the shape of a good action, as I
could see by his face he did to-night afore sitting down, he's generally able to
carry it out. Yes, I'm proud to say, neighbours, that he's stole nothing at
all.«
    »Well, 'tis an honest deed
