 which directed them, according to his position, perpendicularly
into the earth, or horizontally along the garden, his eyes being fixed on a leaf
upon the ground.
    With Bathsheba a hastened act was a rash act; but, as does not always
happen, time gained was prudence ensured. It must be added, however, that time
was very seldom gained. At this period the single opinion in the parish on
herself and her doings that she valued as sounder than her own was Gabriel
Oak's. And the outspoken honesty of his character was such that on any subject,
even that of her love for, or marriage with, another man, the same
disinterestedness of opinion might be calculated on, and be had for the asking.
Thoroughly convinced of the impossibility of his own suit, a high resolve
constrained him not to injure that of another. This is a lover's most stoical
virtue, as the lack of it is a lover's most venial sin. Knowing he would reply
truly she asked the question, painful as she must have known the subject would
be. Such is the selfishness of some charming women. Perhaps it was some excuse
for her thus torturing honesty to her own advantage, that she had absolutely no
other sound judgment within easy reach.
    »Well, what is your opinion of my conduct,« she said quietly.
    »That it is unworthy of any thoughtful, and meek, and comely woman.«
    In an instant Bathsheba's face coloured with the angry crimson of a Danby
sunset. But she forbore to utter this feeling, and the reticence of her tongue
only made the loquacity of her face the more noticeable.
    The next thing Gabriel did was to make a mistake.
    »Perhaps you don't like the rudeness of my reprimanding you, for I know it
is rudeness; but I thought it would do good.«
    She instantly replied sarcastically -
    »On the contrary, my opinion of you is so low, that I see in your abuse the
praise of discerning people!«
    »I am glad you don't mind it, for I said it honestly and with every serious
meaning.«
    »I see. But, unfortunately, when you try not to speak in jest you are
amusing - just as when you wish to avoid seriousness you sometimes say a
sensible word.«
    It was a hard hit, but Bathsheba had unmistakably lost her temper, and on
that account Gabriel had never in his life kept his own better. He said nothing.
She then broke out -
    »I may ask, I suppose, where in particular
