 I couldn't help coming.«
    »Offended me! As if you could do that, Bathsheba!«
    »Haven't I?« she asked, gladly. »But, what are you going away for else?«
    »I am not going to emigrate, you know; I wasn't aware that you would wish me
not to when I told 'ee, or I shouldn't have thought of doing it,« he said,
simply. »I have arranged for Little Weatherbury Farm, and shall have it in my
own hands at Lady-day. You know I've had a share in it for some time. Still,
that wouldn't prevent my attending to your business as before, hadn't it been
that things have been said about us.«
    »What?« said Bathsheba in surprise. »Things said about you and me! What are
they?«
    »I cannot tell you.«
    »It would be wiser if you were to, I think. You have played the part of
mentor to me many times, and I don't see why you should fear to do it now.«
    »It is nothing that you have done, this time. The top and tail o't is this -
that I'm sniffing about here, and waiting for poor Boldwood's farm, with a
thought of getting you some day.«
    »Getting me! What does that mean?«
    »Marrying of 'ee, in plain British. You asked me to tell, so you mustn't
blame me.«
    Bathsheba did not look quite so alarmed as if a cannon had been discharged
by her ear, which was what Oak had expected. »Marrying me! I didn't know it was
that you meant,« she said, quietly. »Such a thing as that is too absurd - too
soon - to think of, by far!«
    »Yes; of course, it is too absurd. I don't desire any such thing; I should
think that was plain enough by this time. Surely, surely you be the last person
in the world I think of marrying. It is too absurd, as you say.«
    »Too - s-s-soon were the words I used.«
    »I must beg your pardon for correcting you, but you said, too absurd, and so
do I.«
    »I beg your pardon too!« she returned, with tears in her eyes. »Too soon was
what I said. But it
