 lived.
    Thomasin was not in her room, and he found her in the front garden. »I have
long been wanting, Thomasin,« he began, »to say something about a matter that
concerns both our futures.«
    »And you are going to say it now?« she remarked quickly, colouring as she
met his gaze. »Do stop a minute, Clym, and let me speak first, for, oddly
enough, I have been wanting to say something to you.«
    »By all means say on, Tamsie.«
    »I suppose nobody can overhear us?« she went on, casting her eyes around and
lowering her voice. »Well, first you will promise me this - that you won't be
angry and call me anything harsh if you disagree with what I propose?«
    Yeobright promised, and she continued: »What I want is your advice, for you
are my relation - I mean, a sort of guardian to me - aren't you, Clym?«
    »Well, yes, I suppose I am; a sort of guardian. In fact, I am, of course,«
he said, altogether perplexed as to her drift.
    »I am thinking of marrying,« she then observed blandly. »But I shall not
marry unless you assure me that you approve of such a step. Why don't you
speak?«
    »I was taken rather by surprise. But, nevertheless, I am very glad to hear
such news. I shall approve, of course, dear Tamsie. Who can it be? I am quite at
a loss to guess. No, I am not - 'tis the old doctor! - not that I mean to call
him old, for he is not very old after all. Ah - I noticed when he attended you
last time!«
    »No, no,« she said hastily. »Tis Mr. Venn.«
    Clym's face suddenly became grave.
    »There, now, you don't like him, and I wish I hadn't mentioned him!« she
exclaimed almost petulantly. »And I shouldn't have done it, either, only he
keeps on bothering me so till I don't know what to do!«
    Clym looked at the heath. »I like Venn well enough,« he answered at last.
»He is a very honest and at the same time astute man. He is clever too, as is
proved by his having got you to favour him. But really, Thomasin, he
