Page:Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891 Volume 2).pdf/157

she burst into a hysterical fit of tears, bowing herself on the chest of drawers and repeating incessantly, ‘O yes, yes, yes!’

Having once given way she could not stop her weeping.

‘He ought to have had one of you!’ she cried. ‘I think I ought to make him even now! You would be better for him than—I don’t know what I am saying! O! O!’

They went up to her and clasped her round, but still her sobs tore her.

‘Get some water,’ said Marian. ‘She’s upset by us, poor thing, poor thing!’

They gently led her back to the side of her bed, where they kissed her warmly.

‘You are best for’n,’ said Marian. ‘More ladylike, and a better scholar than we, especially since he has taught ’ee so much. But even you ought to be proud. You be proud, I’m sure!’

‘Yes, I am,’ she said; ‘and I am ashamed at so breaking down!’

When they were all in bed, and the light was out, Marian whispered across to her—

‘You will think of us when you be his wife, Tess, and of how we told ’ee that we loved him,