第02期-处女(2) Chapter 2 The Maiden 2

It was eleven o'clock before all the family were in bed, and two o'clock next morning was the latest time to set off with the beehives. It was a distance of twenty or thirty miles on bad roads to Casterbridge, where the Saturday market was held.

At half-past one Mrs Durbeyfield came into the bedroom where Tess and all the children slept. 'The poor man can't go, ' she whispered. Tess sat up in bed.

'But it's late for the bees already. We must take them today. ' 'Maybe a young man would go? 'asked Mrs Durbeyfield doubtfully. 'One of the ones dancing with you yesterday? '

'Oh no, not for the world! ' said Tess proudly. 'And let everybody know the reason? I'd be so ashamed!

I think I could go if little Abraham came with me. ' Tess and Abraham dressed, led out the old horse Prince with the loaded waggon, and set off in the dark.

They cheered themselves up with bread and butter and conversation. 'Tess! ' said Abraham, after a silence.

'Yes, Abraham. ' 'Aren't you glad that we're a noble family? '

'Not particularly. ' 'But you're glad you're going to marry a gentleman? '

'What? ' said Tess, lifting her face. 'Our noble relations are going to help you marry a gentleman. '

'Me? Our noble relations? We haven't any. Whatever put that into your head? '