Page:Far from the Madding Crowd Vol 1.djvu/309

 person—ugly and old—I should have exclaimed about it in the same way."

"How long is it since you have been so afflicted with strong feeling, then?"

"Oh, ever since I was big enough to know loveliness from deformity."

Tis to be hoped your sense of the difference you speak of doesn't stop at faces, but extends to morals as well."

"I won't speak of morals or religion—my own or anybody else's. Though perhaps I should have been a very good Christian if you pretty women hadn't made me an idolator."

Bathsheba moved on to hide the irrepressible dimplings of merriment. Troy followed, whirling his cane.

"But—Miss Everdene―you do forgive me?"

"Hardly."

"Why?"

"You say such things."

"I said you were beautiful, and I'll say so still, for, by—, so you are! The most beautiful ever I saw, or may I fall dead this instant! Why, upon my"

"Don't—don't! I won't listen to you—you are so profane!" she said, in a restless state between distress at hearing him and a penchant to hear more.

"I again say you are a most fascinating woman.