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 the highest points in the county, they must get down again,’ he retorted.

He loosened rein, and away they went a second time. D’Urberville turned his face to her as they rocked, and said, in playful raillery: ‘Now then, put your arms round my waist again, as you did before, my beauty.’

‘Never!’ said Tess independently, holding on as well as she could without touching him.

‘Let me put one little kiss on those holmberry lips, Tess; or even on that warmed cheek, and I’ll stop—on my honour, I will!’

Tess, surprised beyond measure, slid farther back still on her seat, at which he urged the horse anew, and rocked her the more.

‘Will nothing else do?’ she cried at length, in desperation, her large eyes staring at him like those of a wild animal. This dressing her up so prettily by her mother had apparently been to lamentable purpose.

‘Nothing, dear Tess,’ he replied.

‘Oh, I don’t know—very well; I don’t mind!’ she panted miserably.

He drew rein, and as they slowed he was on the point of imprinting the desired salute, when,