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 uttermost farthing. You know you need not work in the fields or the dairies again. You know you may clothe yourself with the best, instead of in the bald plain way you have lately affected, as if you couldn’t get a ribbon more than you earn.’

Her lip lifted slightly, though there was little scorn, as a rule, in her large and impulsive nature.

‘I have said I will not take anything more from you, and I will not—I cannot! I should be your creature to go on doing that, and I won’t!’

‘One would think you were a princess from your manner, in addition to a true and original D’Urberville—ha! ha! Well, Tess, dear, I can say no more. I suppose I am a bad fellow—a damn bad fellow. I was born bad, and I have lived bad, and I shall die bad in all probability. But, upon my lost soul, I won’t be bad towards you again, Tess. And if certain circumstances should arise—you understand—in which you are in the least need, the least difficulty, send me one line, and you shall have by return whatever you require. I may not be at Trantridge—I am