Page:Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891 Volume 2).pdf/142



‘O mother, mother!’ murmured Tess.

She was recognizing how light was the touch of events the most oppressive upon Mrs. Durbeyfield’s elastic spirit. Her mother did not see life as Tess saw it. That haunting episode of bygone days was to her mother but a passing accident. But perhaps her mother was right as to the course to be followed, whatever she might be in her reasons. Silence seemed, on the face of it, best for her adored one’s happiness; silence it should be.