Page:Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891 Volume 2).pdf/224

 Time was chanting his satiric psalm at Tess then—

He was still intently thinking, and her companionship had now insufficient power to break or divert the strain of thought. What a weak thing her presence must have become to him! She could not help addressing Clare.

‘What have I done—what have I done? I have not told of anything that interferes with or belies my love for you. You don’t think I planned it, do you? It is in your own mind what you are angry at, Angel; it is not in me. O, it is not in me, and I am not that deceitful woman you think me!’

‘H’m—well, Not deceitful; but not the same. No, not the same. But do not make me reproach you. I have sworn that I will not; and I do everything to avoid it.’

But she went on pleading in her distraction;