Page:Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891 Volume 3).pdf/279

 in two or three days. But perhaps it will be best to avoid London after all; and Southampton too, although it is near. Suppose we try Bristol?'

Having thus desultorily thought of a new course he adopted it, bearing approximately towards the last-named port. Their long repose at the manor-house lent them walking power now; and towards midday they approached the steepled city of Melchester, which lay directly in their way. He decided to rest her in a clump of trees during the afternoon, and push onward under cover of darkness. At dusk Clare purchased food as usual, and their night march began, the boundary between Upper and Mid-Wessex being crossed about eight o'clock.

Their course bowed to the right of a direct line, by reason of the intervening city. To walk across country without much regard to roads was not new to Tess, and she showed her old agility in the performance. One townlet, ancient Ambresbury, they were obliged to pass through in order to take advantage of the town bridge for crossing a large river. It was between two and three in the morning when they went along the deserted street, lighted by an oil lamp here and there, and