"I wish somebody was," said Samway, in a whisper.
"What do you say, Samway?" asked Boldwood, somewhat sharply. "If you have anything to say, speak out; if not, get up another dance."
"Mrs. Troy has come downstairs," said Samway to Tall. "If you want to tell her, you had better do it now."
"Do you know what they mean?" the farmer asked Bathsheba across the room.
"I don't in the least," said Bathsheba.
There was a smart rapping at the door. One of the men opened it instantly, and went outside.
"Mrs. Troy is wanted," he said, on returning.
"Quite ready," said Bathsheba. "Though I didn't tell them to send."
"It is a stranger, ma'am," said the man by the door.
"A stranger?" she said.
"Ask him to come in," said Boldwood. The message was given, and Troy, wrapped up to his eyes as we have seen him, stood in the doorway.
There was an unearthly silence, all looking towards the new-comer. Those who had just learnt that he was in the neighbourhood recognized him instantly; those who did not, were
