'You be the woman they call Mrs. Durbeyfield, I reckon?' he said to Tess's mother, who had descended to walk the remainder of the way.
She nodded. 'Though widow of the late Sir John D'Urberville, poor nobleman, if I cared for my rights; and returning to the domain of my knight's forefathers.'
'Oh? Well, I know nothing about that; but if you be Mrs. Durbeyfield, I am sent to tell 'ee that the rooms you wanted be let. We didn't know you was coming till we got your letter this morning—when 'twas too late. But no doubt you can get other lodgings somewhere.'
The man had noticed the face of Tess, which had become ash-pale at his intelligence. Her mother looked hopelessly at fault. 'What shall we do now, Tess?' she said bitterly. 'Here's a welcome to your ancestors' lands! However, let's try farther.'
They moved on into the town, and tried with all their might, Tess remaining with the waggon to take care of the children whilst her mother and 'Liza-Lu made inquiries. At the last return of Joan to the vehicle, an hour later, when her search for accommodation had still been fruitless, the
