Page:Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891 Volume 3).pdf/25

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the pedagogic rod of convention in this lonely manner?

'I am going to Brazil alone, Izz,' said he. 'I have separated from my wife for personal, not voyaging, reasons. I may never live with her again. Will you go with me instead of her?'

'Do you truly wish me to go?

'I do. I have been badly used enough to wish for relief. And you at least love me disinterestedly.'

'Yes—I will go,' said Izz, after a pause.

'You will? You know what it means, Izz?'

'It means that I shall be with you for the time you are over there—that's good enough for me.'

'Remember, you are not to trust me in morals now. But I ought to remind you that it will be wrong-doing in the eyes of civilization—Western civilization, that is to say.'

'I don't mind that; no woman do when it comes to agony-point, and there's no other way!'

'Then don't get down, but sit where you are.'