Tess would hardly have cared to renew the acquaintance in such conditions; but her loneliness was excessive, and she responded readily to Marian's greeting.
Marian was quite respectful in her inquiries, but seemed much moved by the fact that Tess should still continue in no better condition than at first; though she had dimly heard of the separation.
'Tess—Mrs. Clare—the dear wife of dear he! And is it really so bad as this, my child? Why is your comely face tied up in such a way? Anybody been beating 'ee? Not he?'
'No, no, no! I merely did it not to be molested, Marian.'
She pulled off in disgust a bandage which could suggest such wild thoughts.
'And you've got no collar on' (Tess had been accustomed to wear a little white collar at the dairy).
'I know it, Marian.'
'You've lost it travelling.'
'I've not lost it. The truth is, I don't care anything about my appearance; and so I didn't put it on.'
