Тэсс из рода д’Эрбервиллей

           “Andnow,sir,”sheaddedearnestly,“canyoutellmethis—willitbejustthesameforhimasifyouhadbaptizedhim?”

           Havingthenaturalfeelingsofatradesmanatfindingthatajobheshouldhavebeencalledinforhadbeenunskilfullybotchedbyhiscustomersamongthemselves,hewasdisposedtosayno.Yetthedignityofthegirl,thestrangetendernessinhervoice,combinedtoaffecthisnoblerimpulses—orratherthosethathehadleftinhimaftertenyearsofendeavourtografttechnicalbeliefonactualscepticism.Themanandtheecclesiasticfoughtwithinhim,andthevictoryfelltotheman.

           “Mydeargirl,”hesaid,“itwillbejustthesame.”

           “ThenwillyougivehimaChristianburial?”sheaskedquickly.

           TheVicarfelthimselfcornered.Hearingofthebaby’sillness,hehadconscientiouslygonetothehouseafternightfalltoperformtherite,and,unawarethattherefusaltoadmithimhadcomefromTess’sfatherandnotfromTess,hecouldnotallowthepleaofnecessityforitsirregularadministration.

           “Ah—that’sanothermatter,”hesaid.

           “Anothermatter—why?”askedTess,ratherwarmly.

           “Well—Iwouldwillinglydosoifonlywetwowereconcerned.ButImustnot—forcertainreasons.”

           “Justforonce,sir!”

           “ReallyImustnot.”

           “Osir!”Sheseizedhishandasshespoke.

           Hewithdrewit,shakinghishead.

           “ThenIdon’tlikeyou!”sheburstout,“andI’llnevercometoyourchurchnomore!”

           “Don’ttalksorashly