The Mayor of Casterbridge . Thomas Hardy

run any risk!” said his wife anxiously. “I can find my way back — it is not late. Please let me go alone.”

      “Right,” said Henchard. “But just one word. Do you forgive me, Susan?”

      She murmured something; but seemed to find it difficult to frame her answer.

      “Never mind — all in good time,” said he. “Judge me by my future works — good-bye!”

      He retreated, and stood at the upper side of the Amphitheatre while his wife passed out through the lower way, and descended under the trees to the town. Then Henchard himself went homeward, going so fast that by the time he reached his door he was almost upon the heels of the unconscious woman from whom he had just parted. He watched her up the street, and turned into his house.