These lifted the prostrate figure and assisted her in through the doorway. The man then closed the door.
“How did she get here?” said one of the women.
“The Lord knows,” said the other.
“There is a dog outside,” murmured the overcome traveller. “Where is he gone? He helped me.”
“I stoned him away,” said the man.
The little procession then moved forward—the man in front bearing the light, the two bony women next, supporting between them the small and supple one. Thus they entered the house and disappeared.
CHAPTER XLI
SUSPICION—FANNY IS SENT FOR
Bathsheba said very little to her husband all that evening of their return from market, and he was not disposed to say much to her. He exhibited the unpleasant combination of a restless condition with a silent tongue. The next day, which was Sunday, passed nearly in the same manner as regarded their taciturnity, Bathsheba going to church both morning and afternoon. This was the day before the Budmouth races. In the evening Troy said, suddenly—
“Bathsheba, could you let me have twenty pounds?”
Her countenance instantly sank. “Twenty pounds?” she said.