He would, I know, object to my having received anything except as a loan, being a man of great respectability and high honour--indeed, a nobleman by blood.
I should be much obliged to you if you would keep the contents of this letter a secret for the present, dear friend.

We mean to surprise Weatherbury by coming there soon as husband and wife, though I blush to state it to one nearly a stranger.

The sergeant grew up in Weatherbury.
Thanking you again for your kindness, I am, your sincere well-wisher, FANNY ROBIN.
"Have you read it, Mr.Boldwood ?" said Gabriel; "if not, you had better do so.

I know you are interested in Fanny Robin." Boldwood read the letter and looked grieved.
"Fanny--poor Fanny! the end she is so confident of has not yet come, she should remember--and may never come.

I see she gives no address." "What sort of a man is this Sergeant Troy ?" said Gabriel.
"H'm--I'm afraid not one to build much hope upon in such a case as this," the farmer murmured, "though he's a clever fellow, and up to everything.