Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Their every idea was temporary and unforefending, like the plans of two children

doubt, fear, moodiness, care, shame. She knew that they were waiting like wolves

You were her first love?"

"Of course."

if you could only half know how I loved him—how anxious I was to have him—and how wrung I was between caring so much for him and my wish to be fair to him!"

But it strikes me that there is a want of harmony between your present mood of self-sacrifice and your past mood of self-preservation."

think I love you best in the wing-bonnet and cotton-frock—

could not, unless I were a woman myself.

creature of my good or bad faith and fortune?

carry you off then as my property

"Why didn't you stay and love me when I—was sixteen;