 Chapter 31 of Gone to Earth, this is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Gone to Earth by Mary Webb, Chapter 31 Edward did not notice the strained relationship between Mrs. Marston and Hazel. He supposed that his mother's suspicions had faded before Hazel's frank presence. Outwardly there was little change in the bearings of the two women. It was only in feminine pinpricks and things implied that Mrs. Marston showed her anger and Hazel her dislike. And it was when he was out that Martha spoke so repeatedly and emphatically of being respectable. His coming into the house brought an armoured peace, but no sooner was he outside the door than the guns were unmasked again. Hazel wished more and more that she had stayed at Undern. She found a man's roughness preferable to women's velvet slaps, his most masterful demands less wearing than their silent criticism. At Undern she could not call her physical self her own. Here her heart and mind were attacked. She could not explain to Mrs. Marston that something had made her go. Mrs. Marston would simply have said fiddlesticks. She could not explain that Redin's touch drugged her if Mrs. Marston had ever been made to feel that madness of passivity, which seemed impossible so that Edward's existence was a paradox. She had long since forgotten it. Besides Hazel had no words in which to express these things. She was not even clear about them herself. She never tried to explain anything to Edward. She dreaded his anger and she felt that only by complete silence could she keep the look of loving reverence in his eyes. She understood how very differently Redin looked at her. It did not matter with him. But Edward, it was everything to her in Edward. Only once there had been a keen look of criticism in Edward's eyes and her heart had fluttered. Edward said, Why, when you were dragged to Undern against your will, did you wear the man's gown? It wasn't dignified. And why did you cry out on him not to shame you? He could not shame you. You'd done nothing wrong. He said such awful things, Edward. And the dress? The dress was so pretty. You poor child, you dear little one. So it was a pretty colour, was it? Ah, you shall have one like it. He went off whistling. It was when she had been back nearly six weeks and the august days were scorching the mountain that the strain became unbearable. She was not feeling well. Redin had made no sign. This had at first calmed her, then peaked her. Now it hurt her. Mysteriously she felt that she must be with him. And that proud, he'd never asked me to go back. And if I went, there'd be no peace. Oh, Jack Redin. Jack Redin, you've put a spell on me. They're in a much peace days, nor much rest nights in your dark house. And yet, yet whenever she went for a walk, she felt her feet taking her towards Undern. Then quite suddenly one morning Redin rode past the house. Mrs. Marston saw him. Edward must know of this. She said, very much flustered. You ought to go away somewhere, Hazel. Away? Why ever? Out of temptation. Why not to your aunt's? Aunt Proud would now have me. And Edward wouldn't have liked me to go. Edward, I am sure, thinks as I do. Gospel, do not be irreverent. I dana think you know what Edward thinks as well as me. Don't say dana, Hazel. Of course I know what Edward thinks a great deal better than you. I've known him all his life. Afterwards, when Mrs. Marston was not in the room, Martha said to her in contemptuous tones, I suppose you know Mrs. Edward, how he's going on. Who? Why, that Mr. Redin. What's he done? Oh, I know, but I wouldn't saw me mouth, only I'm thinking you ought to know. She looked triumphant. He's after that there sally something as lives nearby. They do say as all her brats be his. Mr. Redin's? Is he like married to her, Martha? About as much as he was to you, I reckon. And does she live there now? I don't know. Is she pretty? I in all is thinking the prettiest is gets lovers. But is she prettier than me? I've heard she's bigger and finer. But she Hannah got Auburn hair. How should I know? This was desolate news to Hazel, for Redin, now that she was going to bear his child, had become necessary to her. She was unconscious of the reason of this need, not a spiritual one, but purely physiological. She did not hate him for this news. Such hatred is abnormal. Nor did she love him. That would have been still more abnormal. But she must be in his house. She must sow for him, share his daily doings, sleep in the big fore-poster and not in the small, virginal bed at the mountain. It would be grievous to leave Edward. He was the shelter between her flickering spirit and the storms of life. She had hesitated, putting off the inevitable, feeling that Undern was always there, like an empty room for her re-entry, so she'd not hurried. Now the room was occupied, her place taken. Immediately she felt that she must go. Feverishly she decided to go this very night and peer in. No one but herself had ever drawn the blinds at Undern of late years and see for herself. Mrs. Marston and Martha both seemed to be pushing her over the brink. When, after tea, she crept from the house, she was crying, crying at leaving Edward, the master and the comrade of her unknown self. It was as if she gave up immortality. Yet she was relieved to be going. That is, if she could stay at Undern. Both her tears and her relief were natural. The pity was that body and soul had been put in opposition by belonging to different men. She left a little blotted note for Edward. Don't think too bad of me, Eddard. I'd be bound to go to Undern and live. I'd leave her by the long of you. She went through the shadow sweet meadows where birds hopped out across green stretches in the cool, the high corn that had once been her comrade. The honeysuckle hedges that used to bring so childish a glee. They wore an air of things estranged and critical. All was so sad, like a dear friend with an altered countenance. She was in exile, even in the seeing and hearing. It was strange to her as a town under the tides. There it was, clear and bell-free as of old, but fathoms deep, and the bells had so faint a chime that Reddin's voice drowned them. She was turned out of the Eden of the past that she had known in Wood and Meadow. She was denied the Eden of the future that she might have had in Edward's love. She had the present, Reddin, unless the other woman had robbed her of him also. She sat down in the heavy shadows of the trees at the far side of Undern Pool. The water looked cool and ghastly even on this golden day. She watched the wagtails struck majestically, the moorhens with the worried air of overworked child women, all the mysterious evening life of a summer pool, but she had no smile for them today. The swallows slid and circled across the water. Their silence was no longer intimate but alien. She looked across at Undern. There were roses everywhere, but the house had so strong a faculty for imposing its personality that it gave to the red roses and the masses of travellers joy that frothed over it a deep sadness as if they had blown and dropped long since and were but memory flowers. The shadows of swallows came and went on the white western wall and smoke stood up, blue and straight from Vesen's kitchen fire. She watched the cows go down the green lane and the shadows go over the meadows in triumphal state. When all was shadow and the sky was a suddenly vacant of swallows as at dawn it had been full of them. She went stealthily towards the house. A light appeared in the parlour. She came close up and looked in. Redin was in the easy chair, reading the paper, a pipe in the corner of his mouth. No one else was there. Jack read in, she said. Hello, he turned. So you've come. I thought you'd have come long ago. That was all he said, but she assured herself that he was glad she'd come because he shouted to Vesen's for tea. She was certain he was glad to see her, yet there was something vaguely insolent in his manner. He was a man who must never be sure of a woman. The moment she committed herself for him and was at a disadvantage, he despised her. Come over here, he said. There, I suppose you've forgotten what it's like to be kissed, eh? And to live with a man. You can never go away again now. Why? Well, you are a simpleton. Do you think he'd have you back after this? The first time it was my fault, he thinks, but the second? It won't wash. He laughed. This time's your fault as much as the other. You made me come both times. There's Vesen's. Let me get up. No, why should I? Vesen's entered. This ear game of tetherball, he said. Fair makes me giddy. Jack, said Hazel, when he'd gone. Martha said, there was a woman here. Martha's a liar. Hannah there been? No, never anyone but you. Hannah, you've been fond of anyone. Only you. She said there was a woman as had a lot of little children as was yours. Damn her. And I thought she ought to live along of you and to be married like and wear the green dress. No one shall wear that but you, nor have my children but you. She was, as he had calculated, entirely overwhelmed and so startled that she forgot to question him any more. Oh no, she said, that'll never be. He raised his eyebrows at her extraordinary denseness, but he judged it best to say no more. He must get rid of Sally. He supposed she would make him pay heavily. He was sick of the sight of her and the children. They were not nice children. He looked at Hazel contemplatively. If his conjecture was right he would have to try and legalise things during the next few months. He badly wanted a son, born in wedlock. He would have to go and beg the parson to divorce her. It would be detestable, but it would have to be done. He would wait and see. Meanwhile Vesens also made plans. His obstinate mouth and pear-shaped face more dour than ever. Hazel had a letter from Edward in the morning. It was very short. She could not tell what he thought of her. He only said that if she ever wanted help she was to come to him. She cried over it and hid it away. She knew how well Edward would have looked as he wrote it. She knew he would be grieved. She had not the slightest idea that he would be utterly overwhelmed and wrecked. She had not the least notion how he felt for her. She was very glad to be away from Mrs. Marston and Martha. She found this household of two men a great rest after the two women, although Vesens did not relax his disapproval. If it had not been for her passionate spiritual longing for Edward she would have been happy, for the deep law of her being was now fulfilled in thus returning to Redden. She, for his part, liked to see her about. Roses appeared in the rooms. It was strange to him, who had never had a woman in his house, to find his bedroom scented with flowers. He liked to watch her doing her hair. He always pretended to be asleep in the morning so that she should get up first, shyly anxious to be dressed before he awoke. So morning after morning he would watch her through his eyelashes. He never felt that, as she obviously wished for privacy, he was mean or indelicate. I've got a right to. She's mine, was his idea. It was not till a week after Hazel's coming that Redden pulled himself together and went to interview Sally Haggard. Vesens, observing the fact, repaired to Sally's cottage on his master's return and found her in tears. To see this heavy-browed, big-boned woman crying so startled him that he contemplated her in silence. Well, fool, can't you speak? she said. I dare say now, as he wants you to move on, queried Vesens. Ah, because of his other young woman he's brought. Ah, what's the good of mouth in it? I've been faithful to him, I hadn't gone with others. All the children's his and never come near me, didn't know when my time come. Now it's go. She broke out crying again. What I come for was to show you a way to make her go. If I tell you humans swear never to come and live at Undern. Struth, I will. Well then, just you come and see her, sometime when the master's away and bring the chilling. Thank you kindly, not till I say the word though. I want to risk it till he's off for the day. If he found me I'd be notice. He misses, he's like a lad with his first white mouse. And the passin' laws, they in two thrassles, we one worm, no mistake. And yet she's only a bit of a thing, you tell me. Ah, but she mull on wires, to and again like a can bottle. Why can't she bide with the minister? Lord only knows, it's for her good and for the maesters and yours. Not to speak of mine. It's wear it, wear it, all the wire misses and the fingers and the tea caddy all the day long. It's Andrew this and Andrew that. And a terrible strong smell of flowers. Enough for a burying. Vesens waited eagerly for his opportunity, but Redden was afraid to leave Hazel alone in case she might see Sally. So September came and drew out its shining span of days, and still Vesens and Sally were waiting. End of Chapter 31, recording by Rachel Linton Restore UK. Chapter 32 of Gone to Earth. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Gone to Earth by Mary Webb Chapter 32. Morning by morning Hazel watched the fuchsia bushes set with small red flowers, purple cupped with crimson stamens, sway in beautiful abandon. The great black bees pulled at them like a calf at its mother. Their weight dragged the slender drooping branches almost to the earth. So the rich pageantry of beauty, the honeyed silent lives went on and would go on its scene forever. And then one morning all was over. One of Undern's hard early frosts took them all. The waxen red pointed buds, the waxen purple cups, the red veined leaves. The bees were away and Hazel, seeking them, found a few half alive in sheltered crevices and many frozen stiff. She put those that were still alive in a little box near the parlour fire. Soon a low-delighted humming began as they one by one recovered and set off to explore the ceiling. Into this contentic buzzing came Redden, who had just been again to Sally's and was much put out by her refusal to go away before November. What the hell is all this humming? he asked. It's bees. I fetched them in to see good times a bit before they die. What a child's trick, he said, fending off an inquiring bee. Why, they'll stay here all winter, we shall get stung. Then he saw the hospital full of bees by the fire. More, he said, good lord. He threw the box into the fire. Hazel was silent with horror. At last she gasped, I was mothering them. You're very keen on mothering. Wouldn't you like a kid to mother? No, I'd leave her mother the bees and foxes as none takes thought on. I don't unlike babies much or bold and wrinkly. Martha said as having them made folk pray to die. But as it was worth anything to get one. But I don't think so. I think them ugly. I seed one in a pram outside that cottage in the hollow. Redden jumped. And it was uglier than a pig. I think you're a cruel beast Jack Redden to burn my bees. And they so comfortable knowing I was taking care on them. She would not speak to him for the rest of the day. He was so bored in the evening that he went out and demanded a box full of bees from Vesen. The Mrs wants them, he said, sheepishly. Vesens was prepared to be pleasant in small matters. He fetched some from the hive. Here you are, he said patronizingly. But you munna be always coming to me after him. He was oblivious of the fact that they were Redden's bees. Redden presented them. There, he said gruffly. Now you can be civil again. But these be hive bees said Hazel. And they was comfortable to begin with. I didn't want that sort. I wanted miserable ends. Hang it, how could I know? Asked Redden irritably. No, I suppose you could not. Said Hazel. You terrible stupid Jack Redden. So life went on at Andern. And Hazel adapted herself to it as well as she could. It was strange that the longer she lived there the more she thought of Edward. She always saw his face lined with grief and very pale. Not tanned and ruddy with fresh air as she had known it. It was as if his mentality reached across the valley to hers and laid its melancholy upon her. Sometimes she was very homesick for foxy, but she would not have her at Andern. She did not trust the place. She never went out anywhere for people stared. And when Redden with some difficulty persuaded her to amble through the fields with him on a pony he picked up cheap for her she always wanted to keep in his own fields. It was not until nearly the end of October that Breson's got his chance. Redden had to go to a very important fair. He wanted Hazel to go with him but she said she was tired and guessing the reason he immediately gave in. In spite of Breson's earnest desire to get him off he started late. He galloped to most of the way determined to get in early. He liked coming home to tea and seeing Hazel awaiting him in the firelight. As soon as he had gone Breson set out for Sally's anxious that she should be quick but Sally would not hurry. It was washing day and she also insisted on making all the children very smart unaware that their extreme ugliness was her strength. It was not till three o'clock that she arrived at the front door baby in arms, the four children heavily expectant at her heels and Breson's stage managing in the background. Hazel had been looking at two of the only books at Undone the horse and the dog illustrated. Breson's had views about books he considered them useful in their place. There's not like a book he would say one of these year big fat novels or a book of sermons to get a nice red Gleddy fire, a book at the front and a bit of slack behind and there you are. There the books were too. So Hazel looked at the book of the horse until she knew all the pictures by heart. She'd fallen asleep over it and she jumped up in panic when Sally spoke. Who be you? She asked in a frightened voice as they eyed her. They stared and these be my children. She'd evade them proudly. Do you notice that they favour anyone? Hazel looked at them timidly. They favour you? She said. Not Mr Redden. Mr Redden? Ah! They ought to. They'm hison. Hison? Yes parrot. Be you the ominous Martha said Jack lived along of. He did live along of me. Why then? You ought to be Mrs Redden and wear his gown and live under. Said Hazel. Eh! Sally was astonished. And he said they wanna any other but me. Sally laughed. You believe that lie you little softy. Hazel looked at the children. Be they all hison? She said. The three man Jack of them. And not so much as a thank you for me. The children were ranged near their mother on high chairs. They gaped at Hazel's sullen and critical. An irrepressible question broke from Hazel. What for did you have them? Sally stared. What for? She repeated. Surely to goodness girl. Not as innocent as all that. I ain't ever going to have any. Hazel went on with great firmness as she eyed the children. God above mattered Sally. These fooled her worse than me. Come and look at the baby my dear. She said in a voice astonishingly soft. She looked at Hazel keenly. Dinner you know. She asked. Is you're going to have a baby? Hazel sprang up all denial. But Sally having told the children to play spoke for a long time in a low tone. And finally convinced a white sick trembling Hazel of the fact. Not being sensitive herself. She did not realize the ghastly terror caused by her lurid details of the coming event. Hazel looked so ill that Sally tried to administer consolation. Maybe it'll be a boy and you'll be fine and pleased to see and grown a fine tall man like Reddent. Hazel burst into tears so that the children stopped their play to watch and laugh. I don't know want it to grow up like Jack. She said. I want it to grow up like Eddard and none else. Well you are a queer girl. If you like him as you call Edward what for did you take up with Jack? I don't know. Well the best you can do said Sally is to go back to your Edward, Litherman's load and all and if he want to take you, Hey but he will. A wonderful tender smile broke on Hazel's face. He'll come to the front door and pull me in and say Come in little Hazel and get a cup of tea and it'll be all the same as it was used to be. Well he must be a fool but so much the better for you. If I was you I'd go right back to me. Now what you say to a cup of tea. I'm thinking it's high time I took a bite and sip in this parlour. They got tea and Vesens hovering in the yard was in despair. It could not appear for Hazel must not know his part in the affair. Laws if they've begun on tea it's all up with Andrew. He remarked to the swan in passing. Dusk came on and still no Sally appeared. The two chimneys smoked hospitably and he wanted his tea. He was a very miserable old man. He repaired to the farthest corner of the domain and began to cut a hedge watching the field track. Soon Redin appeared and Vesens was unable to repress a chuckle. Rather him than me he said. Redin having fruitlessly shouted for Vesens took the cob round to the yard himself. Then he went in as he entered the parlour aware of a comfortable scent of tea and toast. He met the solemn gaze of seven pairs of eyes and for a moment he was for all his tough skin really staggered. Then he advanced upon Sally with his stock firmly grasped in his hand. Get out of this he said. The baby set up a yell. Sally rose and stood with her arm raised to fend off the blow. Jack said Hazel. She got the best right to be at Undern. Leave her stay. She may write nice a man. Redin gasped. Why would Hazel always do and say exactly the opposite to what he expected. But you're the last person he began. You're thinking she ought to be jealous of me Jack Redin said Sally but we neither of us jealous. I tell you straight she's too good for you. You've lied to me I'm used to it. Now you'll lie to her the poor innocent little thing. What for did you tell me lies Jack asked Hazel. What with the unfaltering gaze of the two women and the unceasing howls of the baby. Redin was completely routed. Oh damn you all he said and went hot foot in a towering passion to look for Vesens. A man to ray Jack would be a very great luxury. Having at last found Vesens harmlessly hedge brushing he was rather at a loss. How dare you let Sally in. He began Sally. Yes why the hell did you come away here and leave the house. The edge wanted doing. His tone was so innocent that Redin was suspicious. You didn't bring her yourself did you. Now is it me says Vesens reasonable hurt as generally brings these packs of unruly women to Undern. I believe you're lying Vesens. Vesens opened his mouth to say notices give but seeing that in his master's present mood it might be accepted. He closed it again. When Redin went in Sally was gone and Hazel much as usual ministered to his comfort. The only signs of the recent tumult were the constrained silence and the array of cups and plates. You'd better understand once and for all he said at last that I'll never have that woman here. Not if I went. Never. I'd kill her first. What for did you tell me lies. Because you were so pretty and I wanted you. The flattery fell on deaf ears. Then chillens terrible ugly. Said Hazel wearily. Redin came over to her. But yours will be pretty. He said. Don't come nigh me. Cried Hazel fiercely. She says I'm going to have a little. It was a sneaks trick that and you're a cruel beast Jack Redin to burn my bees and kill the rabbits and make me have a little unbeknown. But it's what all women expect. You ought to have told me. She says it's a mortal pain to have a baby and I'm feared. I'm feared. Hazel he said humbly. I may as well tell you now that I mean to marry you. The person must divorce you then we'll be married and I'll turn over a new leaf. I'll never marry you said Hazel. Not till doom breaks. I don't like you. I like Edward and if I'm and have a baby I'd leave it was like Edward and not like you. With that she went out of the room and he noticed that she was wearing the dress she'd come in and not the silk. He sat by the fire brooding but at last managed to cheer himself by the thought that she would get over it in time. She was naturally upset by Sally just now. And of course the person will never take her back nor her father he reflected. Yes it'll all come right. He was upheld in this by the fact that Hazel's manner next day was much as usual only rather quiet. End of chapter 32 recording by Rachel Linton Bristol UK. Chapter 33 of Gone to Earth. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Gone to Earth by Mary Webb chapter 33. It was the night of the great storm, undone, rattled and groaned. Its fireless chimneys roared and doors and unused passages banged so often that the house took on an air of being inhabited. It seemed as if all the people that had ever lived there had come back ignoring in their mournful dignity of eternal death these momentary wraiths of life. Hazel had always been afraid of the place and had sat up until Redin wanted to go to bed so that she need not traverse the long passages alone. But tonight she was afraid of Redin also not just a little afraid as she'd always been but full of unreasoning terror. All things were confused in her mind like the sounds that were in the wind. Redin's face distorted with rage as he advanced on Sally with his arm raised, the howling of the baby, the sound of her bees burning, going off like apple pits. A scene came back to her from the week before, it seemed years ago. They had gone into the harvest field after a hot yellow day haunted by the sound of cutting. Only a small square of orange wheat was left. The rest of the field lay in the pale disorder of destruction. The two great horses stood at one corner, darkly shining in the level light. The men who'd been tying sheaves stood about. Some women and children were coming over the stubble and several dogs lay in the shadow. They all seemed to be waiting. They were in fact waiting for Redin who was always present at the dramatic finish of a field. Hazel knew what drama was to be enacted, knew what the knobbled sticks were for, knew who crouched in the tall kindly wheat, palpitant, unaware that escape was impossible. Plenty a coney, sir, called one of the men whose face was a good deal more brutal than that of his mongled dog. Hazel knew that the small square must be packed with rabbits, stark eyed and still as death, who had with a fated foolishness drawn in from the outer portions of the field all day as the reaper went round. Jack, she said, I had asked for a present ever. No, you didn't want the bracelets, you silly girl. I want one now. You do, do you? Ah, if you'll give it to me, Jack, I'll do all what you want. What did you like best in the world? He considered. He was feeling very fit and almost too much alive. Hunter spinny over again, up to when we got so gloomy. Hazel never wanted to think of that night, nor see the spinny again. There had been many times since in the grey-tinted room that had been nearly as bad. But for evoking a shuddering, startled horror in her mind, nothing came up to that Sunday night. The reaper was moving again. Soon the rabbits would begin to bolt. I'll do ought and go anywhere if you'll do this as I want, Jack. Well, call them off. Leave the last bit till morning. Let them creep away in the dark and keep living a bit longer. What nonsense. Call them off, Jack. You can. You may stir. No, she sobbed. I be going, then. No, you're to stay. You'll have to be cured of this damned silliness and learn to be sensible. While she struggled to wrench herself free, two rabbits bolted and hell broke loose. One would not have thought that the great calm evening under its stooping sky, the peaceful omniscient trees, the grave-contented colours could have tolerated such hideousness. The women and children shrieked with the best, and Hazel stood alone, the single representative in a callous world of God. Or was the world his representative and she, something alien, a dissentient voice to be silenced? Such scenes, infinitely multiplied, bring that question to one's mind. A rabbit had dashed across the field close to them and read in, relaxing his grip of her, had slashed at it with his stick. The look of its eye, white and staring as it fled past her with insensate speed, came back to her now, and its convulsive roll over and recovery under the blow, and then the next blow. She had fled from the place. She thought again of what Sally had said, and a deep smouldering rage was in her at this, that he had done to her. This torture to which, according to Sally, he had quite consciously condemned her. Now that she knew him better, his daily acts of callousness tormented her. She would go. She was not wanted here, Sally had said so. There had been letters from her aunt, from Redin's vicar, from the eldest Miss Clomber. In them all she was spoken of as the culprit for being at Undern. Well, she did not want to be at Undern. She would go. Well, Hazel child, what's the matter? asked Redin, looking up from doing his quarterly accounts. Haven't you got a stocking to mend or a hair ribbon to make? A many and a many of things be the matter. Come here and I'll see if I can put him right. Harky, she said suddenly, it's like as if the death-pack was a full cry down the wind. Anyone would think you were off your head, Hazel, but come and tell me about the things that are the matter. It's you who has made some the matter. Oh well, sulk as long as you like. He returned angrily to his accounts. In the kitchen, Vesen's very spondaic was singing The Three Jolly Huntsman. In a few minutes Hazel rose and lit a candle. She looked as she walked to the door in her limp muslin dress, like the spectre of some unhappy creature of the past. Where are you going? asked Redin. I thought to go to bed. I'm not ready. I'll go by my lonesome. All right, sulk, it doesn't hurt me. But it did hurt him. He wanted her to be fond of him, to cling to him. When at last he went up through the screaming house. He thought she was asleep. She lay still in the big bed and made no sign. Redin was soon snoring for accounts implied a strenuous intellectual effort. He would have left them to Vesen's, but Vesen's always had to notch sticks when he did them, and the manual labour ensuing on any accounts running into pounds would have seriously interfered with his other work. The cheese fare accounts usually took a long time. He could be heard saying in a stupendous voice, one and one and one, until the chant ended in drat it. What do I'm making? So Redin did the account and slept the sleep of the intellectual worker afterwards. Hazel looked out from the tent of the bed canopy into the dark creeping room and the darker roaring night. She grew more afraid of Redin and Undern as the hours dragged on. Redin's presence tore to pieces the things she loved, delicate leafy things as if they were tissue paper and he had walked through it. Her pleasures seemed to mean nothing when he was with her and before his loud laughter her wonderful fairy haunted days shriveled. All she knew was that now she lived at Undern she never went out in the green dawn or came home wreathed in pansy and wild snapdragon. Redin had imposed a deeper change on her than the change from maid to wife. He had robbed her of a thing frailer and rarer than maidenhood, the sacramental love of nature. It is only the fairest, the highest and fullest matings that do not rob the soul of this even when it is an old tried joy. He had wronged her as deeply as one human being can wrong another. His theft was cruel as that of one who destroys a man's god and the strange part of it was that never as long as he lived would he know that he had done so or even guess that there had been any treasure to rifle. He would probably as an old man long past desire repent of the physical part of the affair yet this was so much the lesser of the two. Indeed if he had been able to win her love it would have been not wrongdoing but righteousness that a woman should in the evolution of life cease to be a virgin and become a mother as a thing so natural and so purely physical as hardly to need comment but that the immortal part of her should be robbed that she should cease to be part of an entity in a world where personality is the only rare and precious thing. This is tragic. Redin could not help his over virility nor could he help having the insensitive nature that could enjoy the physical side of sex without the spiritual. Probably he could not help being the kind of man that supplies the most rabid imperialists reactionaries, materialists. He always spoke of the heathen Chinese lower orders, beastly foreigners mad fanatics and silly sentimentalists these last being those who showed any kind of mercy it seemed that he could not help seeing nothing outside his own narrow views but it did seem a pity that he never tried to alter in the least. It did seem a pity that after so many centuries so many matings and births all his emblazoned and crested ancestors should have produced merely Redin a person exactly like themselves. Rain rustled on the window and the wind roared in the elms the trees round Undone pool swooped and swung in the attitude of Moos Hazel knew that the mountain would be even wilder tonight yet the mountain shone in paradisic colours her little garden, her knitting the quiet Sundays, the nightly prayers above all Edward's presence in the aura of which no harm could come for all these things she passionately longed they were not home as the wild was but they were a haven they were not ecstasy but they were peace in her revulsion from Redin and her terror of Undone she forgot everything except the sense of protection that Edward gave her she forgot Mrs. Marston's silent crushing criticism and Martha's rude righteousness she forgot that she had sinned against the mountain so deeply that the old life could never return she remembered it as on the night of her wedding the primrose is red and white and lilac the soothing smell of the clean sheets that made her feel religious the reassuring tick of the wall clock Mrs. Marston's sliding tread Foxy and the rabbit the blackbird and the little one-eyed cat she struck a match softly and crept across the room to the old mahogany tallboy from beneath a draw full of clothes she took out Edward's letter she read it slowly for she was as Abel said no scholar Edward wanted her that was quite clear comfort flowed from the half dozen lines the ethics of the thing held no place in her mind she was not made for the comforts or the duties of social life and it was not in her nor would it have been however she'd been educated to consider what effect her actions might have on the race humanity did not interest her the ever circling wheels of birth mating death so all absorbing to most women were nothing to her freedom, green ways, childlike pleasures of ferny mossy discoveries the absence of hunger or pain the absence of foxy and other salvage of her great pity these were the great realities she had a deeper fear than most people of death and any kind of violence or pain for herself or her following her idea of God had always been shadowy but it now took shape as a kind of omnipotent Edward when she had read the letter she went to the window a tortured dawn cracked up the sky vast black clouds shaped like anvils for some terrific smithy work were ranged round the horizon and later the east glowed like a forge the gale had not abated but was rising in a series of gusts each one a blizzard Hazel was not afraid of it or of the shrieking woods the wind had always been her playmate plain that lay before the under and windows was shrouded in rain not falling but driving willows, comely in the evening with the pale gold of autumn had been stripped in a moment like prisoners of a savage conqueror for sacrifice the air was full of leaves whirling boiling as in a cauldron from every field and covert from the lone hill tracks behind the house from garden and orchard came the whale of the vanquished even as she watched one of the elms by the pool fell with a grinding crash redden stirred in his sleep and muttered restlessly she waited frozen with suspense until he was quiet again she could hear the hand baying terrified at the noise of the tree she dressed hurriedly crept downstairs and went out by the back way leaving the house with its watchful windows its ancient quiet which was not peace and the grey flapping curtains of the rain closed in behind her she found a little shelter in the deep lanes but when she came to the woods leading up to the mountain the wind was reaping them like corn larches lay like spellicans one on another some lent against those that were yet standing and in the tops of these last there was a roaring like an incoming tide on rocks crackings and groanings sudden crashes loud reports like gunfire roar about her as she climbed a tiny figure in chaos when she came to the graveyard Havoc was there also several crosses had fallen and were smashed the laburnum tree rich with grey seed vessels lay prone and in its fall it had carried half the tomb away with it so that it yawned darkly but not as a grave from which one has risen from the dead a headstone lay in the path and the text in sure and certain hope of the resurrection was half obliterated Hazel crept into the porch of the chapel to shelter utterly exhausted she went to sleep and was wakened by the breakfast bell she went to the front door and knocked end of chapter 33 recording by Rachel Linton Bristol UK chapter 34 of Gone to Earth this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Gone to Earth by Mary Webb chapter 34 Edward coming downstairs felt such a rush of joy and youth at sight of her that he was obliged to stand still and remember that joy and youth were not for him that his only love had gone of her own will to another man and must be to him now only a poor wife sheltered for pity he was very much altered his face brightened Hazel have you come to stay Hazel or only for a visit? he asked oh dinner look at me the like of that and dinner talk so stern Edward I wasn't aware that I was stern Edward's face was white he looked down at her with an expression she could not gauge for there had come upon him seeing her there again so sweet in her dishevelment so enchanting in her suppliance the same temptation that tormented him on his wedding day only now he resisted it for a different reason Hazel his Hazel was no fit mate for him the words flamed in his brain then fiercely he denied them he would not believe it circumstance Hazel his mother even God might shout the lie at him but still he would not believe but he must have it out with her he must know Hazel he said after breakfast I want you to come with me up the mountain yes Edward she said obediently she adored his sturdiness she adored his look of weariness she longed hopefully and passionately for his touch for now when it was too late she loved him not with any love of earth that was spoilt for her but with a grave amorousness kin to that of the saints the passion that the Magdalene might have felt for Christ the earthly love should have been Edward's too and would run in the footsteps of the other love like a young creature after his mother but Redin had intervened first Edward said you must have some food and a cup of tea he never wavered in tenderness to her but she noticed that he did not say dear nor did he bringing her in take her hand breakfast was an agony to Edward for his mother who had from the first treated Hazel with silent contempt as a sinner now stood on entering with the toast and said I will not eat with that woman mother if you bring that woman here I will be no mother to you mother for my sake she is a wicked woman went on Mrs. Marston in a calm but terrible voice she is an adulterous Edward sprang up how dare you he said are you going to turn her out Edward no my little lad her voice shook no my boy that I lay in pain for two days and a night to bring into the world Edward covered his face with his hands you will put me before her no mother you were breastfed Eddie though I was very weak there was a little silence Edward buried his face in his arms right is on my side Edward and what I wish is God's will you will put duty first no love I am getting old dear I have not many more years she has all a lifetime you will put me first he lifted his head he looked aged and worn no and again no he said stop torturing me mother Mrs. Marston turned without a word to go out Hazel sprang up breaking into a passion of tears oh let me go she cried I'll go away and away what for did you fetch me from the cala none wants me I want a miserable at the cala let me go she stared at Mrs. Marston with terrified eyes she's as awful as death she said the old lady as awful as Mr. Redden when he's loving I feared Edward I'd leave her go but Edward's arm was round her his hand was on her trembling one you shall not frighten my little one he said to his mother and she went to the kitchen where frozen with grief she remained all morning in a kind of torpor Martha was afraid she would have a stroke but she dared not speak to Edward for hovering in the passage she had seen his face as he shut the door he made Hazel eat and drink then they went out on the hill now Hazel he said we must have truth between us did you go with that man of your own will she was silent you must have done all why go a second time did you his eyes compelled her she shivered yes Edward but I didn't want to I didn't how can both be true they be how did he compel you to go then Hazel sought for an illustration like a jack snipe fetches his bait out of the grass she said what did he say not then how there's things harder than words words be not go on it was like as if there was a secret between us and I'd got to find it out tunnel looks so fierce at her did you find out a tide of painful red surged over Hazel she turned away but Edward rendered pitiless by pain forcibly pulled her back and made her look at him did you find out he repeated there in a no more she whispered then it is true what he said that you were his from head to foot oh Edward let me be I can't bear it I wish I could have killed him Edward said then you were his soul and body not soul you told a good many lies oh Edward speak kind what a fool I was you must have detested me for interrupting the honeymoon of course you went back what a fool I was and I thought you were pure as an angel I couldn't help her Edward the signs said go and then he threw me in the bracken something broke in Edward's mind the control of a lifetime went from him why didn't I he cried why didn't I could God to think I suffered and renounced for this he laughed and all so simple just throw you in the bracken she shuddered at the knife edge in his voice and also at the new realisation that broke on her Edward had it in him to be like Redden what for do you threaten me she whispered but it's not too late Edward went on and his face that had been grey flushed scarlet no it's not too late I'm not particular you're not new but you'll do he crushed her to him and kissed her I'm your husband he said and from this day on I'll have my due you've lied to me being unfaithful to me made me suffer because of your purity and you had no purity tonight you sleep in my room you slept in his oh let me go Edward let me go she was lost indeed now for Edward the righteous and the loving was no more where should she flee she did not know this man who had held her in desperate embrace he was more terrible to her than all the rest more terrible far than Redden for Redden had never been a god to her I knelt by your bedside and fought my instincts and they were good instincts I had a right to them I gave up more than you can ever guess I much obliged Edward she said trembling I've disgraced my calling and I've this morning hurt my mother beyond healing I'd best be going Edward the sun will soon be undering the day blazed towards noon but she felt the chill of darkness and now Edward finished that I have no mother no self-respect and no respect for you I will at least have my pleasure and my children the word softened him a little Hazel he said I will forgive you for murdering my soul when you give me a son I will almost believe in you again next year Hazel he knelt by her with his arms round her she was astonished at the mastery of passion in him she'd never thought of him but his passionless tonight he said and tenderness crept back into his voice his my bridle there is no saving for me now in denial only in fulfillment I can forgive much Hazel for I love much but I can't renounce any more Hazel had heard nothing of what he said since the words when you give me a son they rang in her brain she felt dazed at last she looked up affrightedly but she said when I have the baby it'll be yours but his and what? it'll be his and what? he questioned foolishly like a child he could not understand it's gone for months since mid summer she said and Sally said I was with child of you need not go on Hazel Edward's face looked pinched the passion had gone and a deathly look replaced it he was robbed utterly and cruelly he could no longer believe in a god or how could such things be manhood was denied him the last torture was not denied him namely that he saw the full satire of his position saw that it was his own love that had destroyed them both out of his complete ruin he rose joyless hopeless but great in a tenderness so vast and selfless Hazel almost took the place of what he had lost Hazel was again his inspiration not as an ideal but as a waif in his passion of pity for her he forgot everything he had something to live for again poor child he said come home I will take care of you but the old lady you are first she caught his hands she flung herself upon his shoulder in a rush of tears if this was his tragic moment it was also hers oh Edward, Edward she cried it's you as I'd leave have for my lover it's you as I'm for body and soul if I'm for a mortal man it's your baby as I want Edward and I wouldn't be feared if the painter Sally told of if it was yours did you tell me in the spring of the year Edward it'd be winter now and late and cold there, there you don't know what you're saying come home Edward did not listen to her she knew and indeed his brain was weary and could take in no more he only knew he must care for Hazel as Christ cared for the lambs of his fold and darkly in his dark mind loomed his new and bitter creed there is no Christ End of Chapter 34 Recording by Rachel Linton Bristol UK Chapter 35 of Gone to Earth This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Gone to Earth by Mary Webb Chapter 35 Martha met them on the doorstep crying, hiccuping and enraged Martha Edward looked at her in astonishment it is usually the supers and not the principles that raise lamentation in the midst of tragedy Why, Martha, have you lost someone dear to you? He knew all about that loss I've lost naught, sir, thank God my good names my own and not gone like some folks but I'm banged to give notice, sir not having fault to find being as good a master as ever stepped but saying the Mrs is going ah, the mother as God gave you, sir the very next time the trailer goes by and the letter wrote and all and when she goes, I go for I kept myself respectable and I'll serve no light woman nor yet live in a house give over to sin Edward saw Martha in a new light as he now saw all things what a filthy mind you have, Martha he said in a strange weary voice the minds of all respectable people are obscene you are a bad woman but Martha, setting up a shriek had fled from the house she told her brother that the master was mad, bewitched she never entered the house again Edward found his mother in the kitchen mother, you're not really going yes, Edward, unless a flicker of hope lit in her eyes unless you've sent her away let me explain, mother it is not as it seems in the world's eyes she is an adulteress and you, oh, Edward I thought you were a good man like your father not even the common decency to wait till the other man's child is born why, the nearest clown man would do that if any face could have expressed despair torture and horror Edward's face did now he looked at her for a long while until she said don't fix your eyes, so, Edward what are you looking at? the world so that is what you think of me what else can I think? why do you say the world so strangely? the world, he said again a place of black mud and spawning creatures no soul, no God, no grace nothing but lust and foul breath and evil thoughts I will not hear such talk I will keep my room till I go Mrs. Marston rose and went upstairs she would not have his arm and though for the next two days he waited on her with his old tenderness she barely spoke and there was between them an estrangement wider than death she prayed for him night and day but not as one that had much hope meanwhile Hazel managed the house she put all her worship of Edward into it all her passion of tenderness and she who had hitherto spoiled all the food she touched now cooked almost with genius she found an apron of Martha's and washed it she read Mrs. Marston's receipts until her head ached she walked over God's little mountain each day to buy dainties when she asked Edward for money he gave her the keys of his desk four times a day appetising meals went up to Mrs. Marston and were brought down again barely touched Hazel let them for the urgent necessity of coming maternity was on her and she would not waste Edward's money four times a day Edward's favourite dishes were set in the parlor by a bright half Edward as soon as Hazel had returned to the kitchen threw them into the fire it was Hazel who packed Mrs. Marston's boxes while the old lady slept and made up the fire in her room in the middle of the night then closing her own door she would fling herself on her bed in passionate weeping as she thought what might have been if when Edward had said tonight is my bridal she had had a different reply to make she knew that nothing except what she had said would have made any impression on Edward she knew he would not have listened to her she was glad to know this the momentary fear of him was gone all was right that he said and did the whole love of her being was his now he had filled the place of nature and joy and childish pleasures she was not meant for human love but through her grief she loved better than those that were meant for it all the sweet instincts of love and waifud the beauty of passion the pride of surrender the forgetfulness of self that creates self the crying of the spirit from its delicate marble minaret to the flesh of its grassy covert and the wistful ascending answer of flesh to spirit all these were hers and as she lay in wept and remembered how many a time Edward had stood on her threshold and hastily though gently shut her door upon her she realised what Edward meant to her and what he was then she would rise and stand at her window fingered and shaken by the autumn winds and look up at the hard-eyed stars if there's anybody there she would say please let the time go quickly till the baby comes and let Edward have his bridle like he said and see his letlans running up and down the batch and looking round the room at all the signs of his love she would suddenly find unbearable the innocent stare of the buttercups and daisies on the walls and would bury her face flushed red with fluttering possibilities of unearthly rapture then she would sleep and dream that once more Edward stood upon the threshold and kissed her and turned to his cold room but she had made a noble fire in her little grate and the room was full of primrose's red and white and lilac and the wall clock chimed instead of striking an intoxicating fairy chime and there were clear sheets as of old she forgot her shyness she forgot to be afraid of his criticism she caught his hands he turned and at the marvel of his face she woke trembling and happy Mrs. Marston went without any farewell to Hazel Edward carried her box down the quarry and helped her into the trailer he stood and watched it bump away round the corner Mrs. Marston sitting as she had done on that bright May morning with her plastic in her grape-trimmed hat and the mantle with the bugles her face and her attitude expressed the deep though unformulated conviction that God was not what he was then he turned and went home numb without vitality or hope a new Hazel met him on the threshold no longer timorous, deprecating awkward but gravely and sweetly maternal in men tea was laid with that meticulous reverence of a sacrament now draw your stocking foot across the floor Hazel commanded at this remembrance of his mother and at Hazel's careful love he broke down and wept his face in her lap now see she whispered she'll come back Edward when the anger's overpassed the anger of good people is never overpassed Hazel see I'll write her a letter Edward and I'll say I am a wicked girl and she's to teach me better ways she'll come like foxy for bones Edward comfort stole into Edward's heart and see my dear I'll send his baby to him and maybe after she stumbled into silence what Hazel maybe Edward after a long and long while after she began to cry covering her face and what for can you see my soul she whispered as I love you true Edward looked into her eyes and he did see strangely as an old forgotten tale they came to him the frail hope of the possibility of joy and with it some faith storm tossed and faint but still living in Hazel's ultimate beauty and truth he did not know how this could be he only knew it was so he did not know how it was that she whom all reviled was pure and shining to him again while the world groveled in slime but so it was Harky Edward she said I'm a going to mother you till she comes back and someday when you've been so kind as to forgive me maybe I am a bee mother to you but anything you want me to be and maybe there'll be a bridle for you yet my soul and your little hands running down the batch yes maybe but don't let's talk of it such things yet not for many years they're so vile she was cut to the heart but she only said softly not for many years my soul I'm mothering of you now that's what I want he said and fell asleep while she stroked his tired head peace settled again on the chapel and the passage and a muted happiness summer weather had returned for a fleeting interval the wild bees were busy again reveling in the late flowers but taking their pleasure sadly for the flowers were pale and rain washed and the scent and the honey was fled I wish I could bring them all in for the frosts and keep them the winter long Hazel said but they've seen good times it is so bad for folks to die as I've seen good times a four eye mould and light to die I want to see good times Edward good times along with you what sort of good times oh going out of a May morning you and me and maybe foxy on a string and looking nests and us with cobwebs on our boots and setting primary roses red and white and lilac in my garden as you made and then me cooking the breakfast and you making the toast and burning it along a reading some hard book and maybe us laughing over a bit of fun and then off to read to somebody ill and me waiting outside pleased as a queen and harkening to your voice coming quiet through the window and picking lilac evenings and going after mushrooms at the turn of the year them days becoming Edward isn't they I don't mind or to find know they're coming yes perhaps they are he said smiling a little utter simple hopes and even beginning himself to see the possibility of a future for them two days went by in this calm way for no one came near them and while they were alone there was peace they did not go beyond the garden except when Hazel went to the shop Edward did not go with her he felt sensitive about meeting anyone in the evenings by the pile of fire Edward read aloud to her he did not however read prayers and she wondered in silence at the change she felt a great peace in these evenings with foxy on the hearth rug at her feet they neither of them looked either backward or forward but lived in the moted present that turreted heaven where his defences so soon fall on the third morning redden came Hazel had gone to the shop and coming back she'd lingered a little to watch with a sense of old comradeship the swallows wheeling in hundreds about the quarry cliffs their breasts were dazzling in the clear hot air they had no thought for her being so filled with a rage of joy dashing up and down the smooth white sides of the quarry multiplied by their blue shadows they would nestle in crevices like bits of thistle down caught in a grass tuft and would their sun themselves and cheer up so many hundreds were there and their shadows so multiplied them that they seemed less like birds than like some dream of a bird heaven essential birdhood they were so quick with life so warm with their red splash breasts and blue flashing bodies they were such a tireless, mazy pattern like bobbins weaving invisible lace that they put winter far off they comforted Hazel inexpressibly yet tomorrow they would in all likelihood be gone not even a shadow left Hazel wished she should catch them as they swept by their shining breasts brushing the grasses she knew they were sacred birds birds with forked tails and fire on them if sacredness is in proportion to vitality and joy Hazel and the swallow tribe should be red letter saints it was while she was away that Redin knocked at the house door and Edward answered the knock something in his look made Redin speak fast he had triumphed at their last encounter through muscle Edward triumphed in this through despair I felt I ought to come, Master, and as things are the straight thing is for me to marry her if you'll divorce her he looked at Edward questioningly but Edward stared beyond him with a strange expression of utter nausea, hopeless loss and loathing of all created things Redin went on her place is with me it's my duty to look after her now as it's my child she's going to have he could not resist this jib of the virile to the non-virile besides if he could make Master angry perhaps he would fight again and fighting was so much better than this uncomfortable silence I should naturally pay all expenses and maintenance wherever she was I never mind paying for my pleasures Edward's eyes smouldered but he said nothing of course she can't expect either of us to see to her in her position Edward clenched his hands but I intend to do the decent thing I've never hard on a woman in that state some fellows would be but I've got a memory hang it and I'm grateful for favours received why he should be at his very worst for Edward's benefit was not apparent except that complete silence acts on the nerves and nervousness brings out the real man well, think it over he concluded you seem to be planning a sermon today I shall be round here on Saturday the meats in the woods I'll call then and you can decide meanwhile I don't mind whether she comes or not at present later on if I can't get on without her I can no doubt persuade her to come again but if you say divorce I'll fetch her at once and marry her as soon as you've got your decree damn you, Master, can't you speak? could I say fairer than that, man to man? Edward looked at him and it was such a look that his face and ears reddened you are not a man, Edward said with complete detachment you are nothing but sex organs he went in and shut the door Edward said nothing to Hazel of Reddins visit he forgot it himself when she came home it slipped into the weary welter of life as he saw it now all life that is other than Hazel's brutality, lust, cruelty these summed up the world of good people and bad people he rather preferred the bad ones their eyes were less awful and had less of the serpent's glitter and more of the monkey's leer he did not shrink from Reddins as he shrank from his mother Hazel came running to him through the graves she had a little parcel specially tied up and she wrote on it in the parlor with laborious love it was tobacco she had decided that he ought to smoke because it would soothe him they sat hand in hand by the fire that evening and she told him of her art proud and how she first came to know Reddins and how he threatened to tell Edward of her first coming to Undern she was astonished at the way his face lit up why didn't you tell me before dear it alters everything you did not go of your own choice at first then he had you in a snare seems as if the world's nought but a snare Edward yes but I'm going to spend my life keeping you safe little Hazel I hope it won't make you unhappy to leave the mountain leave the mountain yes I must give up the ministry why ever because I know now that Jesus Christ was not God but only a brave loving heart hunted to death be that why you don't say prayers now yes I can't take money for telling lies what will you do if you in a minister Edward break stones anything Hazel clapped her hands can I get a little hammer and break too someday it will only be poor fare and a poor cottage Hazel it will be like heaven we shall be together little one what for be your eyes wet Edward at the sweetness of knowing you didn't go of your own accord what for did you shiver at the dark power of our fellow creatures set against us I in a third of them now Edward maybe it'll come right and you'll get all as you'd leave have I only want you and me you they both had happy dreams that night outside the stars were fierce with frost the world hardened in the bitter still air and the greenish moonlight the chapel and parsonage took on an unreal look as if they were built of wavering vanishing material and stood somewhere outside space on a pale crumbling shore without the dead slept each alone dreamless within the lover slept each alone but dreaming of a day when night would bring them home each to the other as the moon set the shadows of the gravestones lengthened grotesquely creeping and creeping as if they would dominate the world in the middle of the night foxy awoke and barked and whimpered in some dark terror and would not be comforted End of chapter 35 Recording by Rachel Linton Bristol UK Chapter 36 of Gone to Earth This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Gone to Earth by Mary Webb chapter 36 Hazel looked out next morning into a cold, hostile world the wind had gone into its winter quarters storming down from the top of the mountain onto the parsonage and raging into the woods That was why Edward and Hazel never heard the sounds some of the most horrible of the English countryside that rose as the morning went on from various parts of the lower woods whiningly, greedily, ferociously as the hounds cast about for scent Once there was momentary uproar but it sank again and the master was disappointed they had not found the master was a big fleshy man with white eyelashes and little pig's eyes that might conceal a soul or might not Miss Amelia Klomber admired him and had just ridden up to say a good field, everybody's here Then she saw Redin in the distance and waited for him to come up She was flushed and breathless and quite silent an extraordinary thing for her He certainly was looking his best with the new zest and youth that Hazel had given him heightening the blue of his eyes and giving an added hauteur of masculinity to his bearing She would, as she watched him coming cheerfully have become his mistress at a nod for the sake of those eyes and that hauteur He was entirely unconscious of it He never was a vain man and women were to him what a watch is to a child something to be smashed, not studied Also, his mind was busy about his coming interview with Edward He was ludicrously at a loss what to say or do Blows were the only answer he could think of to such a thing as Edward had said but Blows had lost him Hazel before he wanted her still He was rather surprised at this passion being satisfied Still, as he reflected passion was only in abeyance next May If Miss Clomber had seen his eyes then she would probably have proposed to him but he was looking away towards the heights where Edward's house was there was in his mind a hint of better things Hazel had been sweet in the conquering so many women were not and she was a little wild frail thing He was sorry for her He reflected that if he sold the cob he could pay a first rate doctor to attend her and two nurses I'll sell the cob, he decided I can easily walk more, it'll do me good Good morning, Mr Redden cried Miss Clomber as sweetly as she could May your shadow never grow less he replied to Coasley as he cantered by with a great laugh If she'd only die when she has the child thought Miss Clomber fiercely Up on the mountain Edward and Hazel were studying a map to decide in which part of the country they would live Round the fire sat Foxy the one-eyed cat and the rabbit in a basket From a hook hung the bird in its cage making little chirrapings of content On the windowsill a bowl of crocuses had pushed out white points But upon their love Edward's dawn of content and Hazel's laughter broke a loud, imperious knocking Edward went to the door Outside stood Mr James the old man with the elf locks who shed the honey prizes with Abel and Marmos from the other side of the mountain Martha's brother and the man with the red braces who'd won the race when Redden turned They coughed Will you come in? asked Edward They straggled in very much embarrassed Hazel wished them good morning This young woman, Mr James said Might, I think, absent herself Would you rather go or stay Hazel Stay along of you, Edward Hazel had divined that something threatened Edward They sat down, very dour Foxy had retired under the table The shaggy old man surveyed the bird A nice pet, a bird, he said Mines me of a throttle I kept Now, now, Thomas, business, said Mr James Yes, get to the point, said Edward James began We've come, Minister, six God-fearing men and me, spokesman, being deacon and we hope as good will come of this meeting and that the Lord will bless our endeavour and now I think maybe a little prayer I think not As you will, Minister There are times when folk avoid prayer as the sick avoid medicine James had a resonant voice pitched at the intoning note Also, he accented almost every other syllable We bring you the Lord's message, Minister I speak for him You are sure Has not he answered us each and several with a loud voice in the night watches? Ah, he has True, yes, yes The crowd murmured And what we are to say is that the adulterous must go You must put her away at once and publicly and if she will make open confession of the sin it will be counted to you for righteousness Edward came and stood in front of Hazel Had you, James continued in trumpet tones had you, when she played the sinner with Mr. Redden Esquire leading a respectable gentleman into open sin chastened and corrected her eye given her the bread of affliction and the water of affliction and taken counsel with us Ah, there's wisdom in counsel said one of the farmers a man with a crafty eyes Then, James went on all would have been well that now to spare would be death Ah, everlasting death came the echoes and now James' face seemed to Hazel to wear the same expression as when he pocketed the money Now there is but one cure she must go to a reformatory there she'll be disciplined she'll be made to repent He looked as if he would like to be present They all went forward the younger men were sorry for Edward none of them was sorry for Hazel there was a curious likeness as they lent forward between them and the questing hangs below and then Edward prompted his face set, tremors running along the nerves under the skin and then we would expect you to make a statement in a sermon or in any way you chose that you'd cast your sins from you that you would never speak or write to this woman again and that you were at peace with the Lord and then then sir, Mr. James Rose we should once again be proud to take our minister by the hand knowing it was but the deceitfulness of youth that got the better of you and the wickedness of a woman feeling that this was hardly enough to tempt Edward the man with the crafty eyes said and if in the Lord's wisdom he sees fit to take her then sir, you can choose a wife from among us he was thinking of his daughter he said no more Edward was speaking his voice was low but not a man ever forgot a word he said filthy little beasts he said but without acrimony simply in weariness I should like to shoot you but you rule the world little pot-bellied gods there is no other God your last suggestion he looked at them with a smile of so peculiar equality and such strange eyes that the old bee man afterwards said it took you in the stomach was worthy of you it's not enough that unselfish love can't save it's not enough his face quivered horribly that love is allowed to torture the loved one but you must come with your foul minds and eyes to view the corpse and you know nothing nothing we know the facts said James facts what a fact I could flog you naked through the fields James for your stupidity alone there was a general smile James being a corpulent man he shrank then his feelings found relief in spite if you don't dismiss the female I'll appeal to the presbytery he said painfully pulling himself together what for? notice for you no need we're going what you suppose I should do here there's no Lord's day and no Lord's house there's no Lord's for goodness sake turn the chapel into a cowhouse they blinked their minds did not take in his meaning which was like the upper wind that blows coldly from mountain to mountain and does not touch the plain they busied themselves with what they could grasp if you take that woman with you you'll be accursed said James I suppose he went on and his tone was he afterwards said to his wife with complacency very nasty I suppose you don't know what they're all saying and what I've come to believe in this shocking meeting to be God's truth I don't know or care they're saying you've made a tidy bit what do you mean? James hesitated filthy thoughts were all very well but it was awkward to get them into righteous words well dear me they're saying as there was an arrangement between you and him on the girl's account the old bee man tried to hush him and his checks signed John Redden went into your bank dear me slowly the meaning of this dawned on Edward he sat down and put his hands up before his face he was broken not so much by the insult to himself as by the fixed idea that he had exposed Hazel to all this he traced all her troubles and mistakes back to himself blaming his own love for them while he had been fighting for her happiness he had given her a mortal wound and none had warned him that was why he was sure there was no God they sat round and looked at their work with some compunction the old bee man cleared his throat several times a course he said we know it in a true minister Mr James shouldn't have taken it on his lips he looked defiantly at James out of his mild brown eyes Edward did not hear what he said Hazel was puzzling over James's meaning why had he made Edward like this love gave her a quickness that she did not naturally possess and at last she understood it was one of the few insults that could touch her because it was levelled at her primitive womanhood her one instinct was for flight but there was Edward she turned her back on the semicircle of eyes and put a trembling hand on Edward's shoulder he grasped it forgive me dear he whispered go now go into the woods they're not as cold as these when I've done with them we'll go away far away from hell I done a mind done said Hazel what force should I my soul then she saw how dank and livid Edward's face had become and the anguish rage of the lover against what had hurt her darling flamed up in her curse you she said letting her eyes dark rimmed and large with tears dwell on each man in turn curse you for tormenting my Edward as it's the best man in all the country and you not not at all the everlasting puzzle why the paltry and the low should have power to torment greatness was brooding over her mind the best said James avoiding her eyes as they all did a hymphadel I have become an unbeliever Edward said not because I am unworthy of your God but because he is unworthy of me Hazel wait for me at the edge of the wood Hazel crept out of the room as she went she heard him say the beauty of the world isn't for the beautiful people it's for beef-witted squires and bleer-eyed people like yourselves brutish callous your God stinks like carrion James nunk de mitis Hazel passed the tombstone where she had sat on her wedding day she went through the thicket where she and her mother had both passed as brides and down the green slope that led near to the quarry to the woods the swallows had gone she came to Redden's black yuletree at the fringe of the wood and sat down there where she could watch the front door in spite of her bird-like quickness of ear she was too much overwhelmed by the scene she'd just left to notice an increasing, threatening ghastly tumult that came at first fitfully then steadily up through the woods at first it was only a rumour as if some evil thing imprisoned for the safety of the world, whined and struggled against love in a close underground cavern but when it came nearer and it seemed to be emerging from its prison with sinister determination the wind had no longer any power to disguise its ferocity although it was still in a minor key still vacillating and scattered nor had it as yet any objective it was only vaguely clamorous for blood not for the very marrow of the soul yet as Hazel suddenly became aware of it a cold shudder ran down her spine hang dogs she said she peered through the trees but nothing was to be seen for the woods were steep with a dart of terror she remembered that she had left foxy loose in the parlour with they have let her out she ran home be foxy here she asked Edward looked up from the chapel accounts James was trying to browbeat him over them no I expect she went out with you Hazel fled to the back of the house but foxy was not there she whistled but no smooth white bibbed personality came trotting round the corner Hazel ran back to the hill the sound of the horn came up intermittently with tuneful devoury she whistled again read in coming up the wood at some distance from the pack caught the whistle and seeing her dress flutter far up the hill realised what had happened bother it he said he did not care about foxy and he thought Hazel's affection for her very foolish but he understood very well that if anything happened to foxy he would be to blame in Hazel's eyes between him and Hazel was a series of precipitate places he would have to go round trying to reach her he spurred his horse risking a fall from the rabbit holes and the great ropes of honeysuckle that swung from tree to tree Hazel ran to and fro frantically calling to foxy suddenly the sound that had been quarrelous, interrogative and various changed like an organ when a new stop is pulled out the pack had found but the scent it seemed was not very hot hope revived in Hazel it will be the old scent from yesterday she thought maybe foxy will come yet seeing redden going in so devil may care a manner a little clergyman a guinea pig on sundays and the last hard riding person in the neighbourhood on weekdays thought that redden must have seen the fox and gave a great view hello he rode a tall raw-boned animal like a monkey Hazel did not see either him or redden with fainting heart she had become aware that the hounds were no longer on an old scent they were not only intent on one life now but they were close to it and whoever it was that owned the life was playing with it coming straight on in the teeth of the wind instead of doubling with it with an awful constriction of the heart Hazel knew who it was so that it was her momentary forgetfulness that had brought about this horror terror seized her at the dog's approach but she would not desert foxy then with the fearful inconsequence of a dream foxy trotted out of the wood and came to her trouble was in her eyes she was disturbed she looked to Hazel to remove the unpleasantness much as mrs. Marston used to look at Edward Hazel dry throated whispered foxy and caught her up the hounds came over the ridge like water riding after them breaking from the woods on every side came the hunt scarlet gashed the impenetrable shadows coming as they did from the deep gloom fiery faced and fiery coated with eyes frenzied by excitement an open cavernous mouth they were like devils with a hell on a foraging expedition mrs. Klomber her hair loose and several of her pinkerls torn off by the branches was one of the first determined to be in at the death the uproar was so terrific that Edward and the six righteous men came out to see what the matter was religion and society were marshaled with due solemnity on god's little mountain Hazel saw nothing heard nothing with every nerve at full stretch her whole soul in her feet but she had lost her old fleetness for Redden's child had even now robbed her of some of her vitality foxy in gathering panic struggled and impeded her she was only half way to the quarry and the house was twice as far I canna! she gasped on a long terrible breath she felt as if her heart was bursting one picture burnt itself on her brain in blood and agony one sound was in her ears the shrieking of the damned what she saw was foxy her smooth little friend so dignified so secure of kindness held in the hand of the purple-faced huntsman above the pack that raved for her convulsive body she knew how foxy's eyes would look and she nearly fainted at the knowledge she saw the knife descend saw foxy who had been lovely and pleasant to her in life cut in two and flung a living creature fine of nerve to the pack and torn to fragments she heard her scream yes foxy would cry to her as she cried to the mighty one dwelling in darkness and she what would she do she knew that she would not go on that cry in her ears she clutched the warm body closer though her thoughts had taken only an instant the hounds were coming near outside the chapel james said dear me a splendid sight we'll wait to verify the apne columns till they've killed they all elbowed in front of edward but he had seen he snatched up his spade from the porch and knocked james out of the way out of the flat of it i'm coming dear he shouted but she did not hear neither did she hear redden who was still at a distance and was spurring till the blood ran as in the tale of the death pack yelling i'm coming give her to me nor the little cleric in his high pitched nasal voice calling drop it they'll pull you down while the large gold cross bumped up and down on his stomach the death that foxy must die unless she could save her drowned all other sights and sounds she gave one backward glance the awful resistness flood of liver and white and black was very near behind it rose shouting devils it was the death pack there was no hope she could never reach edward's house the green turf rose before her like the ascent to calvary the members of the hunt the master and the huntsman were slow to understand also they were at a disadvantage the run being such an abnormal one against the wind and up a steep hill they could not beat off the hounds in time edward was the only one near enough to help if she had seen him and made for him he might have done something but she only saw the death pack and as redden shouted again near at hand intending to drag her onto the horse she turned sharply she knew it was the black huntsman with a scream so awful that redden's hand grew nervous on the rain she doubled for the quarry a few woodlarks played there but they fled at the oncoming tumult for one instant the hunt and the righteous men redden the destroyer and edward the saviour saw her sway small and dark before the staring sky then as the pack with a ferocity of triumph was flinging itself upon her she was gone she was gone with foxy into everlasting silence she would suck no more honey from the rosy flowers nor dance like a leaf in the wind edward would sit these next nights making a small coffin that would leave him plenty of beehive wood there was silence on god's little mountain for a space afterwards a voice awful and piercing deep with unutterable horror the voice of a soul driven mad by torture clutched the heart of every man and woman even the hounds raging on the quarry edge cowered and bristled in the freezing arches of the sky and rolled back unanswered to the freezing earth the little cleric who had pulled a prayer book from his pocket dropped it once again it rang out and at its awful reiteration the righteous men and the hunt ceased to be people of any class or time or creed and became creatures swayed by one primeval passion fear shuddered like beaten dogs as the terrible cry once more roused the shivering echoes gone to earth gone to earth end of chapter 36 end of gone to earth by mary webb recording by rachel linton bristol uk