Tess Page #2

you could coax her into anything.

I'd rather try to get work.

Durbeyfield, you decide.

If you say she must go, she'll go.

Well, girl, do you want to go visiting

this grand kinswoman of ours?

- I'd much sooner not, Father.

- There, she doesn't want to!

I don't like my children making

themselves beholden with strange kin.

I'm the head of the noblest branch

of the family...

...and I got my pride to think of.

All this bragging about your ancestors.

It isn't them as will buy us

a new horse.

It's all new.

Well, my beauty...

...what can I do for you?

- I came to see Mrs. D'Urberville.

- I'm afraid that's impossible.

She's an invalid.

What was your business with her?

I'm her son.

It wasn't business, it was...

I can hardly say what.

- Not business, sir, no.

- Pleasure, then?

No, sir.

It is so very foolish, I...

- I fear I can't tell you.

- Never mind.

I like foolish things.

Try again, dear.

I came, sir, to tell you that...

...we are of the same family as you.

Poor relations?

- Yes.

- Stokes?

No, d'Urbervilles.

Yes, yes, I meant d'Urbervilles.

Tell me...

...do you like strawberries?

- Yes, when they're in season.

- Here, they already are.

Our name has become Durbeyfield...

...but we have several proofs

that we're d'Urbervilles.

That's who the antiquarians

hold we are, so Mother said...

...we should make ourselves

beknown to you...

...as we've lost our horse...

...and we are the oldest branch

of the family.

I see.

So you've come to pay me

a courtesy call, really...

...as one relation to another.

- I suppose I have.

- Yes. Well, there's no harm in that.

I would rather take it

from my own hand.

Don't be so coy, my pretty cousin.

There.

Come, this one too.

It's the perfect place.

Believe me.

You'll look a regular posy!

- What's the matter?

- A thorn.

Cousin, beauty has its price.

I'm not very hungry. Truly, I'm not.

Nonsense.

You must eat something

before you go.

It's no mean ride

from here to your village.

I shall see what I can do for you.

But listen, Tess, no more

of this d'Urberville nonsense.

Plain Durbeyfield, understand?

It's quite a different name.

I wish for no better, sir.

"In reference to your daughter

and further to her visit...

...we write to inform you

of our willingness...

...to consider engaging her services...

...in the managing of a poultry farm

of modern character.

Lf, after a suitable period,

your daughter...

...proves satisfactory,

we should guarantee her...

...comfortable accommodation

and a good wage.

Your earliest reply would be

greatly appreciated."

So you charmed them after all,

did you?

Let me see that letter.

- Who wrote it?

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