Tess Page #5

with him.

She never said anything.

Leave her.

I'll show you. I'm worth two of your

sort for all your airs and graces.

If I'd known what sort you were...

...l'd never have lowered myself

by accepting your company.

- I'll show you.

- Hey there, workfolk.

What's all the row about?

Quickly, jump up beside me.

Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

- Where are we?

- Passing through The Chase.

The Chase?

It is out of our way, surely.

This forest is one of the oldest

and loveliest in England, Tess.

Don't you think it deserves

to be seen...

...on a glorious God-given

night like this?

Yes, but...

No buts. There's a good girl.

I'll be honest with you.

I'm happy.

I'm trying to prolong the moment.

You were shivering a while back.

Now I can feel your warmth

against me.

- Are you still cold?

- No, not now.

I'll let my animal

walk a little further.

He'll make better progress

once he's rested.

Tell me...

...what news of your parents' horse?

- They have no horse.

They have since Monday last.

- Did you...?

- Forgive me for mentioning it.

I thought they would have

written to you.

- I don't know what to say.

- It's nothing.

I knew how important it was

for your father to have a new horse.

Really.

It's you he should thank.

I'm grateful to you.

Truly I am.

But I almost wish

you hadn't done this.

Yes, I almost do.

- Is that a reproach?

- Oh, no.

It is very kind of you, I'm sure.

I've been in torment

ever since you came to us.

- Then I'll leave tomorrow, sir.

- That's absurd.

I don't want you to leave.

That's the last thing I want.

Is there no hope for me?

None at all?

Tess.

I'm dying for you.

Can't you see?

Forgive me.

Oh, please forgive me.

- Are you hurt?

- No, it's nothing. Nothing.

You're bleeding.

Oh, my God.

How ever could I have

done such a thing?

It's me.

Don't be so foolish.

Open the door.

You'll force me

to make a noise, Tess.

My mother has sharp ears.

She'll hear.

Enough of this nonsense, darling.

Open up.

Why sneak away...

...like a thief?

And at this hour in the morning?

Nobody would've prevented

you leaving.

At least let me drive you home.

Unless you'd care to come back.

I shan't come back.

- What are you crying for?

- I was only thinking...

...I was born over there.

Well, we all have

to be born somewhere.

L... I wish I'd never been born.

- There or anywhere else.

- You're absurdly melancholy, Tess.

You can hold your own for beauty

against any woman.

Queen or commoner.

I tell you that as a practical man

who wishes you well.

If you're wise, you'll let the world

get a clearer sight of that beauty...

...before it fades.

Why not make the most of life?

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