Thirteen: Far From The Madding Crowd: Thomas Hardy: A Valentine Joke

A Sunday afternoon.

 It was the thirteenth of February. The VALENTINE  Day. Bathsheba's farm- house. After dinner, Bathsheba wanted Liddy to join her to keep company.

The mouldy pile was dreary in winter time before the candle were lighted and the shutters closed. The atmosphere seemed as old as the walls; every nook behind the furniture had a temperature of its own; for the fire was not kindled in this part of the house, Bathsheba's piano stood out of level on the warped floor; Liddy, like a little shallow brook was always rippling.

On the table lay a little quarto Bible, bound in leather. Looking at it Liddy said, "Did you ever find out, miss, who you are going to marry?" 

"By means of Bible and key?" asked Bathsheba.

"Don't be foolish, Liddy." 

"Well, there's good deal in it." 

"Nonsense, child." 

"It makes your heart beat fearfully, some believe in it, and some don't. I do." 

"Very well, let us try," said Bathsheba, rising from her seat suddenly with total disregard of what she said early. "Go and get the front door key." Liddy went for the key, and while returning she said, "I wish it wasn't Sunday." 

"What's right  week days is right Sundays," replied Bathsheba, in a confident tone.

The book was opened; the leaves looked dull brown colour by age and use. The special verse in the Book of Ruth was sought out by Bathsheba, and the sublime words met her eyes. They lightly thrilled and embarassed her. She placed the key on the book. A rusty patch on the verse, caused by previous pressure of an iron substance thereon told that it was not the first time the old volume had been used for the purpose.

"Now keep steady, and be silent," said Bathsheba.

The verse was repeated; the book turned round; Bathsheba blushed guiltily.

"Who did you try?" said Liddy curiously.

"I shall not tell you." 

"Did you notice Mr Boldwood's doings in church this morning, miss?" Liddy continued anticipating a remark.

"No, indeed," said Bathsheba, with serene indifference.

"His pew is exactly opposite yours, miss." 

"I know it." 

"And you did not see his goings on?" 

"Certainly I did not, I tell you." Liddy observed the change in the facial features of her mistress, and remained silent. Bathsheba was disconcerted. "What did he do?" said Bathsheba to pickup the thread.

"Didn't turn his head to look at you all the sermon." 

"Why should he?" demanded her mistress, wearing a nettled look. "I didn't ask him to."

"Oh no. But everybody else was noticing you; and it was odd he didn't. There, 'tis like him." 

Bathsheba dropped into a silence: She herself was not clear on the subject: then how could Liddy comprehend? 

"Dear me! I had nearly forgotten the valentine, I bought yesterday," she exclaimed at length.

"Valentine! Who for, miss?" said Liddy. "Farmer Boldwood?" 

It was the only name among all possible wrong ones that just at this moment seemed more relevant.

"Well, no. It is only for little Teddy Coggan. I have promised him something, and it will be a pretty surprise for him. Liddy, you may as well bring me my desk and I will direct it at once."

Bathsheba took from her desk an attractive design of book-size bought from the Casterbridge market.

"Here is a place for writing," said Bathsheba. "What shall I put?" 

"Something of this sort," returned Liddy promptly:-

The rose it red, 

The violet red, 

Carnation's sweet, 

And so are you." [1]

"Yes, that shall be it. Suitable for a little chubby child, said Bathsheba. She inserted the words in small legible handwriting, and enclosed the sheet in an envelope.

The suggestion of Liddy to send Valentine to Mr Boldwood lingered in the imagination of Bathsheba. But she was not sure of any response. It was depressing that the most dignified man should withhold his eyes and a girl like Liddy should talk about it.

"No, I won't do that. He wouldn't see any humour in it.

"He would worry to death," said the persistent Liddy.

"Really I don't care particularly to send it to Teddy," remarked Bathsheba. "He is rather a naughty child sometimes."

"Yes, that he is."

"Let us toss, as men do," said Bathsheba, "head, Boldwood; tail Teddy. No, we won't toss money on Sunday, that would be tempting the devil indeed."

"Toss this hymn-book; there can't be no sin in that, miss."

"Very well, open Boldwood -- shut Teddy; no, it's more likely to fall open. "Open Teddy and shut Boldwood." 

The book went fluttering in the air and came down -- shut.

Bathsheba, a small yawn upon her mouth, took the pen, and with off-hand serenity directed the missive to Boldwood.

"Now, light a candle Liddy. Which seal shall we use?"

"Here's a unicorn head -- there's nothing in that. What's this? -- two doves -- no. It must be something extraordinary, ought it not, Lidd? Here's one with a motto --  I remember it is some funny one, but I can't read it.  We will try this, if it doesn't do, we will have another." 

A large red seal was duly affixed. Bathsheba closely looked at the hot wax to discover the words.

"Capital," she exclaimed, throwing down the letter frolicsomely, " 'Twould upset the solemnity of a parson and clerk too." 

Liddy looked at the words of the seal and read - "Marry  me" 

The same evening the letter was sent and duly sorted in Casterbridge post-office that night, to be returned to Wednesday in the morning.

  ...END OF THE CHAPTER 

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Notes:-

Dinner time of 29th century England varied according to classes. Middle class used to take meals around four O'clock in the evening. From the narrative in this chapter it is assumed Bathsheba inherited a farm house which was very old and not properly maintained. 

1. Carnation's sweet: Sweet edible flowers. Besides their culinary uses, they are gifted to represent love, fascination, and gratitude. They are a classic gift for Valentine's Day. It is native to Mediterranean region. It is also called pink clove.