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BOOK TWO: THE ARRIVAL
CHAPTER I: Tidings of the Comer
Summary
Facts about Clym
In a fine and quiet afternoon, Eustacia from indoors could overhear the conversation that was going on between her grandfather and the two workmen Humphry and Sam who were bringing together furze-faggots and building a stack for the use of Captain Vye. They were talking about Clym Yeobright who had settled in Paris and been working as manager to a diamond merchant. Clym was a studious man who had some strange notions. Captain Vye felt that it was proper for a son to take up the father's profession and that Clym should have pursued his own parental occupation. Humphrey observed that Clym and Eustacia would make a perfect couple as they both were equally particular of niceties, were educated and were always thinking about "high doctrine", Clym could also speak French fluently.
Thomasin's Anguish
Then they started conversing on Thomasin who was in deep trouble on account of Wildeve not marrying her. They believed that Thomasin had been befooled and expressed their sympathy towards her as she had suffered much pain and grief due to the incident. They felt that Thomasin was ill due to this.
Eustacia Curious about Clym
The conversation, that Eustacia overheard agitated her curiosity about the young and intelligent man who was coming to Heath from Paris. It occurred to her that a man was being sent from heaven to pair with her as these men were talking about. Eustacia's curiosity in Clym became so strong that she restlessly decided to take a walk in the direction of Bloom-End, the home of Mrs. Yeobright, which she wanted to see.
Critical Analysis
This chapter gives a new bend to the story. We get some vital information about Clym Yeobright and we see that Eustacia has grown curious to meet him. As often happens in Hardy's novels, most of the vital information are conveyed by the rustics, in this chapter we see that Humphrey and Sam deliver certain important informations.