The Return of the Native

After three or four weeks of wedded bliss, Clym returns to his studies. Although Eustacia thought she could lure him back to Paris, he made no such promise; and it becomes evident he intends to go forward with his school. Eustacia’s hopes “were bound up in a dream” (234). Thomasin sent her aunt a note to thank her for the money but did not mention the sum. After about two weeks, Mrs. Yeobright, thinking it strange she had not heard from Clym, hears Eustacia is visiting her grandfather and decides to walk up the hill to ask her if Clym received the guineas. Christian finds out she plans to meet Eustacia and tells her the truth, that Wildeve won the guineas. She dismisses Christian and then hires him back.

Mrs. Yeobright encounters Eustacia by the pond and asks if she received money from Wildeve. Eustacia takes this as an accusation that she dishonors her husband. It also reignites her “own consciousness of the old attachment between herself and Wildeve” (236). Mrs. Yeobright says she opposed the marriage but is ready to welcome Eustacia. Eustacia confesses her marriage disappointment and admits had she known it would turn out as it has, she would have refused.