Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 24 summary

What happens

1. Bathsheba inspects the farm at night, unaware of much of Gabriel’s careful work on her behalf.
2. In the dark fir plantation, her skirt catches on a passing soldier’s spur.
3. The soldier praises her beauty while untangling the braid, and she accuses him of deliberately prolonging their encounter.
4. He identifies himself as Sergeant Troy, frees her skirt, and watches her withdraw.
5. Bathsheba asks Liddy about Troy, who describes his charm, education, family connections, and reputation with women.
6. Alone in her room, Bathsheba reinterprets his conduct as kindness rather than insult.

In this chapter

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