Far from the Madding Crowd, Chapter 26 summary

What happens

1. Sergeant Troy apologizes for his earlier boldness, but Bathsheba rejects his praise and says she prefers his absence.
2. Troy combines compliments with claims that her beauty harms men, drawing her into a conversation she intends to avoid.
3. Bathsheba thanks him for helping with her hay and softens her restriction on their speaking.
4. Troy declares immediate love and presses his inherited gold watch into her hand.
5. Her distressed refusal stirs more genuine feeling in Troy, who admits he initially expects her to reject the gift.
6. Troy takes back the watch and rejoins the haymakers; Bathsheba goes home bewildered and unsure of his sincerity.

In this chapter

What to notice

Bathsheba’s closing words capture the uncertainty Troy creates. She feels deeply moved but cannot distinguish his performance from genuine affection.

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