Summary: Chapter LIII
Angel returns to his parents’ home, haggard and gaunt
after his tribulations abroad. He reads Tess’s angry letter, and
he worries that she will never forgive him. His mother haughtily
declares that he should not worry about the opinions of a poor commoner,
and Angel reveals to her Tess’s exalted lineage.
Angel spends a few days at home regaining his strength.
He writes a letter to Tess addressed to Marlott, and finally receives
a reply from Tess’s mother informing him that they have left Marlott and
that Tess is no longer with the family.
After a short time spent waiting, Angel decides that
he must not delay his reunion with Tess. He is encouraged in this
feeling by the revelation that Tess has not used any of the money
Angel left with his father. Angel realizes that Tess must have suffered
great poverty while he was abroad, and he is overcome with pity
and guilt. Angel’s parents finally guess the secret cause of their
son’s estrangement from Tess, and find that the knowledge disposes
them to feel more kindly toward their daughter-in-law. Just before
Angel leaves, he receives the letter from Marian and Izz.
Summary: Chapter LIV
Angel sets out to find his wife, traveling through the
farm at Flintcomb-Ash and through Marlott, where he learns of the
death of Tess’s father. He finds the elaborate gravestone of John
Durbeyfield, and when he learns that it is unpaid for, he settles
the bill. When he meets Joan, he finds his mother-in-law uncomfortable
and hesitant to tell him where Tess has gone. At last she takes
pity on him and reveals that Tess is in Sandbourne.
Summary: Chapter LV
In Sandbourne, Angel is unable to find a Mrs. Clare or
a Miss Durbeyfield, but he does learn that a d’Urberville is staying
at an expensive lodging called The Herons.
Angel hurries to The Herons and is impressed by its grandeur.
He wonders how Tess could possibly afford it and thinks she must
have sold his godmother’s diamonds. When Tess appears, she is dressed in
expensive clothing. Angel pleads for her forgiveness and tells her that
he has learned to accept her as she is and desperately wants her to
come back to him. Brokenhearted, Tess replies that it is too late—thinking
Angel would never come back for her, she gave in to Alec d’Urberville’s
desires and is now under his protection. Tess leaves the room, and
Angel rushes out of the house.
