It was Sunday morning in late October, about four months after Tess Durbeyfield’s arrival at the village. Some weeks ___16___ (pass) since the night carriage ride with d’Urberville in the forest. Tess was carrying a heavy basket filled with clothes. Occasionally she stopped ___17___ (rest) by some gate or post; and then, went steadily on again. She followed the same road on ___18___ d’Urberville had driven so wildly that night in June. When she reached the top she gazed ___19___ the familiar green world beyond. It was always beautiful from here; it was ___20___ (terrible) beautiful to Tess today, for, ___21___ her eyes last fell upon it, she had learnt that in even the most beautiful surroundings there may be danger. Her view of life had been totally changed for her by the lesson.
She had slipped away from d’Urberville’s farm ___22___ all the people were in bed, though her going would not be prevented now. Tess had thought, “I shan’t come back,” and was sure of her ___23___ (decide). Now she did not look back, ___24___ slowly walked along the narrow lane. ___25___ was still early and there was not a single person in sight.