Chapter 43 Summary

This chapter sees many of the townsfolk discussing the new relationship between Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane. Michael is also very interested and starts using a telescope to watch their meetings. While doing so, he sees Newson, who appears to be waiting for someone, and worries that Newson will try to contact Elizabeth-Jane. Elizabeth-Jane tells Michael that an anonymous letter has requested that she meet the writer at Farfrae's house.

Michael realizes the letter is Newson, but he gives her permission to see him anyway. He then tells Elizabeth-Jane that he is leaving Casterbridge. Elizabeth-Jane worries that he is doing so because of her new relationship with Farfrae and tries to get him to stay. Michael insists on going, and tells her cryptically to remember that he loves her no matter what he has done in the past.

Elizabeth-Jane then goes to Farfrae's house and...