Far from the Madding Crowd - Paperback

Gabriel Oak is a young shepherd who has leased and stocked a sheep farm. He falls in love with Bathsheba Everdene, a proud beauty. She comes to like Gabriel well enough, but when he makes her an unadorned offer of marriage, she refuses. After a few days, she moves to Weatherbury, a village some miles off. An inexperienced new sheepdog drives Gabriel's flock over a cliff, ruining him. After selling off everything of value, he manages to settle all his debts but emerges penniless. He seeks employment at a hiring fair in the town of Shottsford. On the way, he happens upon a dangerous fire on a farm and leads the bystanders in putting it out. When the veiled owner comes to thank him, he asks if she needs a shepherd. She uncovers her face and reveals herself to be none other than Bathsheba....