Chapter 40 Summary

This chapter sees Michael trying in vain to get Farfrae back to Casterbridge and his ailing wife. Because he is the only one besides Whittle who knows where Farfrae has really gone, he tries to get the people at Lucetta's house to send a messenger to Weatherbury. When they refuse, he resolves to find Farfrae himself. He manages to catch Farfrae at Yalbury Bottom, and tries to persuade him to come home. Farfrae does not believe him and proceeds on his way, worried that Michael is plotting to kill him somehow.

Michael returns to Casterbridge and passes on the news that Farfrae will be gone for at least two more hours. Michael discovers that Elizabeth-Jane is a wonderful girl, and decides that he will love her like his own daughter. He returns to his small cottage and speaks with Jopp, not knowing that...