Chapter 26

Troy addresses Bathsheba as "Queen of the Cornmarket" and apologizes to her for having been too free in his conduct at their first meeting. From apologies, he changes to praising her once again. Even though Bathsheba is surprised at his unchecked freedom, she is unable to be rude to him, because she enjoys the praises he heaps on her. Troy also notices that he has impressed Bathsheba and that he has successfully captured her imagination. He keeps talking in his usual manner; saying that it would be vain for him to think that she is interested in him. But he tells her that he had fallen in love with her at first sight.

Bathsheba tries to break off the conversation by asking him the time. He responds by presenting her with a gold watch that is an heirloom in the family of the Earls of Severn. Bathsheba refuses to take it, but Troy begs her to keep it. Bathsheba succeeds in giving back the watch and agrees that she will let him work in her fields. She also will talk with him during his stay in Weatherbury. After Troy leaves, Bathsheba is unable to go and face the haymakers. She is in a state of confusion. Unlike her reaction to Boldwood or Gabriel, Sergeant Troy leaves her puzzled and disturbs her thinking.

Bathsheba has been completely captured by Troy's flattering words. His power over her is such that she does not for a moment doubt what he is saying to her. In fact, Troy is falling in love with her. He is completely won over by Bathsheba's beauty and her sweet nature. She does not behave with him in the same manner in which she treats Boldwood or Gabriel Oak. But Troy is a match for Bathsheba, and she senses the challenge. His vanity is as strong as Bathsheba's own vanity. But he causes her common sense to take a holiday, and she cannot resist the advances of Troy in spite of the warnings she has heard.

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