When Tess arrived home the following afternoon
a letter had already been received by her mother．
It appeared to come from Mrs d’Urberville，
and offered Tess work looking after chickens．
Joan Durbeyfield was delighted．
‘It's just a way of getting you there without raising your hopes．
She's going to recognize you as family，I'm sure of it．’
‘I would rather stay here with father and you，’
said Tess，looking out of the window．
‘I'd rather not tell you, mother, I don't really know．’
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