The Woodlanders

Giles tells Grace that it is impossible for them to reach Sherton that night due to the distance and bad weather. He suggests that Grace stay in his cottage while he sleeps in a “snug place” (251) nearby. She reluctantly agrees. However, Giles’s “snug place” is, in fact, “a wretched little shelter of the roughest kind” (251), which barely keeps the rain or wind out. The next day, talking to her though the cottage window and concealing himself, Giles suggests waiting a few more days before they travel. This is purportedly due to business he has, and to give Dr. Fitzpiers time to disappear. In reality, Giles is severely ill and hopes to recover. Suspecting the truth, the next night Grace calls to Giles to come inside the cottage, but he insists that he is fine.

The next day Giles does not show up for the breakfast Grace has made. She wants to go and find him but is worried about being seen. He does not come for the dinner she has made either, and she hears a cough and a feverish muttering nearby. Grace realizes that it must be Giles and leaves the cottage to find him. She discovers him lying on the floor in a hovel, feverish and soaked through with rain.