It's been a year since Lucetta has died and Donald is still grieving. However, he helps Michael set up a shop and he shares the attached house with Elizabeth-Janes. Michael's conscience still worries him as he broods about his deception of Newson. When Newson suddenly reappears Michael decides to leave Casterbridge. Newson and Elizabeth-Jane are reunited, and then Elizabeth-Jane and Donald get married. Michael returns on their wedding day but Elizabeth-Jane is not in a forgiving mood. However, she changes her mind and goes looking for him, but she is too late.
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