When next they meet, their circumstances have changed drastically. An inexperienced new sheepdog drives Gabriel's flock over a cliff, ruining him. After selling off everything of value, he manages to settle all his debts, but emerges penniless. He seeks employment at a hiring fair in the town of Casterbridge (a fictionalised version of Dorchester). When he finds none, he heads to another such fair in Shottsford, a town about ten miles from Weatherbury.
On the way, he happens upon a dangerous fire on a farm and leads the bystanders in putting it out. When the veiled owner comes to thank him, he asks if she needs a shepherd. She uncovers her face and reveals herself to be none other than Bathsheba. She has recently inherited her uncle's estate and is now a wealthy woman. Though somewhat uncomfortable, she hires him.
with original illustrations