Far from the Madding Crowd, Part 14 of 31
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What intro and show announcements set the tone for tonight's reading?
Good evening. Imagine how much better the world would be if everyone woke up well rested every day. That's why I and the team here at Slumber make the Sleepy Bookshelf. You can join us in this mission by supporting the show via our premium feed, which will get you ad-free access to the entire bookshelf and exclusive bonus episodes. If premium isn't for you, that's okay. Recommending your favourite episode to a friend or family member is just as meaningful. Thank you so much for your support and I hope you sleep well tonight. Hello, it's Elizabeth and I'm excited to share with you the newest show from Slumber Studios. It's called Sleepy History and it's exactly what it sounds like. Intriguing stories, people, mysteries and events from history delivered in a supremely calming atmosphere.
Explore the legend of El Dorado. See what life was like for the Roman gladiators. Uncover the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge. You'll find interesting but relaxing episodes like these on Sleepy History and the same great production quality you've come to know and love from the Sleepy Bookshelf. So check it out. And perhaps you'll have another way to get a good night's rest. Just search Sleepy History in your preferred podcast player. Good evening, and welcome to the Sleepy Bookshelf, where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book. I'm your host, Elizabeth, and it is wonderful to have you here with me tonight. This evening will be continuing with Far From the Madding Crowd. But first...
Close your eyes and imagine the moon casting a soft silver glow across a quiet meadow where everything is still and at peace. With each slow breath, let that calm light settle over you. Feel yourself becoming as light as the evening breeze with nothing to do and nowhere to be but here. Wrapped in the hush of the night, allow yourself to listen to the sound of my voice. and give in to your imagination as we pick up tonight's story. Sergeant Troy was a handsome, intelligent and persuasive man who lived almost entirely in the present. Gifted with an easy charm and a talent for flattery, he often concealed his true motives behind wit and confidence, particularly in his dealings with women. Soon afterward, meeting Bathsheba outside her house in a dark path, he appeared among her haymakers, volunteering his labour during the busy harvest, and once again placing himself in her path.
Troy apologised for his earlier boldness, but quickly resumed his lavish compliments, gradually drawing her into conversation despite her better judgement. His playful flattery and dramatic declarations left her both amused and unsettled. And before they parted, he even attempted to give her his treasured gold watch as a token of his affection. Although Bathsheba firmly refused the gift, she reluctantly agreed to speak to him while he remained in Weatherbury. leaving the encounter confused by his attentions and uncertain of how much of what he had to say she ought to believe. Tonight, we pick up later on in the haymaking season, so just lie back and relax as I turn to the next pages of Far From the Madding Crowd.
Chapter 27. Hiving the bees. The weatherberry bees were late in their swarming this year. It was the latter part of June, and the day after the interview with Troy in the hayfield, that Bathsheba was standing in her garden, watching a swarm in the air, and guessing their probable settling place. Not only were they late this year, but unruly too. Sometimes throughout a whole season, all the swarms would alight on the lowest attainable bough, such as part of a currant bush or espalier apple tree. Next year they would, with just the same anonymity, make straight off to the uppermost member of some tall, gaunt Kostad or Quarandon, and there defy all invaders who did not come armed with ladders and staves to take them.
This was the case at present. Bathsheba's eyes, shaded by one hand, were following the ascending multitude against the unexplorable stretch of blue, till they ultimately halted by one of the unwieldy trees spoken of.
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
What intro and show announcements set the tone for tonight's reading?
0:00–7:23
2
How does the host introduce Sleepy History and the episode's calming prelude?
7:23–14:06
3
What scene-setting and summary prepare listeners for Far From the Madding Crowd?
14:06–42:02
4
How does Chapter 27 'Hiving the Bees' begin and what problem is introduced?
42:02–57:06