# Short Fiction — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

- [Short Fiction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/short-fiction.md): A collection of short stories exploring themes of love, deception, social mobility, and fate, featuring characters navigating complex relationships and moral dilemmas.
- [How I Built Myself a House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/how-i-built-myself-a-house.md): The narrator recounts the trials of building a new home with his wife Sophia, from selecting a site and architect to dealing with construction anxieties, costly extras, and the final settling-in.
- [Destiny and a Blue Cloak](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/destiny-and-a-blue-cloak.md): A young woman named Agatha Pollin is courted by Farmer Lovill, but her heart belongs to Oswald Winwood, who has gone to America to seek his fortune. She obtains a written pledge from Lovill to wait for Oswald's return, b
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md): Agatha Pollin is mistaken for the renowned beauty Frances Lovill by Oswald Winwood on the Weymouth esplanade. She initially fails to correct him, leading to a day-long romantic encounter. When she finally confesses her t
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md): Agatha and Oswald share a tender farewell at the mill, discussing Oswald's upcoming journey to India and his hopes for success through competitive examination. Agatha struggles with her emotions, wishing he would fail so

> 181 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=short_fiction_53_se_2112kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [The Distracted Preacher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-distracted-preacher.md)
- [How His Cold Was Cured](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i-how-his-cold-was-cured.md)
- [How He Saw Two Other Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii-how-he-saw-two-other-men.md)
- [III: The Mysterious Greatcoat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii-the-mysterious-greatcoat.md)
- [IV: At the Time of the New Moon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv-at-the-time-of-the-new-moon.md)
- [How They Went to Lulstead Cove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v-how-they-went-to-lulstead-cove.md)
- [VI: The Great Search at Nether-Moynton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi-the-great-search-at-nether-moynton.md)
- [VII: The Walk to Warm’ell Cross and Afterwards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii-the-walk-to-warm-ell-cross-and-afterwards.md)
- [Fellow-Townsmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/fellow-townsmen.md)
- [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [What the Shepherd Saw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/what-the-shepherd-saw.md)
- [First Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/first-night.md)
- [Second Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/second-night.md)
- [Third Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/third-night.md)
- [Fourth Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/fourth-night.md)
- [A Tradition of Eighteen Hundred and Four](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-tradition-of-eighteen-hundred-and-four.md)
- [The Three Strangers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-three-strangers.md)
- [The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-romantic-adventures-of-a-milkmaid.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [The Baron's Illness and Jim's Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/x.md)
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xi.md)
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xii.md)
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xiii.md)
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xv.md)
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xvi.md)
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/xvii.md)
- [Interlopers at the Knap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/interlopers-at-the-knap.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [A Tryst at an Ancient Earth Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-tryst-at-an-ancient-earth-work.md)
- [A Mere Interlude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-mere-interlude.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Alicia's Diary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/alicia-s-diary.md)
- [I: She Misses Her Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i-she-misses-her-sister.md)
- [II: News Interesting and Serious](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii-news-interesting-and-serious.md)
- [III: Her Gloom Lightens a Little](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii-her-gloom-lightens-a-little.md)
- [IV: She Beholds the Attractive Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv-she-beholds-the-attractive-stranger.md)
- [V: Her Situation Is a Trying One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v-her-situation-is-a-trying-one.md)
- [VI: Her Ingenuity Instigates Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi-her-ingenuity-instigates-her.md)
- [VII: A Surprise Awaits Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii-a-surprise-awaits-her.md)
- [VIII: She Travels in Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/viii-she-travels-in-pursuit.md)
- [IX: She Witnesses the End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ix-she-witnesses-the-end.md)
- [X: She Adds a Note Long After](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/x-she-adds-a-note-long-after.md)
- [The Waiting Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-waiting-supper.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [The Withered Arm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-withered-arm.md)
- [I: A Lorn Milkmaid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i-a-lorn-milkmaid.md)
- [II: The Young Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii-the-young-wife.md)
- [III: A Vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii-a-vision.md)
- [IV: A Suggestion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv-a-suggestion.md)
- [Conjuror Trendle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v-conjuror-trendle.md)
- [VI: A Second Attempt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi-a-second-attempt.md)
- [A Ride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii-a-ride.md)
- [VIII: A Waterside Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/viii-a-waterside-hermit.md)
- [IX: A Rencounter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ix-a-rencounter.md)
- [A Tragedy of Two Ambitions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-tragedy-of-two-ambitions.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-melancholy-hussar-of-the-german-legion.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [For Conscience’ Sake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/for-conscience-sake.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [A Few Crusted Characters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-few-crusted-characters.md)
- [Tony Kytes, the Arch-Deceiver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/tony-kytes-the-arch-deceiver.md)
- [The History of the Hardcomes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-history-of-the-hardcomes.md)
- [The Superstitious Man’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-superstitious-man-s-story.md)
- [Andrey Satchel and the Parson and Clerk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/andrey-satchel-and-the-parson-and-clerk.md)
- [Old Andrey's Experience as a Musician](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/old-andrey-s-experience-as-a-musician.md)
- [Absentmindedness in a Parish Choir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/absentmindedness-in-a-parish-choir.md)
- [The Winters and the Palmleys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-winters-and-the-palmleys.md)
- [Incident in the Life of Mr. George Crookhill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/incident-in-the-life-of-mr-george-crookhill.md)
- [Netty Sargent's Copyhold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/netty-sargent-s-copyhold.md)
- [The Doctor’s Legend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-doctor-s-legend.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [A Group of Noble Dames](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-group-of-noble-dames.md)
- [Part First: Before Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/part-first-before-dinner.md)
- [Dame the First](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-first.md)
- [Dame the Second](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-second.md)
- [Dame the Third](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-third.md)
- [Dame the Fourth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-fourth.md)
- [Part Second: After Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/part-second-after-dinner.md)
- [Dame the Fifth: The Lady Icenway](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-fifth.md)
- [Squire Petrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-sixth.md)
- [Dame the Seventh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-seventh.md)
- [Dame the Eighth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-eighth.md)
- [Dame the Ninth: The Duchess of Hamptonshire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-ninth.md)
- [Dame the Tenth: The Honourable Laura](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/dame-the-tenth.md)
- [To Please His Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/to-please-his-wife.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [The Son's Veto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-son-s-veto.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [On the Western Circuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/on-the-western-circuit.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [The Fiddler of the Reels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-fiddler-of-the-reels.md)
- [Master John Horseleigh, Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/master-john-horseleigh-knight.md)
- [An Imaginative Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/an-imaginative-woman.md)
- [The Spectre of the Real](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-spectre-of-the-real.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [A Committeeman of "The Terror"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-committeeman-of-the-terror.md)
- [The Duke's Reappearance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-duke-s-reappearance.md)
- [The Grave by the Handpost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/the-grave-by-the-handpost.md)
- [A Changed Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/a-changed-man.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Enter a Dragoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/enter-a-dragoon.md)
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/v.md)
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [Blue Jimmy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/blue-jimmy.md)
- [Old Mrs. Chundle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/old-mrs-chundle.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters