Far from the Madding Crowd Chapter XL

In which a weary and determined woman traverses the lonely Casterbridge highway by night, contriving crutches from wood and later leaning upon the faithful assistance of a mysterious dog to carry her onward towards a distant refuge. Against the sombre backdrop of moonless clouds and silent moors, her slow, faltering progress is marked by a quiet courage that elicits the curious aid of strangers as dawn approaches.