Far from the Madding Crowd Chapter XLVI

In which the ancient gurgoyle of Weatherbury Church, long a silent sentinel, channels a sudden torrent that drenches and disturbs a neglected grave, bringing grief and reflection to a troubled young man whose hopes lie dashed amidst mud and flowers. Meanwhile, a lady of the house, locked in her chamber's solitude, ventures forth to confront the stirred memories and the silent testament of love inscribed upon the stained tombstone beneath the watchful skies.