Adam Bede, the carpenter, felt that life was good. His work prospered; the rich young squire, Arthur Donnithorne, was his friend and patron. Rarest of all Heaven’s blessings, he had a sweetheart, Hetty Sorrel. Suddenly his dream was shattered; passing through the wood, he saw Hetty yielding her lips to Arthur. It was one of many clandestine meetings, he learned, after the fight which followed his stern rebuke of Arthur’s dishonesty. “Your social station makes it impossible for you to marry her,” he had said, “Tell her so and see her no more.” Arthur went away; Adam took his farewell message to the girl. Heartbroken, she yielded to Adam’s pleadings, and to her uncle’s will that she marry the carpenter. They were betrothed, and all who knew them were glad, even Dinah Morris, who loved Adam secretly. Next day Hetty was missing, and they sought her in vain. She had followed Arthur to London. Unable to find him, she wandered, forlorn, and found shelter with a cottager. Here her baby was born. “When the self-righteous woman learned that Hetty was not married, she turned her out. Worn out in body and soul, Hetty performed what she believed to be the kindest act toward her child. A yokel saw her, and she was arrested for murder. This dreadful news came to the village; it reached Arthur Donnithorne, also. Adam and Dinah did all in their power to save her, but she was condemned to die. They could only comfort her as best they might. On the awful day she was led forth into the square, where the gallows awaited her, Dinah supported the shrinking form. All was in readiness; the last rites of the church had been spoken. Suddenly a rider was seen approaching on a horse lathered with foam. It was Arthur Donnithorne. He brought the King’s pardon. But Hetty did not long survive. Dying, she joined the hands of Adam and Dinah, whose secret she had learned during those dreadful days.