# IV: At the Time of the New Moon explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Stockdale returns from Knollsea and spends a pleasant evening with Lizzy. Later, he sees a figure in her late husband's coat and hat, follows her, and discovers she is involved in smuggling. He confronts her about her unlawful activities, but she refuses to promise to stop. The next night, he follows her again to the coast, where she lights a signal fire for a smuggling lugger. Stockdale is torn between his love for her and his moral objections.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Lizzy's disguise and secret smuggling activities, and Stockdale's covert following, highlight the theme of deception.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Stockdale struggles between his duty as a minister and his love for Lizzy, while Lizzy is torn between her smuggling life and her feelings for Stockdale.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Stockdale

Returns from Knollsea, follows Lizzy, confronts her about smuggling, and struggles with his feelings.

### Lizzy Newberry

Disguises herself in her late husband's coat and hat, leads Stockdale to the coast, and lights a signal fire for a smuggling lugger.

## Key lines

> Stockdale had gone away to Knollsea in the morning, to be present at some commemoration service there, and on his return he was met by the attractive Lizzy in the passage.

Stockdale attended a commemoration service in Knollsea and returned to find Lizzy waiting for him in the hallway.

_Sets the scene for the evening's events._

> He blew out the match without lighting the candle, went into the passage, and proceeded on tiptoe towards Lizzy’s room.

Stockdale extinguished the match and crept silently toward Lizzy's room to investigate.

_Shows Stockdale's determination to uncover the mystery._

> “I have never looked at it like that.”

Lizzy admits she hasn't considered giving up smuggling for Stockdale.

_Reveals Lizzy's conflicted feelings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters/iv-at-the-time-of-the-new-moon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_53_se/chapters