In which the eve of harvest reveals both the fickle fortunes of Farfrae and Henchard, amid a mishap that stirs discord and silent rivalries in the streets of Casterbridge; and a clandestine meeting under moonlight brings a tender yet troubled discourse between Lucetta and Farfrae, observed unseen by Henchard, whose restless heart compels him to confront Lucetta with a demand fraught with bitterness. The evening concludes with an anguished promise extorted in despair, leaving Elizabeth-Jane watchful and the air heavy with unspoken secrets.