"I don't mind owning that I expected it," said Oak, frankly. "Indeed, I hoped for the place. At the same time, Miss Everdene has a right to be her own baily if she choose—and to keep me down to be a common shepherd only." Oak drew a slow breath, looked sadly into the bright ashpit, and seemed lost in thoughts not of the most hopeful hue.
Is he genuinely okay with it? He's thought of Bathsheba as vain in the past-- now he's just defended her agaist others who dare to say the same. Does Oak still think her vain?
