Bathsheba eventually discovers that
Sergeant Troy is an unfaithful person. When a young
woman who once loved Sergeant Troy is discovered
dead, with his dead child lying beside her, Sergeant Troy
becomes violently remorseful and leaves Bathsheba.
Believing that Sergeant Troy is dead, Bathsheba is about
to consent to marry Boldwood a year later when Sergeant
Troy suddenly reappears. In a fit of passion, Boldwood
kills Sergeant Troy and goes to prison for life. The story
ends with a sadder and wiser Bathsheba marrying the
faithful Gabriel Oak, who has loved her all along.